Home » Misc » How to country dance with partner

How to country dance with partner


10 Popular Couples Country Dances Everybody Loves! – Country Dancing Tonight

At the time I’m writing this blog post we’re still in the coronavirus pandemic. For us who have enjoyed dancing and specifically country dancing, both line dancing, and couples partner dancing, we’ve missed this past time terribly.

It really goes without saying all the benefits, both to our mind and body to have an outlet like dancing. All the friendships and connections we make with people when we have regular nights out dancing as part of our lives.

I’m hopeful that as the year goes on we will more and more be able to return to a sense of normalcy, and while things may possibly never be exactly what they were hopefully most of the things we enjoy, like dancing will come back into our lives. And wow, what a moment that will be!

But of all the dancing, I think the couples partner dancing will resume with a special exhilaration in particular. To be able to dance again as partners will be awesome. I love the line dancing on a night out, but a good night out isn’t complete without some Two-Stepping, the Cowboy Cha Cha, etc.

So, to celebrate partner dancing and in anticipation of getting to do that again here’s my list of the most loved couples country dances. If you don’t know some of these take a look, watch some of the videos and if possible learn them before things open up again!

The Top 10 Most Loved Couples Country Dances

1. Country Two-Step
2. Cowboy Cha Cha
3. Denver Cha Cha
4. California Cha Cha
5. West-Coast Swing

6. The Waltz
7. Queen’s Waltz
8. Sweetheart Schottische
9. Desperado Wrap
10. Texas Time

1. The Country Two-Step

Obviously, we have to start with the most common country couples dance-The Country Two-Step! While there are lots of different partner dances out there, The Two-Step is the most common. The Two-Step is easy to learn but can take a lifetime to really perfect and explore all its possibilities.

The Two-Step dance stands apart and is different from all the other 9 dances I’ve mentioned in that it is a dance that is far more original and spontaneous than the others (the waltz being the exception). The reason is that the others (except the waltz) are exact choreographed dances. There are a set amount of steps for them and once you know them, every couple follows them exactly and looks the same (apart from an occasional spin or little embellishment).

The Two-Step provides more of a foundation of a very basic pattern which you can then build on and make your own. The Two-Step dance is known for its “Quick-Quick, Slow-Slow” description. Meaning that you take two quick steps (the 2nd one being on the 1/2 beat) and then the last two steps being on the normal full-count beats.

If you are truly new to The Country Two-Step dance and want to learn, click over to my article “Learning The Basic Country Two-Step Dance” on how to learn the Two-Step. While dance is hard to learn from a written description, I’ve done my best to take you through the fundamentals from partner roles to positioning, etc. Click here to check it out!

When out at a country bar you’ll see the night basically divided in half between line dancing and partner dancing. If I had to guess, I would say its 50-50. But when it comes to the partner dancing, I think its fair to say all the partner dance time is mostly Two-Step dancing, maybe 60-70%. A large portion of the time, you’ll see the West-Coast Swing dance called, a Cha Cha several times and then possibly some of the other dances I’ve mentioned above.

The Two-Step is possibly the most popular because of the versatility of it. It’s great for beginners, as it’s easy to pick up and just add as you learn. Check out the video below for a good basic tutorial to get started with the Country Two-Step! I like this video from “Show Her Off” a lot! The man (Hunter) makes a great point in it: As the lead, if you are teaching go ahead and go backward! If the lady (or follower) is beginning, it’s hard enough to learn the steps and all the correct positioning. Going forward at the beginning can help a little, instead of learning while also going backward! I think it’s funny that generally ladies are stuck stepping backward so much!

https://youtu.be/aTAtOQ_NZscVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to Country Two Step – 2 Step Footwork (https://youtu.be/aTAtOQ_NZsc)

Another resource to learn from is some videos that The Ranch Saloon in Anaheim, California created to help people first starting out. Click here to see their 3 videos on how to do the Two-Step.

back to top

2. The Cowboy Cha Cha

Count: 80Progressive Partner Dance

Choreography: Unknown (or possibly: Dick & Geneva Owsley Matteis)
Step Sheet for the Original “Traveling Cha Cha”: Click here to download.
Step Sheet for the West Coast “Cowboy Cha Cha”: Click here to download.
For my #2 country partner dance, I have to go with the Cowboy Cha Cha (aka the Traveling Cha Cha)! On a typical night out at a country bar, there may be a few different Cha Chas called, but the Cowboy Cha Cha is most likely to certainly be called. Therefore it’s a dance that is a necessity to learn!

All the Cha Cha dances are danced to songs with a slower BPM (around 100), this works out since you are taking one step on a 1/2 beat (3 steps in 2 beats of music “cha-cha-cha”).

As a big fan of all the Cha Cha dances, I’ve also published a post entirely about these dances. Click here to really dive deeper into everything western cha cha!

