A Brief History of Country Dancing

/in /by

couple dancing in dancefx studioA Brief History of Country Dancing

Country dancing can be traced back to a popular ballroom dance, the Foxtrot, as well as the Swing. Using similar variations derived from the Foxtrot, the Two Step is also known as the “country cousin” to the Foxtrot. Country dancing as a whole includes many dances including the Country Waltz, the Texas Two Step and the Country Swing, with new country dances and offshoots being created often.

The Two Step received its Country traits and name back to the 1940’s when it reached the square dancing community. Some people say the Two Step also has roots dating back to European and Mexican dance history. In the 1800’s it was said to have appeared in Germany and Hungary and it is connected to Mexican dancing by an influence of the Mexican fandangos.

Did You Know…

Did you know that there is a form of the Country Two Step that is done almost exclusively in Arizona? “Arizona” or “Rhythm” Two Step, as it is also called, is a common variation that stays mostly stationary. Generally, other styles of Two Step dancing, like the Texas Two Step, travel around the dance floor counter-clockwise. This counter-clockwise direction is commonly referred to as the “line of dance” amongst dancers, signifying the flow of traffic, so to speak, on the dance floor.

We teach many forms of the Country Two Step at Dance FX Studios, however the Arizona Two Step is most popular here. What’s great about the AZ Two Step is that it can be done in a very small, crowded space which is perfect for social dancing! Another plus with the AZ Two Step is that you can interchange it with the Country Swing within the same song adding more variety to your dancing.

Grab a pair of your favorite cowboy boots and let’s hit the dance floor! You’ll be twisting, turning, and twirling in no time with the Country Two Step!
Country dance lessons at Dance FX Studios are by appointment 6 days/week. We are located in the East Valley of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona on Dobson Rd. and Guadalupe, near Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert, AZ. We serve all residents of Phoenix and outside areas including Sedona, Flagstaff and Prescott, AZ.