Country Two-Step

The country/western two-step, often called the "Texas two-step" or simply the "two-step," is a country/western dance usually danced to country music in 4/4 time. It is a progressive dance that proceeds counterclockwise around the floor. As with other country/western dances, there are different versions of two step. Even the same dance 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 do a particular dance.

The Two Step can be danced over a fairly wide range of relatively fast tempos, such as 130 bpm to over 200 bpm. Accomplished dancers can dance to tempos above 185 bpm. The United Country Western Dance Counsel (UCWDC) rules list the Two-step at 182-198 BPM for competition music, while the Country Western Dance International (CWDI) rules lists the Two-step at 160-192 BPM for competition music.

The Texas Two Step includes three steps: a quick step, a quick step, and then a slow step. The lead steps forward on his left foot, lifting his right heel for the first step, which is the first quick step. It can be danced to music with either a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature. The best effect is created when dancers achieve a smooth gliding motion in time to the music. Although three steps are taken the dancer only progresses two steps.