Country-western two-step

The country/western two-step, often called the "Texas two-step" or simply the "two-step," is a country/western dance usually danced to country music in 4/4 time. It is a progressive dance that proceeds counterclockwise around the floor.

As with other country/western dances, there are different versions of two step. Even the same dance may go by different names depending on the area of the U.S., and even in the particular dance hall. There may be no one "correct" way to do a particular dance.^[1]

The Two Step can be danced over a fairly wide range of tempos, such as 130 bpm to over 200 bpm. Accomplished dancers can dance to tempos above 185 bpm.^[2]

The United Country Western Dance Counsel (UCWDC) rules list the Two-step at 182-198 BPM for competition music, while the Country Western Dance International (CWDI) rules lists the Two-step at 160-192 BPM for competition music.^[2]

The Texas Two Step includes three steps: a quick step, a quick step, and then a slow step.^[3] The lead steps forward on his left foot, lifting his right heel for the first step, which is the first quick step. It can be danced to music with either a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature. The best effect is created when dancers achieve a smooth gliding motion in time to the music.^[4] Although three steps are taken the dancer only progresses two steps.^[5]

Many sites, however, define the dance as having four steps, quick quick slow, slow.[2] And the pattern of the steps are often referred to as "Step-together, walk, walk."

Another "two step" done almost exclusively in Arizona is also known as Rhythm Two-step, and is almost stationary. The rhythm is Step forward, Touch, Step backward, Touch, Walk Walk. Its music is in tempo between Triple Two-step and Texas Two-step.[3]

Dance positions include: an open position with the lead's right hand on the follower's left shoulder, a closed position with no space between the partners, and a closed overhand position in which the lead wraps their left forearm over the follower's right forearm and clasps their hand with the palm against the back of the follower's hand. A "side by side", "shoulder hold", "cape", or varsouviana position is also used.^[5][6]

The Two Step is a dance with roots in European and Mexican dance history and appeared in Germany and Hungary in the 1800s. Similar steps danced at Mexican fandangos were also an influence.^[7]

The two-step is a partner dance, consisting of a "leader" (traditionally a man) and a "follower" (traditionally a woman). The leader determines the movements and patterns of the pair as they move around the dance floor.

The partners begin in closed position with the leader facing the line of dance. The follower stands facing the leader. In a traditional "frame" the leader places his/her right hand over his/her partner's left shoulder. In the more contemporary styling, the frame is formed by placing the right hand under the follower's arm, and on his/her back. In either case the leader holds the follower's right hand in his/her left hand at about shoulder height.

Basic two-step consists of two quick steps, followed by two slow steps (or alternately, two slow steps followed by two quick steps). Leaders may start with either the slow steps, or the quick steps, as local custom dictates.

The leader begins by stepping forward with his/her left foot. The follower begins by stepping backward with his/her right foot.

Formally, the quick steps are full strides, with one foot passing the other on each step. However, in informal situations, particularly when the beat of the music is fast, the second quick step may be a shuffle, with the foot that's behind after the first quick step sliding up to, but not even with, the foot in front.

Basic two step patterns are equivalent to those of many other progressive partner dances.

Figures can be syncopated, following other patterns such as QQSQQS or QQQQSS (where Q represents a quick step and S a slow step).

Variations

Other dance styles related to the two-step exist.

Double two-step

Double two-step, also referred to as triple two-step, is usually danced to slower music. The two slow steps are replaced by two sets of triple steps. By contrast, the two quick steps are now slow steps. One way to count double two-step is "1 and 2", "3 and 4" step, step. The count is the same as that of East-coast swing.

The leader steps forward with his/her left foot to begin the dance. The follower steps backwards on his/her right. The partners embrace each other as in the basic two-step.

Double two-step is also referred to as "shuffle". Fort Worth shuffle has the same pattern as double two-step, except that the first triple-step begins with the right foot.[4]

Shadow dancing

In shadow dancing, a variation found in some gay country/western venues, the follower stands in front of the lead and both face down the line of dance.^[8] The lead places his/her right hand over the follower's midsection or belt buckle, and the follower places his/her right hand over the lead's. The lead takes the follower's left hand in his/her own and holds it loosely out to the left in a position similar to the one used in standard two-stepping.

The count is the same as for the non-shadow two-step. The follower uses the same footwork as the lead in this case, beginning on the left foot. The lead propels the follower down the floor, with bodies touching or close together, as though the lead were the follower's shadow. The pair will normally turn and weave, and the lead may turn the follower before returning to standard position. The lead may also bring the follower behind him/her, giving the appearance of having swapped roles but with the lead still in control, and the lead may then bring the follower back in front.

Historic Two Step

A form of Two Step unrelated to the current Two Step created a radical change in dance style at the end of the nineteenth century. It was often performed to the American music of John Philip Sousa's "The Washington Post" march.^{[9] [10]}

References