Texas Two-Step

The Texas Two-Step began as a square dance. From the square dance version, couples began to dance independent of the square. This dance originated in the 1940s. It is a somewhat simple dance and therefore easy to learn. It is danced in 2/4 or 4/4 time. Partners face one another, with the man's hand on the woman's hip and the other hand holding her free hand. The woman's other hand is on either his shoulder or his waist. Many times, the woman will crock he finger through a belt loop at the man's waist.

The man faces forward and the woman is in front of him, with her back towards the front of the dance floor. The man leads and guides the woman around the dance floor, counterclockwise. The step pattern is slow, slow, quick, quick. The couple listens for and dances to the beat of the drummer who is responsible for keeping the dance rhythm going. The couple can simply dance around the dance floor repeating the pattern over and over or the man can lead the woman in a series of turns. Even during the turns, the foot pattern is the same.

The Texas Two-Step is an extremely popular dance. It is performed to country-western music in bars and clubs all over the United States. Because it is an easy dance to learn, many bars and clubs offer free classes to entice new dances to come to their establishment. This dance is also taught in formal dance classes. It is a favorites in dance competitions because a competing couple can "make it their own" with various turns and hand patterns. Country-western bands write and perform numerous songs that the Texas Two-Step can be performed to.

The Texas Two-Step is so popular that its names have been incorporated into the names of other items. There is a game in the Texas lottery called The Texas Two-Step and there is a spice mix called Texas Two-Step Chili Mix.