Country Swing Dancing
This Ain’t Ya Mama’s County Two-Step and Western Swing
This Lindy Hopper loves anything that swings, but secretly I’m a little bit country. Â Yes – I love Bluegrass, Country Western Swing, Country Rock, Folk, Polkas and the sound of a steel guitar. Â I also love to dance to this music.
This cowgirl throws on a nice pair of jeans and cowboy boots for a night of country two-step, western swing and line dancing. Â And these dances aren’t just for the honky-tonk anymore – country swing dances have moved out of the bars and into the ballrooms for those looking for a challenging dance sport. Â Think West Coast Swing with country flare.
Lil’ History of Country Western Swing Dancing
Country dances are a variety of social dances down to country music.  Coming out of the folk and ‘old-timey‘ music of the early 20th century, western swing put its musical focus on the fiddle over the big-band swing horn.  In the 20s and 30s, Gene Autry and Bob Mills were traveling through out the Great Plains playing for dance halls and radio broadcasts.  In the dance halls and fairs, these country kids put a modern spin on the jigs, reels and ranch dances of the past, and the simpler one and two step dances, country foxtrots and waltzes were more casual and smoother than their eastern counterparts.
The dances have evolved along with the music – while the dance floor etiquette of progressive dancers moving around the swing, line dancers and other non progressive dances in the center, the dances themselves have moved with the times.  The same casual dances have a noticeable stylish rock n roll flare, often incorporating intricate pretzels and flashy aerial steps.  And country dances aren’t just for the honky-tonk anymore, with challenging steps came big competitions like the World Championships of Country Dance for couples and line dancing, hosted by The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC).
Looking for a new competitive dance challenge?  Enjoy country swing music?  Do you get excited about country rock and cowboys?  Want to connect with your old-timey roots?  Then Country Swing and Two Step are the dances for you!
Learning Country Swing or Two Step in Orange County
Tuesdays @ Atomic Ballroom Placentia – Western & West Coast Swing with Tom & Sossy
Tom & Sossy Hyatt teach all levels the country two-step and west coast swing. Â Learn your two-step basics and spice up your moves with west coast techniques
Country Western Swing Social Dancing in OC
Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays @ Â InCahoots Fullerton – The BEST place for country dancing in OC
Mondays @ Tiajuana’s Irvine – Country Mondays at this roadhouse style nightclub
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Hi Shani!
My name is Stephanie. I recently came across your blog and really enjoyed reading this post titled “I’m a Little Bit Country.” It was easy for me to relate. I have always been in love with country music and in the past few years have grown fond of dancing to it, too. There is a really well known country bar and saloon I go to on a regular basis with friends that has the best atmosphere, live bands, and most importantly, a great dance floor! I have picked up most of the line dances and love to swing when I can find a good partner! I thoroughly enjoyed your history about country western swing dancing, too.
I am also writing to see what you think about writing a follow up piece or allowing a guest post that relates back to this post on the history of western dancing. I currently work in affiliation with a company that has a great infographic about the history of the cowboy hat and think your readers could also find a piece like that fun and interesting. I would love to talk with you more about the infographic and to see what you think about this idea!
Look forward to hearing back from you. Have a nice day,
Stephanie G
Hi Stephanie:
Thanks for the comments – I’m glad I’m not the only one who likes country!
And I will speak to you personally about a Cowboy Hat post. It sounds like an interesting story.
All the Best,
Shani