of four steps with timing quick, quick, slow, slow, where the pattern of movement is often referred to as "Step-together, walk, walk." This Two-Step has been taught as early 1983. The Two-Step can be danced over a fairly wide range of tempos, from 130 beats per minute (bpm) to over 200 bpm, with anything over 185 bpm generally considered advanced. The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) lists competitive Two-Step at 180-210 bpm, while the Country Western Dance International (CWDI) lists competitive Two-Step at 160-192 bpm. Basic two-step consists of two quick steps, followed by two slow steps (or alternately, two slow steps followed by two quick steps). Dancing may start with either the slow steps, or the quick steps, as the local custom dictates. However, patterns begin with the first quick and finish on the second slow. The leader begins by stepping forward with his left foot. The follower begins by stepping backward with her right foot. Formally, the quick steps are half strides, with one foot passing the other on each step while the slow steps are full strides. This allows dancers to move through space at the same rate while doing quicks and slows. However, many older dancers may close their feet on the second quick by bringing their feet together. This style has been passed down from generation to generation but does is not well suited for traveling turns and spins. This style has roots with the first level of Foxtrot and basic two-step patterns are equivalent to those of many other progressive partner dances. More advanced figures can be syncopated, following other patterns such as QQSQQS or QQQQSS (where Q represents a quick step and S a slow step). Variations Other dance styles related to the two-step exist. Shadow dancing In shadow dancing, a variation found in some country/western venues, the follower stands in front of the lead and both face down the line of dance. The lead places his/her right hand over the follower's midsection or belt buckle, and the follower places his/her right hand over the lead's hand. The lead takes the follower's left hand in his/her own and holds it loosely out to the left in a position similar to the one used in standard two-stepping. The count is the same as for the non-shadow two-step. The follower uses the same footwork as the lead in this case, beginning on the left