Nightclub Two Step

I love Nightclub Two Step ("Two Step" for short). I decided to introduce Nightclub Two Step on this American Folk Dance blog as my dance studio in Borivali, Mumbai teaches it every Sunday.

First you need to understand the basic step to music. Then we show you how to do that move with a partner, then we add additional basic moves like the side-cross-side traveling step and some simple turns and open breaks. We explain and demonstrate moves, technique, and style so that beginners feel comfortable and capable.

The Nightclub Two Step basic step can be counted as One & Two - Three & Four. The dance position for Nightclub Two Step is with a more relaxed hold than typical ballroom dances. The leader rocks back on his left foot, the follower on her right, for one beat. "The toe is to the heel, but not further. Don't twist your hip. If your hip opens up, you have gone too far. A gentle but noticeable resistance is maintained during the rock step. Both partners replace weight on the second part of the first beat. On the next beat, the leader takes a step to the left and the follower to the right. Then both partners repeat, but on opposite feet (the man rocks back on his right foot and moves to the right).

The quick rock steps should be matched with the quick drum beats in the music. The "slow" drum beat and slow step can occur on either the second and fourth, or the first and third beats of a measure. Although other rhythmic interpretations of the music are possible, including the use of "breaks" in the music, they are beyond the scope of this article.

Side-cross-side. Another pattern in Night Club 2 Step is the side-cross-side move. Typically, the lead starts this move by stepping side with his left foot and then crosses in front with his right foot. This is followed by another step to the side with the left foot. The rhythm, here, is Quick, Quick, Slow. The follower does the same thing, but starts with her right foot. Both partners cross in front.

1. Basic (Quick/Quick/Slow)
2. Outside turn (elbow leads out)
3. Inside turn (elbow leads in)
4. Outside to Inside turn with Elbow Lead (from both the single- and two hand hold)
5. Triple Turn (Outside single hand turn, Elbow Lead to Inside Turn with two-hand hold, unwrap on second Outside Turn)
6. "Around the World" (cross Right arm over left, lead an Outside Turn, send the Ladies around in complete circle, finish with and Outside Turn)
7. Back Slide (Outside two-hand turn, go under the Ladies Right arm, switch places while back to back, bend and come out from under the Ladies left arm, finish with Outside turn)
8. Gent's Walk
   
   • Footwork: turn to the left on Quick/Quick, cross Right leg in front on Slow, on the next Quick/Quick/Slow step on the ball of the Left foot, change weight to Right leg, and cross in front with the left leg, repeat as long as desired, turn to face the partner on a Slow;
   • Armwork: use the Left arm - turn under it or let it slide around the back of the neck as you turn, on left ball-change, put the Left arm over the head and let go on the cross; let the Ladie's hand slide behind your neck, take it back as you get to the left side and repeat again on the Left side.
9. Travel Steps:
   
   • Changing the count - step forward after Quick/Quick, twice on Slow/Slow (starting on either leg), the next Quick/Quick step remains the same (ball-change).
   • Lead Outside/Inside turns as you travel on Slow/Slow (Lead an Outside turn when you start traveling on our Left, lead an Inside turn when you start traveling on your right)
   • Changing direction - travel side ways on Quick/Quick/Slow - instead of stepping back, step to the Right or to the Left (depending on where you want to go),cross in front or back and step side again on Slow I. Lead Outside/Inside turns as you travel on Quick/Quick/Slow (Outside - going to your left, Inside - going to your right)

Lady's Double Turn In Country Dancing

After the basic movements of the Texas Two-Step dance is mastered, keep dancing exciting with your partner by learning how to do turns. Stay looking smooth on your feet on the dance floor by lifting your feet minimally so it looks like you're gliding across the floor.

