Dance counts of 8

In dance, a measure is usually “musically paired” with a second measure. These two measures equal a total of 8 counts, which is why dancers count in sets of 8. 8 counts keep track of the beat and tempo but break up the song into manageable sections. One set of 8 is like a sentence.

1. How many seconds is 8 counts in dance?
2. Does all music have an 8 count?
3. What does 16 counts mean in dance?

How many seconds is 8 counts in dance?

How many seconds is 8 counts in dance? At 120 bpm, 4 8-count moves would take 16 seconds: 4*8 beats / 120 bpm * 60 s/min = 16s. At 150 bpm, it would take about 13 seconds. At 180 bpm, 4 swingouts would take about 11 seconds.

Does all music have an 8 count?

This is the only thing you need to know: virtually all dance music is counted in sets of 8 beats. It's as simple as that. Sets of 8 exist because that's how musicians compose the music; it's how they give structure to the music.

What does 16 counts mean in dance?

16 counts: The "And"

By inserting an "and" in between each count – "One (and), two (and), three (and), four..." You're splitting up the 8 count into 16ths. Practice locating those "and" counts by snapping on those.