Country-western Dance - Dances

Dances

Western couple dancing is a form of social dance. Many different dances are done to country-western music. These dances include: Two Step, Waltz, Cowboy or Traveling Cha Cha, Polka, Ten Step (also known as Ten Step Polka), Schottische, and other Western promenade dances, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Nightclub Two Step. The Two Step and various Western promenade or pattern couples dances are unique to country western dancing.

Western group dances include the following:

• 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.