• Step 1 Stand facing your partner and step into the beginning position. The leader will put his right hand on the follower's waist and hold his left hand out to his side with his arm slightly bent. The follower will place her left hand on the leader's right shoulder and lightly grasp his left hand with her right.
• Step 2 Move backwards as the leader steps forwards. Standing as close together as possible will make it easier to follow the motions of the leader. When the leader steps forward with his right foot, the follower will step backwards with her left.
• Step 3 Follow the traditional Texas Two-Step movement of 2 quick steps followed by 2 slow steps while dancing in a straight line before the turn.
• Step 4 Begin the turn with the leader raising his left hand and letting go of his hand on the follower's waist. The follower will take her hand off of the leader's right shoulder and begin to turn towards the leader. As she begins to turn, the leader will take his right hand that was on the waist and gently guide her under his arm.
• Step 5 After the first turn is completed, instead of going back to the beginning dance position, the leader will once again begin to turn his partner.
  

Cuddle Position for Country-Western Dancing

The cuddle position in country western dance is done with both partners facing the same direction with their arms around each other. Done in a variety of country western dances, the cuddle looks flawless and natural when done properly. These instructions show you how to lead in cuddle position.

• Step 1 Stand side-by-side with your partner, holding hands.
• Step 2 Move to your left in a quarter turn to bring yourself face-to-face with your partner.
• Step 3 Step again to your left, let go of one hand and hold on to the other, turning another quarter turn. You should now be facing the opposite direction you began in.
• Step 4 Go forward again, swing your partner out and pull her back in a wrap. Her hand wraps around her front to hold your hand that is behind her back. Take hold of her free hand with your free hand in front of the two of you.
• Step 5 Walk forward and keep the tempo of a 2-step while you lead your partner's movements. Once you return to the cuddle, you both move forward doing the two step.
  

Houston Two Step

Now you needn’t sit on the fence looking in, you can confidently hit the floor and two step your way to applause. The Houston Two Step had its origins in the early 1950s and as its name suggests, is danced with two quick steps and two slow steps, moving counter clockwise, to pure country and western music. In complete form, it also includes many fun spins and turns, making it a truly enjoyable dance experience. The following are the dance steps that the Leader will take, with you as a Partner.

• Step 1 Face your dancing partner and stand with your feet together.
• Step 2 Extend your right hand forward and hold your partner’s waist. Keep your arm steady and firm. Extend your left hand outward to your side, while keeping your arm slightly bent. Then reach out and gently hold your partner’s hand.
• Step 3 Maintain dancing posture with your partner and wait for the music to begin.
• Step 4 Step quickly forward, using your left foot on the first beat.
• Step 5 Once again, step quickly forward, using your right foot, on the second beat.
• Step 6 Step slowly forward with your left foot on the third beat.Pause for a moment
• Step 7 On the forth beat, pause for just a moment. Continue dancing. Step forward slowly with your right foot on the fifth beat.
• Step 8 Return to original posture. Bring both your feet together while you pause for a moment through the sixth beat.
• Step 9 Repeat dance sequence. Take initial dance posture (see step one), then repeat the dance sequence (as per step two above).
• Step 10 The following are the dance steps that the ‘Follower’ should take along with the Leader. Take initial position. Face the leader and stand with your feet together.
• Step 11 Hold your Leader. Extend your left hand forward and place it on the Leader’s right shoulder.
• Step 12 Make palm contact. Place your right hand palm gently on the outstretched left palm of the Leader, while keeping your right elbow bent.
• Step 13 Use opposite steps. Make sure to do the opposite of what your Leader does. In other words, when the Leader moves his left foot forward, on the first beat, move your right foot back. Repeat each consecutive forward step, doing the opposite of the Leader’s step, every time.While moving in reverse direction ( When he steps forward with his right foot, step back with your left foot and repeat the sequence, ensuring that you do the opposite of what your Leader does, every time.
  

Louisiana Two-Step

The Louisiana two-step is a basic step at Cajun and Zydeco dances.

