How to Dance the Boogie Woogie

Co-authored by Kyle Hall

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

The boogie woogie is a fun partner dance traditionally danced to the song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Once you have a partner to dance with, you just need to get down the basic step sequence. From there, you can start adding in fun variations and doing some improvisation on the dance floor.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Down the Basic Steps

1
Stand in place and do a rock step. A rock step is where you step back with one of your feet and then rock back into your starting position. As you step back with your foot, lift up your other foot that’s in front of you. Then place your front foot back down and step back into your starting position. Your upper body should feel like it’s rocking backward, then forward.^{[1]
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- For example, to do a rock step with your right foot, step back with your right foot and lift your left foot (which hasn’t moved from your starting position) a few inches above the ground. Then put your left foot back down and step back into your starting position.
2
Do a triple step after you rock step. A triple step is when you do three steps while standing in place. As you stand in place, lift and step down with your right foot, then your left foot, and finally your right foot again. You can also start with your left foot instead of your right foot.^{[2]
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- Your feet should only be coming up a few inches off the floor with each step.
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3
Do another triple step, but start with the opposite foot this time. If you started your last triple step with your right foot, start this one with your left foot, and vice versa.
4
Do another rock step using the same foot as the first time. If you stepped back with your left foot the first time you rock stepped, step back with your left foot for the second one.^{[3]
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5
Practice the basic step sequence. Make sure you've got it down before you head onto the dance floor with a partner. Remember, it's a rock step, then two triple steps, another rock step, and repeat.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Dancing with a Partner

1
Find a partner. You can’t dance the boogie woogie alone. Once you find someone to dance with you, decide who will lead on the dance floor.
2
Stand side by side with your partner. Both of you should be facing the same direction. Stand so you’re 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) away from each other.^{[5]
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3
Go through the basic step sequence. Don't turn toward your partner quite yet. Both of you should run through the steps once while you're facing the same direction.^{[6]
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- Try to do the steps at the same speed as your partner. It's OK if you turn and watch them for some guidance.
4
Turn toward your partner and run through the basic steps. Don't join hands just yet. Run through the steps once while facing each other before you come together. You and your partner should be 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) away from each other.
5
Join hands with your partner. If you’re leading, put out your left hand in front of you with your palm facing up. If you’re following, grab the leader’s hand with your right hand so that your palm is facing down. Once you've joined hands, continuing running through the basic steps.^{[7]
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6
Repeat the sequence and switch sides on the second rock step. As you’re beginning the second rock step, you and your partner should start moving over to the opposite side. Don’t let go of your partner's hand. The leader should lift up the follower’s hand and cross behind the follower so they’re facing their back during the transition.^{[8]
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- If you’re the follower, cross over so that your back is to the leader when you meet in the middle.
- Once you reach the other side, turn and face your partner again.
7
Keep dancing until the song is over. Stick with the basic steps and switch sides every so often to make the dance more exciting. As you get more comfortable dancing the boogie woogie, try dancing faster and adding more complex moves.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Variations

1
Try doing a spin. If you’re the leader, lift your partner's hand and press your palm into their palm. Both of your hands should be vertical. Gently push with your palm so your partner knows to do a spin.
- If you’re the follower and you get the cue to spin from your partner, do a 360-degree spin in place. Rejoin hands with your partner.
2
Do a partner spin. At the start of a triple step, do a 360-degree spin in place as your partner does the same thing. One person should spin clockwise while the other person spins counterclockwise. Try to finish your spin at the same time as your partner so you can meet back where you started and rejoin hands.^{[9]
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3
Add in a swing out. If you're leading, step back and pull your partner close to you after you do the two triple steps in the basic step sequence. Place your free hand on your partner's back. Spin around with your partner until you're back to where you started. Let go of your partner's back and step back into the basic step sequence position.^{[10]
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- If you're following, place your hand on your partner's back after they pull you in close to them.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I dance boogie-woogie without a partner?

Alonah.nichole

Community Answer

Yes, it is just going to be more difficult to learn. Usually the boogie woogie is easiest when dancing with someone else.