Origin of Country Dance
Today's country dancing styles have originated from a large span of European folk dancing in the 1800s. The basic folk dancing technique of Waltz, 2-step, and others has now split into many different country dance varieties such as the Country 2 step, Country Waltz, etc. Each dance is based off the original foundation of its predecessor but with an added country flair.
How to Country Dance
Country 2 step - This dance may be among the most active in country music bars today. It's simple to learn - you move with your left foot forward at the same time as your partner, while moving a right step back in tandem on the backbeat. Click to see pictures of the country 2-step dance.
Country 3-step - This dance is the 2-step with an emphasis on the 1-2-3. It's polka dancing set to country, but can take on a life of its own in the midst of an exciting fiddle solo!
Country waltz - The country waltz comes to us from the Austrian dance "ländler" and takes elements of the country shuffle mixed with the traditional waltz. This dance is best done during classic, elegant country & western ballads.
Country Swing - Like traditional swing, country swing is done with two dancers, and involves partners' twirling, dipping and flipping, depending on the strength and flexibility of the dance partners.
Country shuffle - The country shuffle is another C & W variation of polka dance music. Partners move, or shuffle, across the floor, instead of hopping as in a traditional polka hop step. The main dance steps in this shuffle are 1-2-3 to the left, followed by a similar triple to the right.
Learn to Country Dance
Country dance has been a staple in American culture for a long time. Often done so in a social setting, this dance has become the perfect staple in one's repertoire.
Whether you want to learn how to dance Country Western socially or competitively, Arthur Murray offers lessons for dancers of all levels.
Ready to dance? Sign-up for a private dance lesson today!
