Two Step:Promenade, Shadow Spins

The two-step is a basic dance move. It is done by singles, partners and groups. It is found in folk dance and in many dance genres. Once the two-step is mastered, dancers find it easy to learn many different types of dance. In the basic move, the dancer steps in a direction with one foot and then brings the other foot to that same position. In the 21st century, the most popular two-step dances are the Country/Country Western Two-Step and the Nightclub Two-Step.

Tempo
Country Two-Step is a four-count tempo, and the best songs to dance to are eight-count songs like a "Better Man," sung by Clint Black. The Nightclub Two-Step is more of a romantic dance, and the tempo is slower. The tempo is 4/4 with a quick, quick step and then slow, slow step--like one and two, three and four. The song "Lady In Red" is a good example of the Nightclub Two-Step.

Popularity
Many say that the Nightclub Two-Step was popularized by Buddy Schwimmer in 1965, while others attribute it to the bolero and rumba. During the disco era the Nightclub Two-Step was very popular with disco couples. Country Two-Step seems to have sustained its popularity, reigning as the most popular country western dance.

Variations
Variations of the Country Western Two-Step are the Texas Two-Step, sometimes called the Double Two-Step, the Triple Two-Step, the Fort Worth Shuffle and shadow dancing. There are not really other dances that have evolved from the Nightclub Two-Step, but different steps can vary. A sway and back check, lunge, free spin, drag, leg hook and hip leans can be added to the Nightclub Two-Step.

Importance of the Leader
When dancing either the Country Western Two-Step or the Nightclub Two-Step or any other variation, the leader's job literally sets the pace for the dance, and a good leader can make or break the dance. The follower is important as well, but it is easier to follow a good leader.

Beginner Mistakes
Beginning dancers often bounce when they step, step close instead of step-pass-step and hold incorrect posture.

Triple Two-Step

Why is this dance so popular? The answer is simple. Buy any new top Country artist's CD and very likely half the music on it will be Triple Two-Step tempo. Go to a C&W club any night of the week and be prepared cuz so much of the country music is Triple Two-Step.

Is this a new trend? Not at all. Learn to Dance introduced this dance to the Austin area in 1991. We anticipated the growth of this music and therefore the dance. It was already popular in many other areas of the U.S. and Austin was just next.

Triple Two-Step has some of the Hottest moves in all Country Dancing! This Dance is a must for anyone who wants to learn the Hottest Country Dance in Texas.

The Triple Two-Step (formerly know as the Double Two-Step) is often called `Swing on the move" because it incorporates the fancy variations of Swing into the smooth peppy movement of the Two-Step and Polka.

Texas Two Step Dance Pattern

Need to learn the Texas Two Step dance pattern? If you don't want to embarrass yourself on the dance floor, you'll want to practice the Two Step at home before you try it in a bar. It's especially important for men to know how to do the dance properly before trying it in public because men lead and ladies follow in this dance style. Sign yourself up for Two Step dance lessons, or learn from a friend before you get out on the floor. These tips can help you figure out what to expect, but you won't know the Two Step until you practice.

Lucky for you, the Two Step is relatively easy to learn. The dance is made up of a simple, steady dance pattern: two steps quick, then two steps slow. You may wish to say to yourself silently "quick, quick, slow, slow" as you learn the step routine.

As you dance Two Step, you will rotate around the room in a counter-clockwise direction. All the couples on the floor will rotate in this same direction. If you are new, you'll want to head for the inner circle of the crowd, allowing the outside ring to remain free for faster, more adept dance couples.

The dance is always performed with a partner. You'll face your partner and put one hand on your partner's waist and hold your partner's hand with the other. Your arm should be held out, slightly bent, and there should be a significant amount of tension along your arm so that you can lead if you are the man or sense his lead if you are the woman in the couple.

The man in the couple moves forward, the woman moves backwards. The Two Step is danced such that the man moves his left foot forward and the woman steps back with her right foot, then the man quickly moves his right foot forward as the woman moves her left foot backwards. These two steps should happen quickly, taking one beat each. Remember: Quick, quick.

