Dance StylesCountry Western Dancing
Country dancing, also called country western dancing, refers to a wide range of dance styles that originated in the rural areas of the Western and Southwestern United States. Country western dancing is an incredibly popular dance style here in Arizona, so if you’re going to the rodeo or the saloon, make sure you have a few steps ready!
Perfect for Solo Dancers, Groups, and Couples
Country dancing is the perfect dance for anyone who wants to have fun! Country dancing is often performed in a group setting and may involve intricate footwork and partnerwork. It is a popular form of dance at country music festivals and other events.
Country Western Dance
Style Variations
Country dancing can include many different styles, including line dancing, square dancing, and two-step. All variations of country western dance are performed to country western music. This genre of music includes folk music, blue grass, and other subgenres of American country music.
Progressive (or Texas) Two Step
Progressive two step is a type of partner dance that originated in Texas. In progressive two step, dancers move around the dance floor in a counterclockwise direction, taking two steps for each beat of the music. The dance is known for its smooth and flowing movements, and it is often characterized by the use of turns and spins.
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Rhythm (or Arizona) Two Step
The Arizona Two Step is another variant of the two-step. The dance involves taking two steps in one direction and then two steps in the other direction, hence the name "two step." While the dance is similar to other two-step styles, the Arizona two step has its own unique characteristics.
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Country Waltz
The country waltz is similar to the traditional waltz, but has its own unique style and steps influenced by country music. The country waltz is a slow dance that involves taking long, sweeping steps around the dance floor.
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Triple Step
The triple step is a dance step that is used in many different styles of dance, including swing, ballroom, and Latin. It is a basic step that involves taking three steps in one direction and then another three steps in the opposite direction. The country western triple step is an extension of the two step, the popular foundation of a few other country dancing styles.
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Country Cha Cha
The country cha cha combines the traditional elements of the cha cha with the style of country dancing. It is typically danced to country music with a strong rhythm, and involves taking quick, syncopated steps around the dance floor. The country cha cha is a fast-paced, energetic dance that is often done with a partner.
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Cotton Eyed Joe
The Cotton Eyed Joe is a type of group folk dance that is usually danced to a song of the same name. The Cotton Eyed Joe is a lively, energetic dance that involves taking quick, stomping steps around the dance floor. Dancers form a circle and take turns dancing in the center.
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Shuffle
Another hybrid, the country western shuffle is a type of dance that combines elements of the shuffle with the steps and style of country western dancing. It is typically danced to country music with a strong beat, and involves taking quick, shuffling steps around the dance floor.
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West Coast Swing
West coast swing country dancing is a partnered dance that combines elements of the west coast swing with the steps and style of country dancing. It is typically danced to country music with a strong beat and is considered a “slot” dance. West coast swing is known for its playful, improvisational nature.
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Night Club Two Step
The nightclub two step is a type of ballroom dance that is typically danced to slow, romantic music. It is similar to the traditional waltz, but has its own unique steps and style that are influenced by popular night club dances.
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Half-Time
Some country dances, like the two step, can be adapted to a half-time tempo to create a more relaxed and laid-back feel. This can be done by taking two steps for each beat of the music, instead of the usual one step per beat. This can allow for more intricate footwork and can also give the dancers more time to execute turns and spins.
Learn MoreThe competition styles of International Latin and American Rhythm differ by the dances and the leg action, but the body rhythm required is very similar in both styles. That is what makes the Latin dances such a great workout for your core muscles!
