The Kansas City two-step is a synchronized smooth-as-satin partner dance unique to KC that seems simple on paper but looks like magic in practice to the uninitiated.
It’s a ballroom-style dance with a repetitive six count basic pattern — right foot forward, left foot forward, left foot back, right foot back, then a rocking motion of right step then left step – then repeat and always stay on the beat.
The basic framework is always there, but what makes a good two-stepping pair is when the male leads their partner through a mix of perfectly synchronized but spontaneous twirls, spins, and flourishes.
“It’s a creative thing; it’s not a rigid or all the way orderly type of deal,” says filmmaker Stinson McClendon, who made a documentary on KC two-step. “It’s about a couple synching and finding their personal and paired rhythm together while dancing.”
Check out our full Kansas City two-step series
Kansas City Two-Stepping, a Black Cultural Phenomenon
The Big Step Off 2024: Bragging Rights & Cash on the Line
KC Two-Step: Dance Classes & Lessons in Kansas City
VIDEOS:
Our compiled collection of videos will take you from the basic six-count steps to advance demonstrations from some of the city’s top dancers.
No matter where you are in the two-stepping game, there’s a video that you can learn from. ENJOY!
The Basic Steps of KC Two-Step:
If you’re interested in learning how to KC-Two-Step start here with this basics video featuring step instructor Lamont Edwards.
Basics:
Watch as these three students work to get the basic steps down as instructor Lamont Edwards instructs.
Basics Continue: Stepping it up, a partner and a turn
These students – still in their first one-hour class are ready to connect with their partners – who also just started – with a turn and a twist out, with demonstration from instructor Lamont Edwards and his partner to the left. You can see another beginner from the previous video on the right edge of the video. Sorry, but the lighting in the room was terrible.
Basic Step Up: Ladies, it’s not that hard
This beginning female student adds twists and turns to her basic step as a more experienced instructor leads.
Couple Basics Plus
This couple step it up a notch. If you watch closely and count, you can still see they stick pretty close to the basic six steps. Look for the rock-rock.
Intermediate: Freestyling
These ladies are freestyling, but you’ll see it really isn’t that freestyle. These are extra choreographed steps you can add to your own 2-Step routine.
Advance: Demonstration
This two-step demonstration, with heavy freestyling, was shot at the Nelson Atkins Museum during 2023 Juneteenth Program. With commentary from De Barker “The Queen of KC Two-Step.”
Advance: Demonstration
Another two-step demonstration from the Nelson Atkins Museum 2023 Juneteenth Program. Commentary from De Barker “The Queen of KC Two-Step”
