Country Two-Step
Also known as: Western Two-Step, Texas Two-Step
History & Cultural Context
Country Two-Step emerged in Texas and the American Southwest during the 1940s-1960s as dancers adapted social dancing to country and western music. The dance features simple forward-moving patterns and easy partnership, making it accessible to all skill levels. Country Two-Step became the dominant dance in country dance halls and remains enormously popular throughout the American South and West.
Cultural Significance
Country Two-Step became the foundation of country dance culture in the American South and West. The dance's simplicity and accessibility made it a staple of bars, dance halls, and celebrations. Contemporary country Two-Step remains enormously popular.
Peak Popularity
Key Historical Figures
- Quick-Quick-Slow
- Forward Step
- Underarm Turn
Notable Codifiers
- Country dance tradition
Related Dances
More in Specialty Country Western
Country Waltz
Country Waltz adapts the traditional waltz to country and western music with simpler patterns and looser styling, remaining popular in country dance halls.
Line Dance
Line Dance is a partner-less group dance in line formations, performed to country and western (and other) music, accessible to all levels and extremely popular in contemporary country culture.