• Step 1Stand with your feet together facing your partner.
• Step 2Place your right hand on your partner's waist.
• Step 3Wait until your partner places her left hand on your right shoulder.
• Step 4Hold your left hand out to your side with your arm bent.
• Step 5Grasp your partner's right hand loosely with your left hand.
• Step 6Wait for the music to start.
• Step 7Step forward a half-step with your left foot.
• Step 8Step forward another half-step with your left foot.
• Step 9Step forward a half-step with your right.
• Step 10Step forward another half-step with your left foot.
• Step 11Step forward a half-step with your right.
• Step 12Take another half-step with your right.
• Step 13Take a full step with your left foot.
• Step 14Take a full step with your right.
• Step 15Repeat.
  

Footwork for the Country Two-Step

Dancing, no matter what the style, rests on the dancer's ability to keep pace with the beat and, if a partner dance, to keep that flow going with each other as complements rather than obstacles. Moving your feet requires a lightweight approach, always keeping in mind that you need to move quickly and steadily. Read on to learn how to move your feet for the country two-step.

• Make sure that the hand and arm positions are correct: guy's right hand on small of back or upper shoulder blade, guy's left hand holding girl's right hand at about shoulder height, and girl's left hand on guy's right shoulder. This helps you have proper balance, which allows you to get and keep to the proper rhythm while dancing together.
• Remember that the woman will follow the man's lead. When two people try to lead at the same time, the footwork is easily messed up, because each person has his or her own idea about where the couple is going to go.
• Step toe-heel when going backwards, and heel-toe when going forwards. This will help you both keep to the rhythm, again, without getting too heavy on your feet.
• Listen to the music to get the sense of the rhythm and the flow, as well as to help you match with the overall flow of the other dancers in the room. You need to share the space with several couples at any given time, and, when done correctly, you all share in the country dancing movement.
• Dance with your partner, not for your partner. Though the man will lead, that doesn't make it possible for the following partner to just "go along for the ride." Work together, stay light and loose on your feet, move your hips with the motion and you will have an enjoyable time country dancing together.
  

The Texas Two step Etiquette

The Texas (or country-western) two-step is the most performed country dance in America. It is a graceful dance derived from the foxtrot. Couples move counter-clockwise around the dance floor in a steady timing of quick, quick, slow, slow. Good two-step dancers are fun to watch---they are not only graceful, but move quickly to approximately 170 beats per minute.

Identification
The Texas two-step is danced six counts to a four-count rhythm. The footwork timing is quick, quick, slow, slow. The couple moves around the perimeter of the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction. The man leads with forward steps, and the woman follows with backward steps. As the couple moves, it looks as if they are walking. There is no bouncing, only smooth strides that follow the music. The posture for the Texas two-step is upright yet relaxed. The man directs his partner by placing his right hand on her back. The woman puts her left hand on the man's right shoulder. The man's left hand and woman's right hand are held together. Elbows are at shoulder height and chins are level. Eyes are focused on each other and other dancers, not on the floor. The man guides the woman around the floor starting on his left foot forward as she starts on her right foot backward.

History
The Texas two-step is based on the collegiate foxtrot of the 1920s, which is danced more with hopping steps instead of the two-step's sliding motion. The 1940s and 1950s saw a revival of collegiate dances. By the '50s, the collegiate foxtrot had become the one-step, which then led to the popular two-step. During the '70s, the movie "Urban Cowboy" reintroduced the public to country-western dancing. The two-step in the movie is not the "quick, quick, slow, slow" version taught today, however.

Benefits
Dancing's benefits are well documented. The constant movement provides good exercise. The Texas two-step has a greater benefit for a couple---it brings the two people together as they are learning it. Because the basic "quick, quick, slow, slow" steps are considered beginner steps, the dance can be learned quickly. The woman must learn to read the signals the man gives with his hand on her back. The man leads, and the woman follows. The concept of leading and following in sync creates a oneness that can bring couples closer together.

Warning
Before going onto a crowded dance floor, learn the rules of etiquette. No drinks, cigarettes or purses are allowed on most country-western dance floors. Socializing on the floor is not tolerated.The floor is usually crowded when popular songs are playing. Different types of dances have specific locations. Line dances and swing dances are usually delegated to the center of the floor, while two-step dancers circulate on the outside. If you are a beginner, stay in the inner circle. The outer circle is for experienced dancers who will move faster and include different moves to the dance.

