Learn the Brooklyn step
Learn and practice the Brooklyn step by breaking it into simple counts, practicing footwork, timing, and safe warm up to music.
Step-by-step guide to learn the Brooklyn step
Step 1
Put on your comfortable shoes or socks so your feet feel safe and ready.
Step 2
March in place for one minute to warm up your legs and get your heart ready.
Step 3
Say the counts out loud while clapping to the rhythm: "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" for eight counts so you hear the beat.
Step 4
Stand with feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent to find your starting stance.
Step 5
Learn the Brooklyn step pattern slowly: on 1 step back with your right foot; on & slide your left foot just behind the right; on 2 step forward onto your right foot; on & tap your left toe beside the right; on 3 step forward onto your left foot; on & tap your right toe beside the left; on 4 hold and feel the beat.
Step 6
Repeat the whole pattern slowly eight times without music so your feet remember the moves.
Step 7
Add a simple arm move by swinging the opposite arm forward when you step forward to keep your balance and style.
Step 8
Practice the pattern with slow music for two minutes and focus on matching your steps to the counts.
Step 9
Practice the pattern with normal-speed music for two minutes and try to keep your timing steady.
Step 10
Cool down by walking slowly around your space and taking three deep breaths to relax your muscles.
Step 11
Share your finished Brooklyn step dance on DIY.org so others can see your cool moves.
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have the 'comfortable shoes or socks' called for in the instructions?
If you don't have comfortable shoes or socks, practice barefoot on a carpet or wear non-slip socks or sneakers so your feet stay safe while marching and doing the Brooklyn step.
I'm getting confused on the foot sequence and losing timing—what should I do?
If you lose the pattern or timing on the '1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &' counts, slow everything down, repeat the whole pattern slowly eight times without music while clapping the counts out loud, and use the arm-swing cue to help steady your balance.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages or skill levels?
For toddlers use smaller steps and fewer repeats (try four slow cycles and hold a grown-up's hand during the one-minute march), for school-age kids follow the full eight slow repeats and both music practices, and for older kids add sharper arm swings and push the normal-speed two-minute practice.
How can we extend or personalize the Brooklyn step activity after learning the basic pattern?
To extend the activity, create a 16-count routine by chaining two Brooklyn step patterns, invent a unique arm styling during the step where you 'swing the opposite arm,' practice with normal-speed music for two minutes, and record the routine to share on DIY.org.
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Facts about dance fundamentals for kids
🕺 The Brooklyn step grew from NYC street dance culture and is a fun way to practice rhythm and footwork.
🎵 Most popular dance music is in 4/4 time, so dancers often count "1-2-3-4" to keep steady beats.
⏱ Pro dancers learn tricky moves by practicing at half speed, then gradually increasing tempo.
🔥 A 5–10 minute warm-up raises body temperature and helps prevent muscle strains before dancing.
👣 Saying counts out loud while moving helps your brain link the footwork to the music faster.
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