There are anywhere from 36 to 64 dance steps in the Tennessee Waltz. These variations are due to the many choreographers who have altered the dance to fit their needs. Considered an intermediate line dance, the Tennessee Waltz is an upbeat dance that will take practice to perfect.
Learning
Working with others to learn the dance or using a video of the dance in progress will aid in understanding the flow of the steps. Also keep in mind that learning any dance requires mental and muscle memory, so the more the dance steps are practiced, the more quickly the dance can be performed without instructions.
Instructions
The basic dance is comprised of 26 dance movements. In the first part of the dance, the movements are forward and back and the count is from one to six. The left foot is placed forward and then the right foot is brought next to the left, then there is a step with the left foot. These are counts 1, 2, 3. For counts 4, 5, 6, step back with the right foot and bring the left foot next to the right, then step on the right.
At this point, cross the left foot over the right foot, as the body turns to the right slightly, then step on the right foot, then the left foot and face back front. Count 1 2, 3. Counts 4, 5, 6 are comprised of the right foot crossing over the left, now turning the body slightly left, then step on the left foot, then step on the right foot and face back front.
The Dance Continues
Continuing to dance forward and back on counts 1, 2, 3, place the left foot forward and place the right foot next to the left and step on the left. 4, 5, 6: step back with the right foot, bring the left foot back to step next to the right and then step on the right.
Now you will waltz a quarter turn to the left and a quarter turn to the right. On steps 1, 2, 3, step with the left foot to the left side and make a quarter turn on the right foot. Then bring the left foot to sit next to the right. On steps 4, 5, 6, accomplish the same steps, this time turning to the right, with the right foot stepping to the right side, while making a quarter turn to the right with the left foot and bringing the right foot next to the left.
Once again, waltz back and forth and, on counts 1, 2, 3, put the left foot forward, bring the right foot up next to the left and then step on the left. On counts 4, 5, 6, step back with the right foot, bring the left foot back next to the right and then step on the right.
Finally, the waltz moves to the left side, then to the right side, with a quarter turn to the left. On counts 1, 2, 3, step forward with the left foot, as the body is turned to the right. Then step with the right foot behind the left and step on the left. For counts 4, 5, 6, step forward with the right foot, as you turn a quarter, stepping with the left foot to the left and bringing the right foot next to the left foot.