Time Frame
Learning the Texas two-step does not take long. An adult class that meets once a week for six weeks will give a couple enough background to go out on the floor and feel comfortable. You'll even learn to do an inside turn and outside turn. Classes usually run one to two hours, with individual guidance and group work. Couples will have time to practice to slow and faster music, so they can learn to adapt on a dance floor. Practice should continue at home several times a week for an hour or two.

Do you wanna dance the Texas Two-Step

The Texas two-step is danced with two quick steps and two slow steps. After reading this eHow you'll be equipped with the basic knowledge of dancing the Texas two-step. Practice it at home and after you've learned it it's time to go show off what you've learned to some country tunes.

Leader

• Step 1 Stand with your feet together facing your partner.
• Step 2 Put your right hand on your partner's waist.
• Step 3 Put your left hand out to your side with your arm slightly bent.
• Step 4 Gently grasp your partner's hand.
• Step 5 Wait for the music to start.
• Step 6 On the first beat, step forward quickly with your left foot.
• Step 7 On the second beat, step forward quickly with your right foot.
• Step 8 On the third beat, step forward again with your left foot, but slowly.
• Step 9 Pause through the fourth beat.
• Step 10 On the fifth beat, step forward slowly with your right foot.
• Step 11 Pause through the sixth beat, then pull your left foot even with your right.
• Step 12 Repeat.

Follower

• Step 1 Place your left hand on the leader's right shoulder.
• Step 2 Bend your right elbow and place the palm of your right hand lightly on his outstretched palm.
• Step 3 Do the opposite of what your partner does. Move your right foot back when the leader moves his left foot forward on the first beat.
• Step 4 Continue following the directions for the leader, but in reverse - stepping back with your left foot when he steps forward with his right.
  

Country Western Dance

Though dancing can deliver exercise, fun and a great social opportunity, inexperienced dancers can be intimidated by the intricacies of ballet, tap or ballroom. Country-western dance--also known as line dance--can bridge that gap. You can find many different country-western line dances for people of all levels. Bars and social clubs across the nation offer lessons, followed by a night of dancing.

• Do the "C.C. Shuffle." For counts 1-4, step forward toward the right corner of the room with your right, left, right, and touch the ball of your left foot next to your right with no weight on it. For counts 5-8, step back toward the back left corner, with your left, right, left, and touch the ball of your right foot next to your left with no weight on it. Refer to the You Tube video in the Reference section for a visual demonstration.
• Repeat Step 2 for the next eight counts, stepping back toward the right corner behind you with the right foot and then completing the four-step pattern as above. Step forward toward the left corner with left foot and then complete the four-step pattern once again.
• Cut the four-step pattern in half, making it a two-step pattern. For counts 1-2, step forward toward the right corner with your right, and touch the ball of your left foot next to the right, keeping the weight on your right. For counts 3-4, step back on your left toward the back corner, and touch the ball of your right foot next to your left, keeping the weight on your left foot. For counts 5-8. repeat this entire step in reverse starting with your right foot back toward the right corner behind you, touching your left foot next to it, and then stepping forward on your left toward the left corner and touching the right foot next to it.
• Touch your right heel in front of you for counts 1-2. Touch your right toe behind you for counts 3-4. Heel forward count 5, toe back count 6. Touch your toe out to the side for count 7, and lift your right knee and turn a quarter turn toward your right shoulder, for count 8. Begin the entire dance for the top, now facing a new wall. Continue repeating the dance facing each wall until the song ends.
• Try a two-step. Most dance halls or clubs that offer country western dancing, will teach the two-step. Step back on your right if you are a woman, forward with your left if you are a man, then alternate feet. Use two quick steps and two slow. If you partner with someone, do the dance in a circle around the outer rim of the floor. Refer to the You Tube video in the Reference section for a visual demonstration.