A Beginner's Checklist

Here is a list of things you should be able to accomplish as a beginner.

For Leaders: 
1. Know how to ask someone to dance 
2. Follow the line of dance and stay in your lane 
3. Walk smoothly 
4. Keep your own balance 
5. Keep the rhythm (even at the expense of executing fancier steps) 
6. Be aware of where you and others are on the floor 
7. Know how to walk, turn, stop and lead a few embellishments 
8. Know how to interrupt a step to keep from hitting another couple 
9. Know how to put basic elements together to make a dance

For Followers: 
1. Know how to accept or decline a dance 
2. Wait for the lead 
3. Walk smoothly and walk to the cross well 
4. Keep your own balance 
5. Keep the rhythm 
6. Be aware of others on the floor 
7. Know how to walk, turn, stop and execute a few embellishments