The basic step, basic movement, basic pattern, or simply basic is the dance move that defines the character of a particular dance. It sets the rhythm of the dance; it is the default move to which a dancer returns, when not performing any other moves. For some dances it is sufficient to know the basic step performed in different handholds and dance positions to enjoy it socially.
Most traditional partner dances have only one basic step which can be easily mastered. Others, such as West Coast Swing, have multiple basic steps, any of which can theoretically be selected by the leader.
- Lindy Basic, in Lindy Hop
- Salsa Basic, in Salsa
- Mambo Basic, in Mambo
- Box Step, the basic move in some American Style ballroom dances: Rumba, Waltz, bronze-level Foxtrot.
- There are several variants of the Basic Movement in Cha-cha-cha: Basic, Open Basic, Basic in Place. Each of them may also be subdivided into a Forward and a Backward ones.
- Basic step in Zydeco
Famous quotes containing the word basic:
“We can’t nourish our children if we don’t nourish ourselves.... Parents who manage to stay married, sane, and connected to each other share one basic characteristic: The ability to protect even small amounts of time together no matter what else is going on in their lives.”
—Ron Taffel (20th century)