But just a few minor things to know about the Cowboy Cha Cha is that it may take a little time to master, but will be worth it in the end. There are actually 80 steps involved. These 80 steps are comprised of steps in 5 different parts or stages. Take each part and learn it and then combine them together. It just takes practice and it will finally feel very natural. The 5 parts:

  1. Basic Cha Cha
  2. Turn and Face
  3. Pivot-1/2 Turns
  4. Lady’s Part (or Walk-Walks in the Traveling version)
  5. Around the World (aka Weave the Basket)

TIP: I find that even though I know the dance I can get lost in the moment and forget what part is coming next (and I’ll skip over a part!). So, one tip is to just be thinking ahead at what part you are in and what part is coming up next. In other words, you can’t space out too much during the Cowboy Cha Cha!

https://youtu.be/31ZJud3NS5gVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Cowboy Cha Cha (Partner Dance) (https://youtu.be/31ZJud3NS5g)

Cindy teaching the Cowboy Cha Cha (but the traveling version without the lady doing the full turns on part 4).
back to top

3. The Denver Cha Cha

For number 3 in my list of popular couples dances, I’m going with another great & very popular Cha Cha dance: The Denver Cha Cha. Again, like the California Cha Cha, I really delve deep into these Western Cha Cha dances in another post of mine called: What are the Country Cha Cha Dances? How are they Different? Check this one out for a deeper consideration.

The main point I would make here is that the Denver Cha Cha is unique in that it is a stationary partner dance. Unlike many of the country western partner dances that are “progressive” dances, meaning they move around the dance floor in a circular way, this partner dance is done in one spot.

Because of this it is very much like a line dance, but just danced together with a partner. Sometimes if someone is alone they might still get out on the dance floor and dance the Denver Cha Cha in sync with all the couples out on the dance floor.

https://youtu.be/JWNkwRBXf5sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: 424 Colorado Cha Cha 1/3 DEMO, aka Stationary Cha Cha, Denver Cha Cha, Cowboy Cha Cha,Texas Cha Cha (https://youtu.be/JWNkwRBXf5s)

Here is a video from James Ingram that starts with a basic demo of the Denver (or “Colorado”) Cha Cha. But be careful, at about :44 they stray from the basic Denver Cha Cha pattern and show how the cha cha tempo facilitates freestyle cha cha dancing.
back to top

4. The California Cha Cha

For number 4, one last cha cha dance must be mentioned: The California Cha Cha. This is a really fun cha cha to learn. One thing interesting is that, while it is a progressive cha cha dance, the beginning position has the couple facing each other, but the lady (or follower) is looking to the outside of the circle with the man or (leader) facing inward.

Again, check out my more elaborate post about all things cha cha here for a deeper dive.

https://youtu.be/JeEJjTo6BuoVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: California Cha Cha couples line dance – Candy Sherwin (https://youtu.be/JeEJjTo6Buo)

Candy Sherwin does a great job demonstrating the basics of the California Cha Cha.

back to top

5. West-Coast Swing

And finally moving on from some of the western cha chas, we come to number 5 in our list which goes to the West-Coast Swing! This is a very popular couples partner dance seen on the saloon dance floor every night. And, total transparency here: I am still very much a work in progress on this dance. I’ve taken a couple of lessons, but really am far from mastering this dance. I generally take a break from the dance floor when a West-Coast Swing dance is called!

That being said, I’ll do my best to describe it and leave you with a great instructional video from Brian Barakauskas that goes over the basic steps and even shows you 4 basic moves to get you started.

The West-Coast Swing is also another partner dance that is stationary. You won’t be moving in a circular pattern around the dance floor here. Typically when this dance is called you will see one row of dancers taking position in the middle of the dance floor. The couple move apart from each other and come together again. To try to get two rows of dancers would probably not work out too good-not enough room!

So, basically, the couple faces each other, lightly holds hands and begins the 6 or 8 step pattern. I’ll break down the steps for the leader & the follower:

The leader steps back with their left foot and then brings the right foot back as well (1, 2), bringing the follower with them then triple steps, using the 1/2 beat, (3&4), but with the 4th step, steps forward again, pushing the follower backward. The steps are finished with a final triple step, again using the 1/2 beat, (5&6).

The follower accordingly will follow the same steps, but with the opposite feet and stepping forward initially as they’re pulled and then as they are pushed back, unless the pattern ends with switching places!

This all will be much easier to follow and practice after watching Brian B’s video below!

Check it out and you’ll see him go through 4 great beginner patterns:
1. The Sugar Push (or Push Break)
2. Left Side Pass
3. Right Side, Underarm Pass
4. The Whip (which is an 8 count pattern)

All of these patterns use the steps mentioned and are basically ways that the leader pulls the follower toward him (through the “slot,” as it is referred to) and then pushes them back or allows leader and follower to switch places. And of course, once you have these basic four patterns down, you’ve just begun! There are many more patterns and ways to embellish and add styling to your dancing of the West Coast Swing!

