Texas Two Step DVDs & videos - country western instruction!

The Official & Complete Two Step Silver Syllabus & Gold Syllabus

Joe & Sarah

The Silver Syllabus (20 Figures)
Copyright ©2002 by Joe Baker

Many of the silver syllabus figures are advanced variations of the bronze figures. (Own both of our Texas two step DVDs and you'll have a veritable reference department on the dance!) This is very beneficial for several reasons: 1) the student can build on familiar patterns, 2) the "base" patterns are easy to lead and they are very recognizable, and 3) these figures allow maintaining a consistent core character of the dance. There are hundreds of two step figures. Only the most popular figures and the figures that best represent the origin of and the character of the dance make it into the syllabus.

              Patterns that Involve Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow
              (QQQQ, SS) Timing

1. Cape "Prep" Turns with Double Turns
   This pattern is very similar to step #10 of the Bronze Syllabus, except the lady performs two turns rather than making a single turn. The action is check, check (or prep, prep), then turn on QQ, then turn again on QQ. This move is easy to lead in social dancing.
2. Cape "Prep" Turns with Double Turns
   This pattern is very similar to step #1 above, except the hand hold arrangement is "skater's" position rather than cape position. The action is check, check (or prep, prep), then turn on QQ, then turn again on QQ. This move is easy to lead in social dancing.
3. Right Side Wrap "Prep" Turns with Double Turns
   This pattern is very similar to step #1 and #2 above, except the lady is in right side wrap position rather than cape position.
4. Flick Turns with Double Turns
   (Synchronous Free Spins)
   This pattern is very similar to #18 of the bronze syllabus except that double free spins are performed.
5. Patty Cakes with Double Turns
   Similar to #39 of the bronze syllabus except that double free spins are performed.
    
    
   Lariat Variations
   
6. She Goes / He Goes in the Lariat
   The lady turns and then the leader turns. This is easy to lead in social dancing.
7. Syncopated Lariat
   This is like the standard Lariat except the lady performs a very fast (syncopated) double turn rather than performing the normal single turn. Her footwork timing is &Q, &Q, SS or Q&, Q&, SS. The secret is that the extra "kick" in the lead must come from the low hand, not the high connection.
8. Leader's "Fake" and Lady's Wave
   Leader "fakes" the start of a lariat pattern, but snaps back. A wave arm action can follow.
    
    
   Weave Variations
   
9. Check Weave with Extra (Syncopated) Lady's Turn
   This is similar to the standard check weave, but the lady performs a very fast extra spin. Her footwork timing is &Q, &Q, SS or Q&, Q&, SS.
10. Cross Weave with Extra (Syncopated) Lady's Turn
    This is similar to the standard cross weave, but the lady performs a very fast extra spin. Her footwork timing is &Q, &Q, SS or Q&, Q&, SS.
11. Leader's Head Loop
    From a two hand hold weaving action, the leader loops his head and the follower turns.
12. Leader's Wrap and Lady's Ronde
    From a two hand hold weaving action, the leader loops his body (wraps himself) and turns and the follower circles, permitting a ronde leg action. This figure is easy to lead and it's cool.
     
     
    Ducks and Tunnels
    
13. Leader's Duck Out
    (The Denver Duck)
    The leader bends and ducks under his right arm. This is a very popular duck figure.
14. Bow and Tunnel
    The follower advances forward with her arms back, then the leaders passes and presents a tunnel.
15. Leader's Tunnel from Lariat
    From the Lariat, the leader sets up a tunnel for himself.
16. Timing Variation Figure QQS, QQQQSS
    A roll in for the follower followed by a push off overturned to face forward.
17. Leader's Turn to the Right and Movement to Skater's Position
    She turns CCW, he turns quickly CW, making a hand change. She finishes in skater's position.
18. Pivots (Revolves) on the Quick, Quick
    Pivots are always fun and this figure that contains a fast pivot on the quick, quick is extra fun.
19. Left Turning Revolve
    Like all "revolves," pivots, and turning basics, this move is fun and not too difficult to dance socially.
20. Free Spins for the Lady
    The lady is released to perform free spins down the line of dance.
     

The Gold Syllabus (14 Figures)
Copyright ©2002 by Joe Baker

              Quick Tunnels

1. The Basic Quick Tunnel from Leader's Hammerlock Position
   (also called the Whip Tunnel)
   My first teacher called these the "headhunter" - if the follower didn't read the pattern and respond appropriately, her head could get bumped. Quick tunnels are really not hard...you just have to know a couple of secrets on how to perform them.
2. The Basic Quick Tunnel from Bow Tie Position
   (also called the Whip Tunnel)
   The same as #1, but slightly more difficult as it starts from bow tie position.
3. Two Quick Tunnels
   (Eight Balls)
   a. Two Quick Tunnels Back to Back - Leader Turns to Right.
   b. Two Quick Tunnels Back to Back - Clockwise Loop over Lady.
   c. Two Quick Tunnels Back to Back - Double Hand Changes.
4. The Flat Back & Tunnel
   The Lady performs a spinning action while bending. It's not easy, but it looks cool if you ever get the hang of it.
5. Overhead Tops - She Goes / He Goes, Counterclockwise Turns
   The hand work is difficult.
    
    
   Eight Quicks in a Row
   
6. Windmill Turns - Eight Quicks in a Row
   The follower turns continuously through eight quicks. These are tough. The secret is staying on line and not getting off of the beat.
7. Lollipop Turns - Eight Quicks in a Row
   The follower turns continuously through eight quicks.
8. Outside Clockwise Turns - Eight Quicks in a Row
   The follower turns continuously through eight quicks.
9. Illusion Turns - Eight Quicks in a Row
   The follower turns continuously through eight quicks. Fast hand break/reconnects are necessary.
    
    
   Advanced Figures
   
10. Leader's Pretzel - Basic Version
    Arguably, there is no basic version. This move comes in two forms: difficult and more difficult (see below). I love pretzels. I show a way to transition from the leader's pretzel to the follower's pretzel.
11. The Leader's Pretzel - Advanced Version
    This is difficult because an extra turn for the lady is added. This creates a need for fast hand work.
12. Continuous Wrap Turns
    The lady spins continuously and the arm work is hairy. This is a popular figure among competitors.
13. Whirlwind Turns
    (also called Carousel Turns)
    A series of fast high / low hand changes.
14. She / He "Flip" Turns
    Very fast alternating she goes / he goes turns.
      

If you are interested in this title be sure to check out our Two Step Special. With it you'll get three Texas Two Step DVDs for about the price of two private lessons!