Electric Slide Facilitator Guide
Electric Slide
Staff Facilitator Guide & Movement Breakdown
Line Dancing Series
Key Concepts for Teaching
- The 8-Count: Most steps happen in groups of 8 beats.
- The Grapevine: A side-crossing movement (Side, Behind, Side, Touch).
- The Pivot: The 1/4 turn that makes this a 4-wall line dance.
Icon Legend
Move Right
Move Left
Move Back
Standard 8-Count Breakdown
1
THE RIGHT GRAPEVINE (Counts 1-4)
1 Right Foot Side
2 Left Foot Behind
3 Right Foot Side
4 Left Foot Touch/Clap
2
THE LEFT GRAPEVINE (Counts 5-8)
5 Left Foot Side
6 Right Foot Behind
7 Left Foot Side
8 Right Foot Touch/Clap
3
MOVING BACK (Counts 1-4)
1 Right Foot Back
2 Left Foot Back
3 Right Foot Back
4 Left Foot Touch
4
SCUFF & PIVOT (Counts 5-8)
5 Step Left Forward
6 Tap Right Toe Back
7 Step Right Back
8 Scuff Left + 1/4 Turn
Modified Seated Version (Mobility Support)
For individuals with limited mobility or balance concerns, the Electric Slide can be performed entirely while seated. Focus on rhythm and arm movements.
Lateral Movements
Right Grapevine: Tap right foot out to side, tap left foot across right, tap right foot out again, then tap left foot center with a clap.
1
2
3
4
Forward & Back
Back Steps: Instead of moving backward, march feet in place or tap heels forward and bring back.
The Pivot: Instead of a physical 1/4 turn, simply turn the upper body/shoulders 90 degrees to the left or right to simulate the change in direction.
Visual Cheat Sheet (4-Beat Phrases)
GRAPEVINE R
SIDE • BEHIND • SIDE • CLAP
GRAPEVINE L
SIDE • BEHIND • SIDE • CLAP
BACK STEPS
BACK • BACK • BACK • TOUCH
PIVOT TURN
ROCK • BACK • STEP • TURN
Facilitator Teaching Tips
Pacing
Start without music. Count out loud "1, 2, 3, Clap" for each section. Gradually increase speed before introducing the track. The Electric Boogie (Marcia Griffiths) is the standard track at 108 BPM.
Common Errors
Watch for participants crossing in front during the grapevine. Remind them to cross behind. On the final pivot turn, emphasize the "scuff" of the heel to help initiate the 1/4 turn.