Also if you are super interested in the West Coast Swing and really want to up your game here, I highly recommend Brian B’s online courses Check out his website for more information.

https://youtu.be/UUG7669CMW0Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to dance west coast swing | WCS Beginner (https://youtu.be/UUG7669CMW0)

Brian Barakauskus and Megan demonstrate 4 basic patterns for West Coast Swing to get you ready to dance the West Coast Swing tonight!
back to top

6.

The Waltz

Yes! The Waltz is found being danced at country dance bars. While not as popular as Two-Step or the Cha Cha’s you will see a Waltz called from time to time.

It wasn’t too long after I had become familiar with the two-step and was progressing that I showed up on a night when the Waltz was the partner lesson for the night.

At first, I was worried, but quickly found the steps to actually be pretty easy to understand and pick up.
The Waltz is known to be a dance, danced to 3/4 time, which means that there are 6 counts. And, unlike the Two-Step the steps are each danced on whole beats (there is no syncopation to worry about) It is simply 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6!

But it is really all about what you do with those steps. The Waltz is also know for the characteristic dip on steps 1 & 4 and then the rise through the other steps.

Honestly I really haven’t focused too much on the Waltz. I basically do what I do when I two-step, but just change up the footwork. But after a little research and study, I found out that is really not what the Waltz is about! There is a constant rotation and changing of direction while you are rising and falling with your partner. That is at its core what the Waltz should be.

Check out the videos below, both by great pros and while there’s a lot of overlap each teaches some keys to the waltz in a unique way.

First, Anthony of Country Dance X starts with dispelling the myth that there’s such a thing as “Country Waltz!” That was interesting. Basically, at country bars, it’s just the Waltz being danced to country music. But the problem is people don’t know how to Waltz so they just do their normal Two-Step, but with the Waltz footwork. This is exactly what I was doing. Anthony and Rose do a great job demonstrating what the Waltz is really meant to be and look like. There are to be these constant rotations, not just a “dip, step, step” as Anthony calls it.

He goes on to do a great job breaking down how to do those rotations technically correct, explaining some “secret sauce” to help you master a correct Waltz dance with your partner. Check it out and let’s dance our next Waltz this way as the county bars start opening again!

https://youtu.be/NoZMo8fTqSEVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: COUNTRY WALTZ DANCE – The Secret Sauce (https://youtu.be/NoZMo8fTqSE)

And for Waltz also check out a lengthier and really comprehensive video from Brian B and Ms. Megan of Country Dance Online. They begin by teaching how to dance the box step and then go on to explain in great detail how to do a beginner progressive Waltz. I thought it interesting that it wasn’t all just constant rotations with Brian B! But it is definitely a correct way to dance the Waltz in a progressive way around the dance floor. Check it out!

https://youtu.be/uarhZB9QbN0Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: HOW TO DANCE WALTZ FOR BEGINNERS – Waltz Tutorial for Beginners – HOW TO WALTZ (https://youtu.be/uarhZB9QbN0)

back to top

7. Queen’s Waltz

Count: 36Wall: 4Stationary Partner Dance

Partner Dance: Queen’s Waltz
Choreographer: Unknown
Music: Various
Step Sheet: Click here to download.

I felt I need to include the Queen’s Waltz because it is a couples partner dance I see called from time to time and I would say there is more energy around it than say a Barn, Horseshoe, or other partner dance that isn’t making my top 10 list! I haven’t learned the Queen’s Waltz yet, but hope to update this post soon to remove this! Haha! But what I can say about it, is that it is a Waltz, and therefore follows the basic footwork that the regular Waltz does. There are 3 (or 6) basic steps that repeat.

Like the regular Waltz it is that first step that you dip down with and then come up with the next two.

The Queen’s Waltz is a very simple and easy patterned couples dance that resembles a line dance, in that it is stationary. Instead of progressing around the dance floor which you can do with the regular Waltz, the Queen’s Waltz has couples staying in position on the dance floor following simple choreography consisting of steps forward, backward 1/4 turns to the left and right (and this is where you can really give the dance that Waltz look of rotation!) and also some 1/2 swivels involving underarm turns.

The Queen’s Waltz reminds me a lot of the Denver Cha Cha, in that you are stationary, and, like a line dance facing the four walls as you progressing through the dance.

Unfortunately, I honestly couldn’t find much in the way of video tutorials, so below you’ll find two versions! The first one demonstrated is danced alone. The second one shows the Queen’s Waltz danced about a year ago at InCahoots in Fullerton California for a competition. Both these are comprised of 36 steps–so pretty easy to learn!

https://youtu.be/q5xCIuuff3sVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Queens Waltz (https://youtu.be/q5xCIuuff3s)

Version 1 of the Queen’s Waltz: Demonstrated being dance alone.

https://youtu.be/4DuQ1-zKalgVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: 2020 InCahoots Queens Waltz (https://youtu.be/4DuQ1-zKalg)

Version 2 of the Queen’s Waltz: Dance in competition at InCahoots in Fullerton, California.

back to top

8.