The next two steps follow much the same, only you'll take two beats to complete each step. Remember: Slow, slow. You'll actually stay still for the third beat, step slowly through the fourth beat, stay still for the fifth beat and step slowly through the sixth beat. Then you'll repeat the pattern.

The Dallas Two Step

The Dallas Two Step is sometimes called the Triple Two step, Double Two step, or Progressive Swing. Although it has a more leisurely pace than the Polka typically 120bpm, the same music is used. The Dallas Two Step is danced gracefully with the triple-step, triple-step, walk-walk rhythm. Combining steps of the Two Step, Polka, and Western Swing, the Dallas Two Step become a unique western style dance.

1. Step 1 Purchase a CD of slow country swing music written in 4/4 time in the tempo range of 116 to 156 beats per minute or polka music and play the music repeatedly while driving or cleaning.
2. Step 2 Count the steps to the timing of the music and call them out 1, 2, 3,1,2,3 as you listen while driving or sitting. Learning the correct timing to the music is essential to dance the Dallas Two Step. Continue this listening exercise until you can automatically count the steps in time to the music with ease.
3. Step 3 Practice the basic step including the step timing until it is automatic and you no longer need to count. Practice the triple step, triple step, rock step basic until its automatic as well.
4. Step 4 Practice these basic steps to music until they become automatic. You can practice the basic steps without a partner until you get the timing down without counting.
5. Step 5 Say 1&2, 3&4, 5, 6 out loud as you shuffle, shuffle, walk, walk to get the timing down. The Dallas Two Step is sometimes referred to as swing on the move because the dance uses a progressive version of the triple timing swing basic. Then try practicing the basic steps with a partner, step forward, touch opposite hands, step backward, touch opposite hands, walk walk. As you do the walk walk step, your partner should have his right arm gently around your shoulders, almost like an escort.
6. Step 6 Adding some of the other steps and patterns. Reach out and touch your partner's hand like you are going to shake hands and release. Touch your partners opposite hand with your other hand and release. Take your partners other hand, lift it over your head and twirl around underneath. Continue spinning clockwise around the dance floor while you do these steps. At the same time, you both place your hands on your hips and spin in a circle, and then continue around the dance floor.
7. Step 7 Dance around the perimeter of the dance floor in a counterclockwise fashion while playing either Polka music or slow country swing music. Hold each other loosely, only your arms should be touching, not your bodies. As your partner shuffles around the dance floor you continue to spin under his arm.
8. Step 8 Dance progressive triple step, progressive triple step, then two walking steps. A triple step is three weight changes made within two beats of music. The triple step is usually counted 1and 2. The walking steps each receive one beat of music. There are eight weight changes, utilizing six beats of music to complete one full basic step.
9. Step 9 Practice with a partner trying to maintain a progressive step pattern that uses six beats of music and includes two triple steps, followed by two walking steps that each receive one count .
10. Step 10 Change positions constantly with your partner. Popular basic figures include weaves, lariats, pretzels, ducts, tunnels, and free spins. Ladies should allow their arms to soften and droop while maintaining frame and connection. The lady should always dance into the man’s right hand and provide equal resistance in the connection to the man’s left hand.
    

A Posture Practice Session for the Country & Western Two Step

These are terms used throughout all types of dancing. Many who are new to dancing can only guess at their meaning and how each relates to dancing. To keep things basic we will only refer to the above terms as related to couples dancing. There are probably more profound explanations for the above terms but below is my interpretations of them.

Everyone likes to start dancing patterns. Once learned they become easier to dance. When men first learn a pattern they need to watch out for their partner. Most new men dancers try to put every lady through the new pattern. Just keep in mind that all women dance and react to leads differently. The most admired male dancers not only know enough patterns, but also how to interpret the lady's reaction to the lead. They then make adjustments in frame and footwork reacting to the lady. The most avoided men just plow on ahead virtually ignoring their partner in the quest to finish the pattern.