Ballroom Dance Taster

The leader is the dancer who gently shows where the movement will go. They give clear signals—using their hands, body, and timing—to invite the other dancer to move in a certain way.

• They start the dance.
• They decide when to step, turn, or change direction.
• They use body movement (not words) to guide the partner.


A good leader doesn’t force or drag—they move clearly and with care, like saying, “Let’s go this way together.”

The follower is the dancer who listens to those signals and responds with their own movement. They don’t guess—they feel the leader’s guidance and move with them, in the same rhythm and direction.

• They pay close attention to touch and timing.
• They follow smoothly, adding their own energy and style.
• They move with control, not just being led—they dance back.


A good follower is not passive—they are active, expressive, and always ready.

Yes! Anyone can be a leader or a follower. Some people learn both. It doesn’t depend on gender—just on who wants to guide and who wants to respond in the moment. In social dancing, partners sometimes even switch roles during the same song.