The Texas Two Step
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Dance Summary
Type: American Country Western Character: Continuous spins and wraps Music: Country (fast paced, 4/4) In Short: Two step is an American tradition, versatile in its patterns and great exercise |
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Beginner's Rating
Simple:  Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score: |
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Notes on Frame Though a strict ballroom frame is unnecessary in this dance, be certain to maintain a good connection with your partner. While in closed position, the man should place his right hand is on the lady's shoulder blade and make a shelf with his left hand at about her eye level. The lady should place her left hand in opposition to his shoulder and right on the shelf created by her partner. While in open position, partners should maintain connection via hand-to-hand contact, in which case both must be mindful to provide enough resistance in their arms to communicate with one another. |
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Notes on Footwork Step on the heel of the foot on a forward step, rolling over the toe and releasing the heel to the next step. Reach onto the toe on a backward step, rolling onto the heel and releasing the toe into the next step. Partners should direct their directly at their partner's opposing foot, being sure to keep a cicular frame to allow for progressive motion. Keep feet close to the floor at all times with the exception of patterns that require otherwise. |
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Notes on Movement Move in a counterclockwise fashion around the ballroom, staying to the outer ring of the room. When traversing the ballroom, follow the line of dance as much as possible. Never travel against the line of dance or collisions will occur. Anticipate other couples on the floor and plan the dance accordingly. |
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Practice Points
Begin by taking a relaxed frame and proceed very slowly with the basic, making sure that steps taken on quick counts are roughly half the size of those taken on slow counts. Dance to a slow Swing or Two Step to start off until steps are matched to the timing of the music. Then gradually increase the speed of the music until the standard Two Step speed is reached. Dance some very fast Two Steps in basic before trying any difficult turns to standard Two Step music to allow time for thought.
Recommendations
A country western favorite for many years past, the Two Step is a sure bet for those who find themselves in those circles. As with the Salsa, the Two Step is relatively simple in its basic patterns and movement but becomes much more difficult when done to the standard Two Step pace. Beginners would do best to begin with the East Coast Swing, which is also danced in many country circles, to become familiar with basic turns and quick and slow timing and enter into Two Step sometime later. For ladies who like to turn, the Two Step is certainly a must.
This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:
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