Sweetheart Schottische

Count: 26Progressive Partner Dance

Partner Dance: Sweetheart Schottische
Choreographer: Unknown
Music: All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down by The Mavericks or He Thinks He’ll Keep Her by Mary Chapin Carpenter
Step Sheet: Click here to download.

Of all the popular couples partner dances being danced all the time I would say there are 5 groups: 1) The Two-Step, 2) The Cha Cha’s, 3) The West Coast Swing, 4) The Waltz dances & 5) All the rest of the unique pattern dances out there! And this last group is where the last 3 dances follow: The Sweetheart Schottische, the Desperado Wrap, and Texas Time. Of course, there are endless couples pattern dances, but I think these 3 are among the hot ones at the moment.

All these dances are well-beloved and seem to be evergreen timeless dances everyone should learn. So, to start with, there is the Sweetheart Schottische!

And, when you first hear the name you may say “the Sweetheart What?” Yes, you heard that right–Schottische! And what’s funny about it, is that the hardest thing about this dance might be how to spell it! I certainly struggled with it as I wrote this blog post!

The Sweetheart Schottische is pretty easy to learn at only 26 steps! There is some grapevining, and scuffing, and great turning to face each other (without breaking contact) and then the walking backward! The follower admittedly has the harder part in this dance.

When dancing the Schottische, it seems the DJ always plays All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down by the Mavericks (which has a bpm of 145), but I’ve also danced it to Down In Mississippi (Up to No Good) by Sugarland. Both these songs make the dance pretty fun and fast!

https://youtu.be/wIlBvuW2xIoVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Sweetheart Schottische (Partner Dance) – Teach (https://youtu.be/wIlBvuW2xIo)

Cindy does a great teach here of the steps for both the leader and follower.

https://youtu.be/ta-FDCb54c8Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Sweetheart Schottische Demo with Music (https://youtu.be/ta-FDCb54c8)

Here is Cindy again with her partner demonstrating the Sweetheart Schottische with music.

https://youtu.be/wXeb9PiLS_IVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Sweetheart Schottische (https://youtu.be/wXeb9PiLS_I)

One last demo of the Sweetheart Schottische with the classic Maverick’s song “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”

back to top

9. Desperado Wrap

Count: 24Progressive Partner Dance

Partner Dance: Desperado Wrap
Choreographer: Harry Raymos & Norie Raymos
Music: In a Different Light by Doug Stone
Step Sheet: Click here to download.

The Desparado Wrap is a favorite partner dance dance in many country dance saloons. The beginning position is for the ladies (or followers) to be in front of the man (or leader) and face out from the dance floor center with the followers arms over the followers shoulders.

There is the “wrapping” part of course, some spinning of the lady and a great turning backward and grapevine part for the man that I think makes the dance really fun.

One thing to note is that the “wrapping” part is done with modesty and decorum. If the two people are just acquaintances and not a couple, the man shouldn’t “wrap” too tight around the lady. But just for fun, I’ve included the 2nd video below that illustrates how, if you are a couple, I guess have fun and wrap each other uptight. Notice also how they change places toward the end of the dance just for fun!

https://youtu.be/3R1idFDJ_I0Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Desparado Wrap (https://youtu.be/3R1idFDJ_I0)

A good, clear demonstration of the Desperado Wrap.

https://youtu.be/VA0hsm8adlwVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Desperado Wrap with My Girlfriend Jacqui at Brandin Iron (https://youtu.be/VA0hsm8adlw)

A super fun demonstration of the Desperado Wrap at The Brandin’ Iron in San Bernadino.
back to top

10. Texas Time

Count: 24Progressive Partner Dance

Partner Dance: Texas Time
Choreographer: Stephen Pistoia
Music: Texas Time by Keith Urban
Step Sheet: Click here to download.

Finally, number 10! I had to include Texas Time! And, while I don’t really know how popular this dance is regionally throughout the United States or world, in Southern California it has been a favorite. This dance has been around for a few years now.

I learned this one night without a lesson, a nice lady just took me through it and with the benefit of having seen it a lot it really wasn’t too difficult to pick up.

I’m so glad I have learned this dance and have been able to get better at it by keeping at it. I think one thing that makes this dance really fun is the Keith Urban song Texas Time. And just for fun, I’ve included a special video where he is interviewed about the making of it.

I think there is something super cool and special (as Keith Urban says, “infectious”) about the song that just drives the dance. Learn this dance if you haven’t! Besides the tutorial video below, also go over to my about page to see me dancing Texas time with a friend of mine in a competition.

https://youtu.be/s0AvG-4g4IYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Texas Time partner Dance (https://youtu.be/s0AvG-4g4IY)

Stephen Pistoia, the choreographer of Texas Time, takes us through the steps.

https://youtu.be/OwXmgozsjAgVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Texas Time – Candy Sherwin (https://youtu.be/OwXmgozsjAg)

Candy Sherwin’s great teach and demonstration of Texas Time.

https://youtu.be/q_IiycR4yLkVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Keith Urban – Texas Time (Behind the Song) (https://youtu.be/q_IiycR4yLk)

Keith Urban and Texas Time – The making of the song.

