Practice clapping to your music's rhythm to get used to the sound. The boogie dance rhythm is one, two, one-two-three, twice through. The first one and two receive one full count, and the one-two-three is one count, divided into thirds.
Convert the clapping to your feet. Start with the right foot if you are practicing the follower's part and the left foot if you are practicing the lead's part. Alternate feet and step on each beat. It helps to say, "Step, step, step-step-step."
Come together with your partner. The lead puts the left hand on the follower's left waist and holds the right hand out to the side with the palm up. The follower puts the right hand on the lead's right shoulder and places the left hand in the lead's right hand.
Move the feet to the rhythm of the music simultaneously. The lead can use the left hand to direct his partner to follow him around the room.