See also: Texas Two Step DVD's & Videos >> << Learning Center Intro

Free Texas two step lessons & introduction!

Called the Country-Western Two Step, the Texas Two Step and simply the Two Step. Made popular by the movie Urban Cowboy, this is a fast traveling dance with many turns.

Texas Two Step Learning Area

• The Moves
• The Music
• History
• Tips & Info

 

The Moves

In the two step, the dancers move counter-clockwise around the perimeter of the dance floor. The basic step is similar to an ordinary walking step, but the the footwork timing is quick, quick, slow, slow.
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The Music

The two-step is normally danced to country music with a tempo range of 170-200 beats per minute. Beginners should start with a tempo range of 155 to 175 beats per minute.

Click on the link below for helpful examples of both Texas Two Step songs and CD's which feature Texas Two Step music.

Texas Two Step Music Examples >>
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History

The two step (as we know it today) derived from the American style foxtrot. Once a rather simple “barn dance” consisting of a basic walking step, the modern two step danced in Country-Western dance competitions has borrowed figures from foxtrot and swing.
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Tips & Info

Beginners almost always do three things wrong:

• They bounce as they step.
  The basic step of two step should be smooth. This sounds easy, but most beginners bounce. The feet should pass, not close, with every step, just like in normal walking. Strides should be long, confident, and smooth, without bounce, without stutter stepping.
   
• They close their feet, rather than passing their feet, especially on the second quick.
  Tentative stutter steps often result from a fear of stepping on the lady's toes. This should not happen if the lady extends and steps to the toe on her backwards steps. In addition, the lady and man should be slightly offset, such that the leader's right foot steps between her feet, NOT in direct line with her feet. In addition to this, your thighs and calves should brush as you stride, your feet "tracking" close together, as opposed to stepping with legs wide apart like you've been riding a horse all day.
   
• Beginners typically have bad frame, connection, and posture.
  Arms need to be help up, the frame needs to be strong, and all of the connection points need to be secure. In addition, don't stoop or look at the floor or at your feet. Stand up tall and dance confidently!

Comment: Though all of this sounds like common sense, more than 90% of social dancers will either bounce, stutter step, look down at their feet, or allow their frame and posture to collapse.
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