Country Dance

The roots of country western dance can be traced to taverns of Ireland and to the ballrooms of Europe, palaces of Russia and to tribal rituals of Africa. Each of these cultures has brought their dance to America. The diverse groups each contributing to this for of dance. Country and Western dance encompasses many dance forms or styles, associated with American country and/or its western traditions. Many of these dances were "tried and true" dance steps that had been "put aside" for many years, and became popular under the names like country-western, cowboy, or country, and if you are in Texas it is also know as kicker dancing.



Country western dances can be placed into two basic categories: Partner dances and Group dances to include the following: Two Step, Waltz, and Polka, Horseshoe Shuffle, Traveling Cha Cha, Sweetheart Stroll, Schottische, Cotton Eyed Joe, Cowboy or Traveling Cha Cha, Ten Step (also known as Ten Step Polka), Western promenade dances, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Nightclub Two Step, Line dance, Square dance, Traditional square dance, Modern Western square dance. Country dancing is informal, relaxed, simple, casual, without affection, which does not mean so casual as to be sloppy. Country dancing emphasizes smoothness on the dance floor, and keeping time with the music with none of the flourishes that could be interpreted as exhibitionism, narcissism, and lack of manliness or womanliness. Style is much more important than how many exoctic acrobatics he or she can perform. Because of cowboy boots, country western dance is more likely to feature a flat-footed glide with some heel and toe touches rather than a lot of "toe type" dancing. In addition to a quiet upper body, there is very little hip movement. Pumping of the hands, bouncing, and waddling are not encouraged. Cowboy, or "country" waltz consists of gliding steps that are consistent with wearing cowboy boots, rather than "on the balls of the feet" quick steps of the classic version. Neither foot is lifted completely from the ground. Steps should be a light footed glide rather than a flat footed shuffle. There are many versions of each dance. They 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 a particular dance.