Guide to Line Dance Level Definitions
Published by Linedancer • July 2017
Important Note
It is the content of the choreography and not the experience or ability of the dancer that determines the level of a dance.
Absolute Beginner (AB)
ABFor those with no prior experience
68-100 SLOW
Counts: 16 (32)
- •Simple steps: touches, sways, heel digs, kicks, stomps
- •Few turns (max one 1/4 or 1/2 turn)
- •16 counts or less
- •Introduces terminology and floor etiquette
Key Objective:
Learn basic steps, weight change, timing, etiquette
Steps in this level:
BrushClapDiva WalkDragDrawFan - HeelFan - ToeFish TailFlickGrapevineHeel DigHeel FlickHeel HookHeel SplitHeel StrutHeel TapHip BumpHip Rock Hip ThrustHip WalkHitchHoldHopHustle WalkJump StepK StepKick StepMarchMontereyPrissy WalkScuffShimmySlap (hips/thighs)SlideSlow ChassStompStrollSwaySwivelToe PointToe StrutToe TapToe TouchTouch StepTurn - Grapevine 1/2Turn - Grapevine 1/4Turn - Pivot 1/2Turn - Pivot 1/4Turn - Slow Chass 1/4Turn - Waltz 1/2Turn - Waltz 1/4WalkWaltz BackwardWaltz ForwardWaltz Twinkle
Beginner
BEGBuilds on AB knowledge
100-160 MED
Counts: 32 (48)
- •Introduces cross body, weaves, more turns
- •Moderate tempo
- •Typically 32–48 counts
- •Encourages confidence and flow
Key Objective:
Add movement, travel steps, and confidence
Steps in this level:
Camel WalkCha Cha StepCharleston KickCharleston StepChassChugCoaster StepElectric KickHeel BounceHip RollJazz BoxJumping JackKick Ball ChangeKick Ball CrossKick Out OutLock StepMambo StepRambleRock RecoverRock StepRocking ChairRumba BoxRunning Lock StepSailor StepScootShuffle StepSlap (heel /instep)Switch Step - HeelSwitch Step - ToeTurn - Camel Walk 1/2Turn - Camel Walk 1/4Turn - Chass 1/4Turn - Heel Bounce 1/4Turn - Jazz Box 1/4Turn - Jump Turn 1/4Turn - Mambo 1/4Turn - PaddleTurn - Paddle 1/2Turn - Paddle 1/4Turn - Rock 1/4Turn - Rumba Box 1/4Turn - Sailor 1/4TwinkeWeave
Improver
IMPAssumes basic experience
100-160 MED
Counts: 64
- •Adds Electric Kicks, Mambos, Rolling Grapevines
- •Uses syncopation and styling from varied rhythms
- •Tags and restarts may appear
- •Up to 64 counts
Key Objective:
Longer routines, more rhythms, tags/restarts
Steps in this level:
Anchor StepBoogie WalkCross ShuffleCross UnwindExtended WeaveFigure EightHeel GrindHitch Ball SlideHitch KickKnee PopLungeNight Club Two-Step (basic)Rolling GrapevineRonde SweepSamba CrossSamba StepScissor StepSkater StepSugar Foot SwivelSwivetTurn - Chass FullTurn - Hinge 1/2Turn - Monterey 1/2Turn - Monterey 1/4Turn - Reverse 1/2Turn - Reverse UnwindTurn - TwistTurn - Unwind 1/2Turn - Unwind 1/4
Intermediate
INTFor experienced dancers
160-200+ FAST
Counts: No limit
- •Phrased choreography, complex combinations
- •Multiple turns
- •Frequent tags, restarts, and bridges
- •Up to 64+ counts
Key Objective:
Master styling, phrased choreography
Advanced
ADVFull spectrum of step patterns
160-200+ FAST
Counts: No limit
- •Complex choreography
- •Embraces all tempos and rhythms
- •High technique, coordination, and performance
- •No count limit
Key Objective:
Perform challenging routines with style