Country Western dancing has become increasingly popular over the past few decades. It is widely known as a form of social dancing and encompasses many forms and styles of dance. There are several subtypes of Country dancing, including Country Two Step, Country Swing, Country Waltz, Nite Club 2 Step, West Coast Swing, Country Cha Cha, Line dancing, and more, each having multiple versions themselves. Western dancing can be done in a couple or as a group, with Line dancing. Not only can we teach you these types of dances here at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, we will also give tips on leading and following and dance floor etiquette so as to be comfortable when you go out social dancing.

Now for a history lesson in the interesting story of how Country Western dancing came to be. From the earliest days, dances and music arrived in the United States by way of immigrants. People from widely varying cultures brought their native dances with them when they settled in America. Finding common ground through dancing, diverse peoples came together and demonstrated and shared their cultures on the dance floor. With Westward expansion, the pioneers brought their families and ideologies from the East. Dancing was actually frowned upon in this era, and when not banned altogether, “safe” dances were favored, like polka and pattern dances. The pioneers organized cowboy balls, barn dances, and get-togethers. Those who heard of these events usually came to dance. All these varieties of people and their cultures joined with the ideologies and trends of the time and formed hybrids of all types of dances. These dances stem from those of Polish, German, Jewish, French, Scandinavian, Czech, Russian, and Irish immigrants who joined together at these events.

People danced anywhere they could; in barns, on ranches, even under the stars! A dance that was uniquely “western” grew from those varied roots and became a solid part of the lives of many Americans. People also danced in houses. These house parties were very popular in the 1920s when country music was commercialized. Fiddlers and bands played in the main rooms of the houses and party-goers paid the band every time they took to the floor. We even have “house parties” at Dance FX Studios here in Phoenix, Arizona! With music and dancing just like the pioneers, our events are great way to get social and meet other Country dancers and enjoy time with your partner.

Country Western dancing went more public in the 1930s to the 50s by spreading to roadhouses, dance halls, and county fairs. Dance academies were opening and people were requesting Western music. Western Swing bands like Bob Wills and Texas Play Boys were playing frequently and crowds at dance halls and academies were growing. The Western styling was favored over the Eastern way of dancing because it was smoother and mellower. World War II brought armed forces to the West coast, who grew to love the Country Western routines just as their pioneer predecessors did. Jazz and be-bop were also prominent, and dancers experimented with Western dance styles to the new tunes. Worker migrations and movements of the troops caused country music and dance to trickle throughout the United States and even to countries abroad. Beginning in the 1920s, radio delivered music nationwide. Chicago radio station WLS began broadcasting the “National Barn Dance” in 1924. Various types of music continued to become popular and to spread in the following decades, including rock and roll in the 50s and disco in the 70s. Most of these faded out and made way for Country Western to emerge yet again.

These days, Country Western dancing is as celebrated as ever. Especially here in Arizona, there are venues for Country dancing everywhere. If you just like Country music or are a frequent attendee of the Country bars and want to take your night life to the next level, come take Country dance lessons with us! You will learn the dances that Americans are known for and become a part of the Country craze. You’ll also become aware of how to connect with your dance partner and how to lead or follow correctly. Not only will you become a part of history, your self-confidence will sky rocket! Your social skills will experience a boost, letting you meet more people who share your interests and love of Country. If you already know a gaggle of Country folks, consider yourself the new life of the party.