The Progressive Basic is a combination of basic movements, alternating between one measure of the Natural Basic (man forward on right foot) and one measure of the Side Basic. When repeated with man facing diagonally toward the wall, this combination allows the dancers to move progressively along the line of dance.

The mirror image of this can be danced with man facing diagonally to the center, alternating between one measure of Reverse Basic (man forward on left foot) and one measure of Side Basic.