A grapevine is a combination of steps performed in both ballroom and jazz dance. In ballroom, the grapevine is often seen in the quickstep and the lindy hop, both fast dances. It is also slowed down in the waltz. If you need some extra practice, or are having trouble completing the grapevine in your dance class, follow these steps to break it down and dance your way to the championships.
Instructions
1. Face a mirror. There’s something about seeing yourself when you dance that makes it a little easier. To do a grapevine to the right, step to the side with your right foot. Cross your left foot behind your right, putting your weight on the left foot.
2. Step out onto your right foot again. This time, cross your left foot in front, putting your weight on it. Repeat the first two steps at least twice, perhaps more if the choreography calls for it. The grapevine is solely made up of these two steps, crossing and stepping.
3. Jump onto each foot instead of stepping if you are doing the quickstep or lindy hop. You will have to speed up the grapevine in this case. Listen for your instructor's counts, usually, and 1, and 2, and 3, and 4, jumping on each beat.
4. Repeat these steps in reverse to do a grapevine to the left. Start with your left foot first, and cross behind with your right. Step again with your left, and cross in front with your left.
5. Try rolling grapevines, around in a circle, or around the room. Once you have the basic step down, you can do many grapevines in a row, in almost any direction you want. Often times in the lindy hop, you’ll be required to do it in a circle around your partner. See the Resources below for a video.