Conclusion

I know there are countless great couples partner dances out there, so please feel free to comment below and let me know what your favorite couples dances are. I would love to know! But for now, I hope this quick list of 10 favorites helps you fill in some blanks and helps you up your partner dance game at the country dance floor near you!

back to top

Partner and Line Dances – Gays for Patsy Dance Club

Overview | Registration/Cost | Schedule | Partner and Line Dances | Instructors and DJs | Getting Here | Accommodations | Volunteering

We are teaching four partner dance styles (Cha Cha, Two-Step, East Coast Swing, and West Coast Swing) and a bunch of line dances during the hoedown for beginners and intermediate dancers. Here’s what we mean:

  • Beginner has little or no experience
  • Beginner + (also Improver) has some familiarity with the basics
  • Intermediate has solid comfort in the style and ready to learn some fun new moves and combinations.

Partner Dance Styles

We will be offering our staple Two-Step and West Coast Swing partner dance workshops along with a East Coast Swing or Cha Cha workshop.

You do not need a partner to partake in these lessons/workshops.

These are just some of the partner dance styles we will be playing music for at the dances — look for Nightclub Two-Step, Lindy/East Coast Swing, Hustle, Waltz, and more sprinkled out throughout our dances.

Cha Cha

Cha Cha (and Mambo — the precursor to Salsa), first became popular in the United States in the 1950s originated in Cuba. Cha Cha’s name comes from the chasses (cha-cha-cha) in the basic rhythm. It’s a fun and lively dance that you will hear in a lot of line dances. Mambo is similar but more sultry and doesn’t have the chassis.

A LOT of line dances have a cha cha rhythm to them. If you don’t know the line dance, but hear the rhythm, try the cha cha off to the side (if space permits).

Alan is teaching the basics as well as a pattern or two that will have you move with grace and elegance on the dance floor.

Cha Cha Workshop
  • Saturday, 3:00-3:50 pm with Alan Gaskell (The Pilgrim House)

East Coast Swing

We mainly do Triple Step or a Six Count moves. Both have their roots in Lindy Hop, with Triple Two arriving around late 1920’s and Six count in the 1930’s.

East Coast Swing Workshop
  • Saturday at 10:00-10:50 am with Beth Aufiero (Town Hall)

Hustle

The Hustle (also known as the “New York Hustle” and “Latin Hustle”) is a swing dance that you can do to any disco or club-type music. It incorporates moves from samba, salsa, and swing dancing. It is fairly easy to pick up and this is workshop will get you hustling in no time flat.

Bob comment: I did this with a friend at a wedding and impressed everyone — and my partner didn’t know it! The hustle is a blast to do if you have room on the dance floor, not recommended if you’re at a disco shoulder-to-shoulder (not that I tried that noooo… hobbling off the dance floor after smashing a beer bottle). 

Two-Step Lessons and Workshops

Two-step (Country Two-Step), at least in New England, is a partner dance where you progress around the dance floor with the pattern of quick-quick-slow-slow to 4/4 music (Our friends from the west coast start slow-slow-quick-quick and Texas folks add a lockstep in one of the quicks). Two-step is one of our favorites and will be played a lot throughout the weekend.

Here’s a list of our Two-Step lessons and workshops:

Hint: If you are absolutely new to two-step (never taken a lesson), consider taking the Friday night lesson, ask everyone to dance, and then the beginner workshop on Saturday. It will give you a dance and a break to absorb the basics before moving on to the Beginner + lessons.

Two-Step Beginner Lessons

For people who have never danced two-step (or need a refresher on the basics). Learn the basic form (quick-quick, slow-slow), a hesitation move, and an under-arm turn. After this lesson, you will be able to navigate around the dance floor.

  • Friday,  8:00-8:30 pm
    • Beginner Two-Step with Art Sullivan (Town Hall)
  • Saturday, 7:00-7:30 pm
    • Beginner Two-Step with Art Sullivan (Town Hall)
Beginner+ Two-Step Workshop

Moving on from the basic pattern noted above, learn a few new patterns. You can take this without experience doing it but I suggested you the basic two-step lesson with Art on Friday night to digest it a bit before moving to patterns.

  • Saturday 12:00-12:50 pm
    • Beginner + Two-Step Workshop with Art Sullivan (Town Hall)
Intermediate Two-Step Workshop

Assumes you know a few moves in two-step and are comfortable with the basic mechanics. This will be a bit faster-paced than the Beginner + lesson.

  • Saturday 12:00-12:50 pm
    • Intermediate Two-Step Workshop with Alan Gaskill (Pilgrim House)

West Coast Swing

West Coast Swing has a long history but not as West Coast Swing. It stems from the Jitterbug and became popular as a slot-style dance that can be done on a very crowded floor. The jitterbug’s bouncy movements were smoothed out, slowed down, and the result is a sexy dance where a leader guides his partner back and forth along the slot. It’s a damn sexy dance.

