Zydeco Dance Steps / Traditional Zydeco Footwork

Lead:
1(L), 2(L), 3(R), 4(L), 5(R), 6(R), 7(L), 8(R)
This dance step is just shifting weight from one foot to the other. The "1(L)" and other numbers are saying that on the 1st beat of music your weight should be on your left or (L) foot, on the 2nd beat of music your weight should be on your left foot, the 3rd beat of music the leads weight is on his right foot etc...

Follow:
1(R), 2(R), 3(L), 4(R), 5(L), 6(L), 7(R), 8(L)
This dance step is just shifting weight from one foot to the other. The "1(R)" and other numbers are saying that on the 1st beat of music your weight should be on your right or (R) foot, on the 2nd beat of music your weight should stay on your right foot, the 3rd beat of music the follows weight changes to her left foot etc...

For the Follow (or the Leads partner) your weight will be on the opposite foot. The term follow used above does not necessarily indicate that the lead is leading your weight changes because he is not, you own them, they are yours and the follows that know that the best feel the best when you dance with them. The lead in the closed position may direct which way your body will move. For example if he is slowly turning both of you together he will lead your body but the lead does not give you any indication which foot your weight should be on. This is part of the basic pattern you just keep repeating from the beginning of the dance. So weight changes are not lead by your partner, just your body is lead in the closed position.