If you'd like to learn some country western dancing styles, Texas Two Step instruction is a good place to start. The Texas Two Step is a dance done with a partner, traditionally a man and a woman, where the man leads.
One of the great benefits of the Texas Two Step is that it is quite an easy dance to learn. Of course, there are fancy steps that you can add in as you become more and more advanced and comfortable with the dance, but you can be on the floor, two stepping in no time at all. The Two Step is so simple that many people watching dancers do this particular dance don't realize that it's an actual dance being done. Texas Two Step instruction is only learning how to walk to the beat of the music (of course, women have to learn to do it backwards, an added challenge)!
Sample Two Step Videos
Not sure what the Two Step looks like? Check out some of these videos so that you have an idea which country western dance the Two Step is:
- Two Step Demonstration: A basic demonstration of the Texas Two Step
- Two Step Competition Couple: A couple competing in the Two Step shows off some advanced turns and tricks
- Triple Two Step: A more advanced two step; the beginning of the video shows the Triple Two Step, followed by instructions to learn this advanced technique.
Texas Two Step Instruction
The Texas Two Step is fairly easy to learn; however, it does require sensitivity to the rhythm of the music and the ability to either lead or follow your partner. Learning the Two Step starts with simply learning the way of walking (quick, quick, slow, slow). The first two steps, done quickly, are twice as fast as the last two steps (the 'slow' steps).This dance can either be done with both partners facing the same direction (the man's arm rests over the arm and shoulder of the woman) or with the two partners facing each other. In the second option, the woman must be able to walk in this rhythm moving backwards. Most couples dancing the Two Step will alternate these two positions, sometimes traveling around the dance floor side-by-side and sometimes traveling in a traditional 'closed' dance position: facing each other with the woman traveling backwards.
Learning the Basics
If you'd like to learn how to Two Step in the comfort of your own home, there are several options available. One good option is this Paul McClure instructional video that is available for free online. The 30 minute video is divided into three parts: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Couples who already have some dance experience can probably manage the whole thing in one evening; if you're new to dancing, simply watch and practice the first segment, and then practice it for a few weeks before going back to the video to begin learning the intermediate section.You can also learn the Texas Two Step with the help of an instructional DVD. Shawn Trautman's series of instructional DVDs is another way to learn the Two Step in the comfort of your own home. The first DVD in the series (Beginner 1) can be purchased individually, or the entire three DVD set can be purchased together.
It is also fun to find a dance studio or a community center where country western dances are taught. In most cases, such places often host monthly dances that are as much a place to practice country line dance steps and square dance steps as they are a great place to socialize. Whether you learn the Texas Two Step at home or in a group, practicing the steps and enjoying the company of other country western dancers at an organized dance can be great fun.