Here’s a list of the workshops for Stomp:

Beginner West Coast Swing Workshop

Learn the basic 6-count form and some patterns that will get you on the floor.  

  • Saturday 4:00-4:50 pm
    • Beginner West Coast Swing Workshop
      with Alan Gaskill (The Pilgrim House)
Intermediate West Coast Swing Workshop

Intermediate assumes a solid familiarity with the basic count patterns and are ready to learn a more complicated pattern that will be sexy as hell on the dance floor.

  • Saturday 10:00-10:50 am
    • Intermediate West Coast Swing Workshop
      with Alan Gaskill (Pilgrim House)

Line Dances

Numerous line dances are taught in the lessons and workshops this weekend. Check out the demos below. If you want to be even geekier, check out the step sheets to see what the notations are.

Friday, April 29, 2022
  • 8:30-9:00 pm
    • Beginner Line Dance Lesson
      with Art Sullivan (Town Hall)
      I’m Glad You Exist beginner by Kickin’ it Country
Saturday, April 30, 2022
  • 9:30-9:50 am
    • Line Dance 101: Part I with Bob Sweeney (Town Hall)
      I’ll go through shuffles, coasters, sailor steps, weaves vs. vines, and more. What we don’t cover, I’ll cover in Sunday’s Part 2.
  • 11:00–11:50 am
    • Beginner Line Dance Workshop with Conrad Fornam (Town Hall)
      • Martha Divine Your Ass Is Mine beginner by Conrad Farnham
      • Mr. Po Po beginner by Conrad Farnham
    • Intermediate Line Dance Workshop with Jen Collins (Pilgrim House)
      • Gives Me Shivers improver by Brandon Zahorsky
      • Good To Go intermediate by Scott Blevins
  • 2:00–2:50 pm
    • Beginner Line Dance with Conrad Fornam (Town Hall)
      • Livin’ Ain’t Killed Me Yet beginner by Conrad Farnham
      • My Trouble Town beginner by Conrad Farnham
    • Intermediate Line Dance (Pilgrim House) with Art Sullivan
      • Senorita La-La-La improver by Julia Wetzel
  • 3:00–3:50 pm
    • Intermediate Line Dance Workshop with Jen Collins (Town Hall)
      • Moses Roses Toeses intermediate by Amy Glass
  • 7:30–8:00 pm
    • Beginner Line Dance with Art Sullivan (Town Hall)
      • Handsy in the Stall beginner by Crocker and Carpentino
Sunday, May 1, 2022
  • 10:30-11:00 am
    • Line Dance 101: Part II (Town Hall)
      Building on Part I, I’ll continue onto monterey turns, tips on doing things quicker.
      with Bob Sweeney
  • 11:00–11:30 am
    • Beginner Line Dance (Town Hall)
      with Bob Sweeney
      Style beginner by KyungOk Kim

Country dance - frwiki.wiki

For the film, see Country Dance.

Country Dance (literally "Peasant Dance" or "Country Dance") or Country Dance is an English dance in XVII - centuries, originally square dance.

It has four, six or eight dancers or even more. The dancers are arranged in a circle, in a square or in two columns. Very quickly this last formation prevails, allowing the progressive development of the dance to an unlimited number of dancers. If these figures are accurate, initially they do not often remain in the dancer's imagination and settle on in XIX - m .

The first edition of Country Dances dates from 1651, when John Playford published the first edition of The English Dance Master .

Not to be confused with square dance derived from square dance in XIX - th century.

Summary

  • 1 General
    • 1.1 Principle
    • 1.2 Levels
    • 1.3 Choreographies
  • 2 country in France
    • 2.1 Balls
    • 2.2 Regular pot
  • 3 steps
  • 4 Derivatives
  • 5 Notes and references

General

Principle

Country dances all kinds of country music: waltz, cha-cha-cha, Irish, rock, pop and even tango, etc. Each music played during a country ball may lead to the performance of one or more choreographies. The same choreography can be performed on several pieces of music. Today it is more than 2000 choreographies. The principle is simple: you need to repeat the choreography on a certain number of walls. The starting wall, called the "12 o'clock wall", is by convention opposite the musicians during the concert, otherwise opposite the audience. The dances mostly consist of two or four walls, but some have only one, while others dance in a circle, in pairs (dance with partners ) or face to face (dance contra ). Some choreographies, such as Lookout , are mostly danced diagonally, i.e. between two walls. Others use diagonals of only a few steps, such as I am running towards you .

The choreography consists of 8-beat parts (6 in the case of waltzes). The shorter dances are 16 beats (very rarely less, for example Pick a Bale has 8 beats), the vast majority of dances are 32, 48 or 64 beats, and sometimes much longer. Some like " Where the wind blows" or " Centurion" exceeds 100 beats.

