A step taken in opposition or response to another step, especially in dance, movement, or tactical sequences.
From 'counter-' plus 'step' (a movement of the foot). 'Step' comes from Old English 'stæppe' meaning footprint or footfall. The compound appears in dance and military terminology to describe responsive movements.
In ballroom dancing, countersteps are crucial—they allow partners to move in apparent opposition while staying perfectly synchronized, which requires understanding your partner's body language more than any formal rule.
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