Texas Two Step
Learn To Dance Texas Two Step. Information on taking classes, social dancing and competitions.
The Two Step or Texas 2-Step, as it is sometimes called, is a fun dance that people all around the world enjoy. It is a couples dance, danced to country western music.
If you haven't had a chance to learn The Two Step or want to improve your skills, this information will be helpful to your success.
There are different ways to learn Two Step or improve the skills you already have. Private lessons, group classes and video instruction are a big part of it. Practicing is a crucial part of retaining what you learn. Social dancing also provides an opportunity to practice and enjoy what you have learned.
If you haven't had a chance to learn The Two Step or want to improve your skills, this information will be helpful to your success.
There are different ways to learn Two Step or improve the skills you already have. Private lessons, group classes and video instruction are a big part of it. Practicing is a crucial part of retaining what you learn. Social dancing also provides an opportunity to practice and enjoy what you have learned.
This is a video of me dancing 2-Step with my pro at the UCWDC World Championships.
Here Is Some Useful Information About 2-Step
Rowdy DuFrene is an instructor based out of Austin, Texas.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are the fastest way to learn to dance. They are also the most expensive way, but worth the investment. Private lessons are generally fifty minutes long. I would suggest having at least a tentative objective in mind for how you plan to use what you have learned.
You may want to learn to dance for a wedding, going to clubs or other social dancing.. If it is for a wedding, dance instructors can choreograph a dance to a song of your choice and include your partner in the lesson. No partner is necessary to take lessons though.
Studios have a staff of male and female instructors in case you have a preference. Good instructors will be able to dance and teach both the lead or follow in a dance. It is not unusual to receive instructions from the same sex, I have done it many times.
You may want to learn to dance for a wedding, going to clubs or other social dancing.. If it is for a wedding, dance instructors can choreograph a dance to a song of your choice and include your partner in the lesson. No partner is necessary to take lessons though.
Studios have a staff of male and female instructors in case you have a preference. Good instructors will be able to dance and teach both the lead or follow in a dance. It is not unusual to receive instructions from the same sex, I have done it many times.
* Private lessons can also be arranged with instructors at locations other than their home base studio. Many instructors travel to different towns, states and counrties to give lessons.
Dance Classes
Group classes can be a good way to learn also. Some people take group lessons as their only means of instruction or in addition to private lessons. The classes are usually fifty minutes and are much less expensive than private lessons.
Classes are also a good way to get familiar with dancing then move on to private lessons. As with private lessons, you do not need a partner. The instructor will periodically rotate the class and have you dance with different partners. This is good because it helps you to learn to lead or follow by dancing with different people. The rotation also helps out if the class has an uneven amount of men and women,
There is also a social aspect to classes. You get a chance to meet people, especially people at the same dance level.
Other than studios, classes are sometimes held at community centers, colleges and night clubs.
Classes are also a good way to get familiar with dancing then move on to private lessons. As with private lessons, you do not need a partner. The instructor will periodically rotate the class and have you dance with different partners. This is good because it helps you to learn to lead or follow by dancing with different people. The rotation also helps out if the class has an uneven amount of men and women,
There is also a social aspect to classes. You get a chance to meet people, especially people at the same dance level.
Other than studios, classes are sometimes held at community centers, colleges and night clubs.
Video Example Of A Class Or Workshop
Workshops
Dance workshops can be series of classes on the same day or over a weekend. They are sometimes followed by practice time or social dancing.
Workshop information should be spelled out clearly in advance as to what is being taught and for what level of dancer. If not, check with the instructor to be sure that you won't be spending an entire day working on advanced level patterns when you are still learning basic steps.
Workshop information should be spelled out clearly in advance as to what is being taught and for what level of dancer. If not, check with the instructor to be sure that you won't be spending an entire day working on advanced level patterns when you are still learning basic steps.
Video Instruction - Basic Two Step - Learn Online
Learn the basic from World Champions. This video starts with the very basics and progresses.
Studio Parties And Social Dancing
Dance studios usually host a party once a week for their students. It is a chance for students to practice with other students of all levels and still have a few instructors around for a quick question. In most cases the lights will be dimmed slightly and beverages allowed to create more of a actual experience in social dancing.
Some studios also have themed parties around holidays or host a dance for no other reason but to get together and have fun.
More opportunities for organized social dancing can be found through community centers and dance groups. If you prefer dancing at clubs and want a little room to dance, go early. A crowded dance floor can be fun, but frustrating if you are wanting to do more than bounce off of other people
Some studios also have themed parties around holidays or host a dance for no other reason but to get together and have fun.
More opportunities for organized social dancing can be found through community centers and dance groups. If you prefer dancing at clubs and want a little room to dance, go early. A crowded dance floor can be fun, but frustrating if you are wanting to do more than bounce off of other people
Country Western Dance Resources
Dance Competitions are held in many local clubs and are a great place to compare your dancing skills with other two steppers. On a larger scale, there are organizations dedicated to Country Western Dance Competitions.
You don't have to compete to enjoy a dance weekend at competition. There are plenty of workshops and social dancing to do right along with students and professionals. In addition to the competitions that include youth through senior divisions, there is always a fabulous show put on by the professionals. This is all wrapped up in a nice hotel, the ballroom, smaller rooms for classes and several vendors with dance shoes and clothes.
You don't have to compete to enjoy a dance weekend at competition. There are plenty of workshops and social dancing to do right along with students and professionals. In addition to the competitions that include youth through senior divisions, there is always a fabulous show put on by the professionals. This is all wrapped up in a nice hotel, the ballroom, smaller rooms for classes and several vendors with dance shoes and clothes.
- UCDWC
World wide organization for Country Western Dance Competitions. A great resource for finding when the Top Pros in Country dancing will be in your area. There are always dance workshops during the events. - ACDA
American Country Dance Association is another great organization for dancing. Their site includes a list of competitions where workshops and private instructions are also available.