Certain choreographies can contain the tags (part of the choreography is added exclusively) or restart (the choreography starts again at the beginning). Some particularly advanced choreographies combine several different tags and several restarts of . The complexity of the dance is often subjective: it depends, of course, on tags , restarts , the length of the choreography, but also from the beginning, style and many of the sensations that music has.

Anyone can create a country dance choreography if it meets certain criteria. There are some favorite dances that we find very often in ballrooms such as Toes , Home to Louisiana , Irish Stew , Easy Come Easy Go . A dance with as many dancers as possible on the floor, which is usually one of the premieres in the National country dance pot, is country .

Levels

Country dances include different difficulty levels: beginner, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Dancers may well stay at the same level for several years.

Choreographies

The choreographies below are sorted by level. The level is indicated in the step sheet written by the choreographer.

Choreography for beginners Novice Choreography Intermediate choreographies Advanced choreography Other choreographies
Cheyenne Lay California blue Holy moth Billy's Dance ( partner )
Easy come, easy go Lips so close Soul Counted Flame floor Mexican Wind ( partner )
Hooked the country Not fair Doctor Doctor Kansas is no more Seminole Wind (Circle )
Lindy shuffle South of Santa Fe Long hot summer overnight stay Texas Waltz ( partner )
Sheriff Tango White rose We are tonight Peaceful Valley Wanderer ( vs )

Country in France

It is thanks to the American Robert Vanstreet (1960-2010) that we are indebted to import country dances to France, thanks to the creation in 1993 in Paris of the first amateur club Les Amis08 Far West 90. He is also the author of several choreographies including Love Dance and Black Pony . Since then country dances became popular, attracting large audiences.

Balls

Balls are large gatherings of dancers who come to dance, usually taking place on Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons. There is usually a list of choreographies that will be performed during the ball. The opening dance is often performed in a country style. The ball can also trigger an initiation, and time can also be reserved for dances on request, that is, where the dancers present can suggest the choreography they want to dance to.

During the balls you need to know the etiquette of the route . It is a set of rules, more or less unspoken, based mainly on respect and common sense, which allow everyone to dance in good conditions. We can give some basic rules such as:

  • Food and drink are strictly prohibited on the dance floor, as is tobacco.
  • we do not cross the already formed lines, but simply complete them at the end, or create a new line at the back.
  • On the track it is forbidden to carry weapons, even artificial ones, or spurs.
  • you must not stay on the dance floor if you are not dancing. In the event of an accident or collision, it is also customary to apologize and replace the glass of the person who was pushed if he knocked it over.

The division of the dance floor must also be taken into account:

  • Part 1: the center of the lane is reserved for stationary dances, in a line, without continuous movement along the lane.
  • part 2: intermediate part reserved for progressive pair dances or dances with partners, which include, for example, stops and restarts.
  • part 3: the edge of the lane is reserved for progressive dances used by dancers in faster dances.

Regular potty

Once or twice a year, animators meet to select dances to be included in the curriculum and balls. The "National Common Pot" is a short guide that allows every dancer to find what is most popular in France. In addition, each region has its own Common Pot.

Each animator offers several choreographies of different levels and different styles. Then the animators vote for their favorite chorea. The choreographies that receive the most votes are elected.

No

Here are some of the most popular country steps:

  • Triple Pitch : Three pitches similar to hammered pitch.
  • Kick : kick with the end of the foot extended.
  • Coaster step : 3-step weight change, back: one leg moves back, the other gathers, the retreating leg moves forward. Forward: One leg moves forward, the other gathers, the advanced leg moves back.
  • Rock Step : two weight transfers.
  • Grapevine : put right foot to the right, cross left foot behind, put right foot to the right with body weight (also done to the left, and also 1/4 or 1/2 turn).
  • Stomping : Foot pose with weight transfer by tapping the heel.

Derivatives

We also find more and more dances called line dance or new line , that is, country choreography in very modern music and non-country genres. If the steps used are the same, these choreographies are more likely to use larger developments, glides. You can give, for example, " Rolling in the Deep" and " Watch It Burn" , who danced respectively to Adele's " Rolling in the Deep" and " Set Fire to the Rain ", Timber's on Ke$ha, or Hey Brother on Avicii.

In response to , the new line, clubs are proposing a return to choreography that is considered more traditional. Steps tend to have a lot of support, with significant use of the heels and toes.

Notes and links

  1. ↑ "The Legacy of Robert Vanstreet" on the website of association Les Amis du Far West .

Popular dance styles - Dancejam

Dance is a form of performance art, consisting of purposefully chosen sequences of movement. This movement has aesthetic and symbolic value and is recognized as a dance by performers and spectators in various cultures. It is believed that other forms of human movement have dance elements, such as martial arts, gymnastics, figure skating, synchronized swimming and other types of athletics.

