Notes
With the verbal cue, you can choose to dance the basic on any beat of the count so long as your partner agrees or is able to follow.

Steps forward or backward should have foot placements with toes pointed outwards (or ankles swung inwards) if possible. By doing so, a triangular base of stability is formed between the ball and the heel of the stepping foot, and the ball of the non-weight-bearing foot.

Forward and backward fence steps travel past the stick legs (see video clips)

It's acceptable to pick your stick foot up off the floor, so long as it comes back down onto the same spot.

Keep your steps small at first, it gives you time to apply the full pedalling action.

The height of the fence step should be raised more from the hip than the knee, particularly so when in the closer hold. Remember that your right knee is between your partner's legs…
 

Learning Tips
Success is all in the hips. Think of your hips as a door: leads have the hinge on the right side of the hip with the edge on the left; followers have the hinge on the left with the edge on the right. The edge swings back and forth throughout the fence step.

Although one role is all you need, you might end up developing an asymmetrical action. We recommend that you practice both roles, which would give you more options for manoeuvre; especially if you're interested in the symmetrical practices of the Extras section.
 

Common Faults
Untidy or uncontrolled foot placement and a partial weight transfer on the backward fence step usually leads to a ragged swing of the “door”. Make sure you practice each stage slowly, applying the skills developed in previous tutorials to develop a smooth swing.

Lack of partner synchrony. All too often a dancer is so absorbed in his/her own individual practice, and fails to account for the presence of a partner. It's usually because the dancer has rushed onto new practices before naturalising the previous ones. Take your time to make sure you have unconscious command of each skill. With respect to the partnered basic step, both doors must swing in unison.