The dances in the A - B Series are called A - B precisely to distinguish them from other general beginner dances, as they are so absolutely basic. The letters A - B have two, meanings. They stand for Absolute Beginners and also take beginners from A to B, i.e. from the beginning to the next stage.
It is intended that they are taught BEFORE Electric Slide, Fuzzy Duck Slide etc.
They address absolute beginners in a way that allows almost instant dancing and help dancers to really grasp basic steps. This serves two purposes:
This is the easiest possible exercise and even someone who has never linedanced will be dancing in a few minutes in almost all cases. For new dancers with no idea of what to expect, a great deal can be explained, the organisation of lines, the count in, four-way movement, the key structure of three steps and touch, walks and grapevines. In particular, it allows time to ensure that the grapevine is danced correctly. It is helpful to use proven exciting music - such as "From this Moment On" or "Shout it to the World" or "Lucille". All three tracks work really well. The idea is to immediately inspire the absolute beginner and create instant enjoyment. (A-B "L" is 4 forward, 4 back, vine right and left with touches).
This dance is aimed at step-touches and side touches and also introduces turns, stomps and a second wall. It is one wall and 16 counts and could hardly be easier. It is surprising how many absolute beginners do have trouble with these steps and this exercise gives the practice and then confidence they need. Suggestions for music for A - B Corner are "Down on the Corner" or "Watermelon Crawl." Both work really well
(See Linedancer, November 2002). This dance has a great deal that is new, to occupy the absolute beginner. There are heel struts, hip bumps, syncopation and, most crucially, 32 counts. The advantage is that, being one wall, with no turns whatsoever and some of the counts on the spot even absolute beginners can cope with it. It works well with "One Way Ticket" or "Jump."
This is the fourth dance. It introduces the waltz step, both basics and twinkles and reinforces turning and facing two walls. It can be used as the "slower" dance within the series. It works well to "Saturday Night" or "Till You Love Me" or many other waltzes of a similar speed. It is generally best for absolute beginners if there is an easily recognised clear beat.
This is the final dance in the series. It introduces kicks and the jazz box but more importantly, it is a two-wall dance and is the first taste of the problem of orientation. It works well with "455 Rocket" or "The Salt in My Tears."