Ballet

Ballet originated in the 15th century, first in Italy and then in France. Ballet has influenced many other styles over the centuries. dance and became an independent form of fine art. There are three main style:

  • Classic : this shape reached its peak in 19th century France and Russia. The productions are often based on a story and staged with fantastic sets and costumes. Movement emphasizes work pointe shoes, graceful expressions and symmetry.
  • Neoclassical : this is an evolution of classical ballet that emerged in the early to mid 20th century. Movements are faster and more precise, with less emphasis on symmetry, simple scenery and costumes. The plot is often missing. orchestras, groups or soloists may accompany the dancers.
  • Modern movement and physical expression that may not look like dance. Costumes and sets are often simple or abstract. Musical or sound works, if they are used, are modern or experimental.

Jazz

Jazz is a lively dance style that depends from originality and improvisation. Jazz dance has its origins in African American culture. Over time it has evolved into a street dance style, which soon crossed over to jazz clubs in the early 20th century. From ancient times to present, there are many influences that have added variety to this dance form.

Jazz combines all dance styles in a high-energy dance that has no traditional boundaries. On him influenced by ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, African dance and many others styles. Jazz is most often accompanied by upbeat, bright and popular songs. Jazz shoes usually have leather split soles, which gives the dancer's foot more freedom to flex and move.

Tap dance

Like jazz dance, tap dancing comes from tradition African dance kept by slaves in the USA. The dancers wear special shoes with metal heels on the toe and heel, which turns their feet into musical instrument. Music is rarely used in this dance.

After the Civil War, the step turned into a popular form of entertainment on the Vaudeville circuit, and later became a staple early Hollywood musicals. The most famous masters of tap dancing - Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.

Hip-hop

Another descendant of jazz dance, hip-hop, appeared on streets of New York in the 1970s in African American and Puerto Rican communities cities at the same time as rap and DJing. Breakdance with its plasticity, acrobatics, stunts and movements on the floor - this is the earliest form of hip-hop dance. Often teams of dancers held competitions to determine which the group has the right to be called the best.

As rap music flourished and diversified, various styles of hip-hop dance. The most popular are locking and popping, also under the influence of hip-hop, a new style of jazz dance arose, which called jazz funk.

Contemporary dance

Contemporary dance is a dance style that overrides many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing on instead, on the expression of inner feelings. It appeared in Europe and the USA in early 20th century as a revolt against classical ballet, emphasizing creative approach in choreography and performance.

Choreographers including Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, developed methods of reduction, expression of the internal state, movement and breathing, performed under the avant-garde or experimental musical accompaniment. These choreographers have also collaborated with artists working in other areas such as lighting, projection, sound or sculpture.

Swing

Swing is another offshoot of traditional jazz dance that has become popular since swing bands became the dominant form of popular entertainment in the late 1930s and early 40s years. Unlike other forms of jazz dance, which emphasize individuality, swing dance is a partnership. Couples rock, spin and jump together in synchronous time, usually with a fixed amount choreographic steps repeated in a certain sequence.

Contra

Contra dance is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form two parallel lines and perform a sequence dance movements with different partners along the entire length of the line. Dance has its roots in similar folk dances from the colonial era Great Britain. Folk music from the British Isles or the USA is the most common form of accompaniment.

Country and Western

Country and Western dance is a broad category of many dance styles, which includes the influence of contrast, folk and even country jazz or western music. Waltzes and two steps are the most common partner dance forms, but you can also find variations in the polka and other folk dances brought to the USA by German and Czech immigrants. Square dances and line dances where people dance in hard, choreographic positions with several partners or as part of a group, have place in this style.

Belly dance

Belly dance originated from the folk traditions of the Middle East, but its exact origin is unknown. Unlike most forms Western dances that emphasize intricate footwork and choreography partner, belly dance is a solo performance that focuses on torso and thighs. The dancers combine a series of fluid movements to emphasize the rhythm, hip curves, rotations and vibrations of the torso to add variety and detail.

Flamenco

Flamenco dance is an expressive dance form which combines percussive footwork reminiscent of tap dancing with complex hand and body movements. It originated from the cultures of the Iberian Peninsula in 1700s and 1800s, although its exact origin is unclear. Flamenco consists of three elements: song, dance and playing the guitar.

Latin dance

Latin dance is a broad term for forms ballroom and street dances that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries in Hispanic Western hemisphere.

Many styles of Latin dance originate in certain region or country. Tango, with its sensual partners and spectacular movements, originated in Argentina. Salsa developed in Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban communities in 1970s New York.

Other popular Latin dance forms include mambo, which originated in the 1930s in Cuba; bomb - folk style of rhythmic dance from Puerto Rico; and meringue - Dominican style of dancing with partners and hard hip movements.

Folk dance

Folk dance is a general term that can to refer to various dances that have appeared over the centuries around the world, he has no particular choreographer, his forms have evolved from generation to generation and studied informally.

Learn more

10841 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville, KY 40299
Site Map
(502) 836-2348

.