If you've ever walked into a line dancing class and heard someone say, "There's a tag after wall three and a restart on wall five," you may have wondered if everyone was speaking a different language.
Don't worry — every line dancer starts out confused by the terminology.
Quick answer: A tag is a short set of extra steps added at a particular point in a line dance. A restart means stopping part-way through the pattern and beginning again from count one. Both help the choreography match the phrasing of the music.
The good news is that once you understand a few basic terms, dance instruction sheets become much easier to follow. Let's break down the most common line dancing terms you'll hear on the dance floor.
What Are Counts?
Counts are simply the beats of the music that make up a dance.
Most line dances are described by the number of counts they contain.
For example:
-
A 32-count dance contains 32 steps or movements before the pattern repeats.
-
A 48-count dance contains 48 steps or movements before repeating.
-
A 64-count dance contains 64 steps or movements before repeating.
When instructors teach a dance, you'll often hear them count:
"5, 6, 7, 8..."
This helps dancers start together on the correct beat of the music.
The higher the count, the longer the dance pattern usually is, but a higher count doesn't always mean a dance is more difficult.
What Are Walls?
A wall refers to the direction you're facing while dancing.
Most line dances are performed facing one of four walls:
-
Front wall
-
Right wall
-
Back wall
-
Left wall
When a dance pattern finishes and turns 90 degrees, you begin the next sequence facing a new wall.
For example:
-
Wall 1 = Front
-
Wall 2 = Right
-
Wall 3 = Back
-
Wall 4 = Left
Many dances continue rotating through these walls throughout the song.
When an instructor says, "Restart on Wall 5," they are referring to the fifth time you begin the dance pattern.
What Is a Tag?
A tag is a short set of extra steps added to a dance.
Think of it as a small bonus section inserted at a specific point in the song to keep the choreography matched to the music.
Tags can be as short as:
-
2 counts
-
4 counts
-
8 counts
A dance sheet will tell you exactly where the tag occurs.
For example:
"After Wall 3, add a 4-count tag."
That means you dance the entire sequence for Wall 3, perform the extra 4 counts, then continue the dance as normal.
While tags can seem intimidating at first, most are very simple and become second nature after a few repetitions.
What Is a Restart?
A restart occurs when you begin the dance again before reaching the end of the pattern.
Instead of completing all 32 or 64 counts, the choreographer may have dancers stop part-way through and return to count one.
For example:
"Restart after 16 counts on Wall 5."
This means:
-
Start Wall 5.
-
Dance the first 16 counts.
-
Stop.
-
Begin again from count one.
Restarts are used to match the phrasing of the music and keep the dance flowing naturally with the song.
Many popular dances include one or more restarts.
Why Do Dances Have Tags and Restarts?
The simple answer is music.
Not every song is structured perfectly for a dance pattern.
Choreographers use tags and restarts to make sure the dance stays connected to important musical changes, vocals, breaks and choruses.
Without them, dancers could gradually drift out of sync with the song.
Should Beginners Worry About Tags and Restarts?
Absolutely not.
Every experienced line dancer once forgot a tag, missed a restart or turned the wrong wall.
It happens to everyone.
The best approach is:
-
Learn the basic steps first.
-
Don't panic if you make a mistake.
-
Watch experienced dancers.
-
Keep moving and enjoy yourself.
Most dancers discover that tags and restarts become much easier once they've danced a song several times.
When Tags and Restarts Become an Inside Joke
Once you understand them, the jokes make much more sense. Our Tag, You’re It! tee, I Had It Until the Restart tee and No Tags, No Restarts sticker were designed for dancers who know the feeling. You can also browse all our line dancing clothes and graphic tees.
Final Thoughts
Line dancing has its own language, but it doesn't take long to learn.
Understanding counts, walls, tags and restarts will help you feel more confident in class and make dance instruction sheets much easier to follow.
Remember, nobody expects beginners to get everything right straight away.
Show up, have fun and keep dancing.
Before long, you'll be the one explaining tags and restarts to the next new dancer who walks through the door.