In learning line dances, it is important to listen to the music. The music is divided into measures of four beats, and so is the dance. If you learn the steps in groupings of four, they will be easier to remember. Also, watch for repeating patterns. A step is often done on the right side and then repeated on the left.
Once you learn the basic combination, it will often be repeated facing each of the four sides of the room. It might rotate to the right or left, depending on the dance. Use the four walls in the room as a guide. Dance the routine facing the front wall, then turn 90 degrees to face the next wall and repeat the entire combination. The dance will generally start on the right foot, so each time you face a new wall, you will begin again with the right foot.
Keep a consistent and comfortable distance from the people around you. Use your peripheral vision to keep an eye on where they are and try not to get too close or step on anyone around you.
Although there is a countless variety of different line dances, many of them are made up of a few basic steps. Learning these steps first will make jumping into any line dance that much easier.
Grapevines begin many line dances. Starting on the right foot, step to your right side. Cross your left foot behind your right, and then step again with your right foot to the right. Bring your left foot together with your right but just tap. Now repeat to the left side, stepping out to the left on your left foot, crossing your right foot behind and stepping left again. Tap your right foot next to your left foot. At a more advanced level, you may see people substituting a turn for the grapevine.
Chasses, or cha cha steps, are a traveling triple step. Step forward with your right foot, bring your left together with your right and then step forward on your right. Repeat the step-together-step on the left side. The rhythm of this step is 1 and 2, 3 and 4.
The jazz square is another basic move. Start on your right foot and cross it over the left. Step back with your left to the back left corner, then back with your right to the right corner. Then step forward with your left and you can do it again. You can do it on the left side, too, crossing your left foot over your right first, back to the right corner, left corner and forward with your right foot.