Country Western Two-Step Dance Lessons
Honest, Easy & Fun Country Two‑Step Classes
Master the Country Two‑Step with Top-Rated Instructors
Country Two‑Step Dance Classes and Events—Make Friends and Move Together
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Country Western Two-Step Dance Lessons in Our Warren Studio
Surprisingly, country western dance didn’t actually begin in the United States. This uniquely American dance style is a melting pot of influences from many cultures. As westward expansion in the U.S. increased, it brought people together from different regions of the world who had little or no exposure to one another. Dance became a unifying language that helped bring these new Americans together.
Settlers from Europe brought dance styles from their country’s traditional festivals with them. African-American influences were also present, which added a syncopation to the rhythms, as well as steps that were closer to the ground and more rooted in the earth than those from Europe. But foreign influences were not the only ones that created country western dance. The steps and movements are also a product of the habits and dress of the American cowboy. The open-legged and “wide-stanced” steps, and the heel-toe turns likely developed due to the realities of dancing in spurs. Likewise, many of the holds tend to be more hand-to-hand rather than the full-body contact of traditional European dances, which may have been due to ladies trying to protect their clothing from being sullied or torn.
How to Two Step to Country Music
This is the most basic step in partner country dance. It is just 4 walks forward for the guys and 4 walks back for the ladies. We teach everyone the essentials while having loads of fun. You’ll learn the fundamentals of the country two step, the timing & rhythm of the dance, how to hold your partner, and even more advanced moves – even if you have “two left feet’.
Country Partner Dance, Group Dance Classes, and Swing Dance Lessons
Country western dance can be broken into two categories: (1) partner dances (including lead-follow and pattern dances), and (2) group dances (including line dances and square dances). Many different partner dances are done to country western music. These include Two Step, Polka, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and more.
Our talented instructors will have you ready for line dancing in no time! We also offer private dance lessons for those looking for a more individualized approach. Give us a call, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios and take advantage of our special introductory offer for new students in the Warren area. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Beginner Country Western Two-Step Dance Classes
Beginner country dance lessons start with the fundamentals, where our friendly instructors teach you a comfortable closed position, basic rhythm, and connection. You will learn the basic two-step and the “Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick” count, where a slow lasts two beats and a quick step lasts one. In the first step, the leader steps forward with the right foot, then another slow step with the left foot, followed by two quick steps. The follower places their feet in a mirror image.
In a closed position, the leader’s right hand rests on the follower’s back, and the follower places their left hand on the leader’s shoulder. Dancers practice traveling counterclockwise, mastering simple left and right turns, side-by-side variations, and clear lead-follow connection within a relaxed and encouraging environment.
Advanced Country Western Two-Step Dance Classes
Advanced country dance lessons help you develop technique, musicality, and complex choreography. Ballroom dancers refine their posture, footwork, and connection. Our expert instructors will teach you figures like cross-body leads, shadow position patterns, grapevine variations, and syncopated rhythms.
You will also learn precision to maintain balance and flow. Leaders use subtle cues, and followers respond with sensitivity to those cues. The class emphasizes matching steps to phrasing, styling variations, and improvisation. Students gain awareness of floor craft to navigate crowded spaces and keep the energy dynamic yet relaxed.
Put On Your Cowboy Hats and Boots and Have Some Fun
Created by cowboys and popularized in pop culture, the Texas Two-Step is one of the easiest ways to cut a rug at your nearest country bar. In a traditional frame, the leader places their right hand over the partner’s left shoulder. In the more contemporary styling, a closed position is formed by placing the right hand under the follower’s left hand on their back. Like most social partner dances, the Two-Step moves around the dance floor in a counterclockwise line to avoid collisions.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios holds events and competitions all over the country where you can learn new skills and meet new people, so don’t forget to check out our events page. Country dance events are often a mix of different dances, allowing dancers to switch between partners and other dance styles throughout the night. Other dance styles commonly danced alongside the Two-Step include the Country Waltz, Polka, Triple Two-Step, Shuffle, and many line dances.
Country Western Two Step dance lessons are available now. You’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first dance!
Ballroom Dance Styles We Teach
Dancing is a great way to express your emotions. Hop on the dance floor and try a ballroom or Latin dance class with us. Get creative and have fun! To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, simply click on the dance style to learn more. Then give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and be sure to ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students. Together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey and make sure you leave each dance lesson feeling happy and more confident with your dancing skills!
Classes are available for students of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced and all ages. Adults and children are welcome! Fred Astaire ballroom dance lessons are fun, exciting, and a great way to express yourself.
Our exceptional staff is ready to take your dancing journey to the next level. Sign up for an intro class!