as a an American smooth ballroom instructor retired with my wife, ( we instruct as a couple also) and a country music and blues fan really enjoyed your videos got out on the floor and put it together so weI no longer dance a fast fox (slow slow quick quick) with two steppers instead we are joining them.
That’s awesome! We’re glad to hear that :-) I (Anthony) also started with smooth and rhythm and completed my gold certification in the late 90s. You’ll be interested to know that Two Step, while it is a progressive dance with similar counts to bronze foxtrot, is actually danced as a progressive rhythm dance. It is actually more similar in connection, movement, pattern structure, weight distribution, and overall technique to wcs, ecs, cha cha, and even salsa than foxtrot.
My wife and I learned to two-step through your videos about two years ago and have been regulars at Cowboys Red River in Dallas ever since. Thank you! As to how to explain what type of dance goes with what song rhythm…that’s really tough to encapsulate. Part of it is rooted in pure experience of dancing (also in playing music myself) and your ear and sense of rhythm learning to “tune in” to the rhythm of a song. I always mentally “overlay” the QQSS pattern to a song when it starts to make sure it “fits”. If not, I then switch mentally to the three-step polka, and if that doesn’t fit, then I try to determine if it’s a swing song (mostly those are faster beat songs). Over time, you just sorta “know it when you hear it”.
You are awesome. I love how you explain the technique and rhythm of the dances. You have a great knowledge of the lead and follow in your teaching. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Both of you are so good in explaining the steps and such a great couple. Thanks for adding these on youtube. Both my wife and I love to watch you teach and your style of dancing.
Hi there. Thanks for the suggestion. We generally do whenever we teach a new pattern. Since we didn't teach any patterns in this video, we didn't do that. But we could have demonstrated the concepts to music
Love the way you guys teach! It's the logic and the art combined. I see so many dancers with poor musicality. Would love to see you guys visit Chicagoland!!
THANK YOU for saying that! Anthony is very theoretical himself... the artistic and athletic sides took a little more time. Thank you for watching and contributing :-)
i SO appreciate the technical breakdown here! this is totally how my mind works and learns best. i just learned to two-step yesterday (after several months of ECS) and people kept calling it a “4/4 dance” and i was so confused because the steps themselves are definitely 6/8. Also: I so loved that you broke down that we do possibly infinite quicks until the two slows! This has had me so confused for so long with partner dancing - how to maintain my “assumed pattern” (which i thought my feet were supposed to keep doing no matter what!!) while doing all the fancy turns. Somehow no one ever explained that to me before. It just clicked. Thanks so much!!!
That makes us so happy to hear! Yes, Two Step music is in 4/4 ... but if you think of it as down beat/up beat it makes a lot more sense. It is a 6 count basic pattern and has patterns that could literally be any even number of counts haha.
The 2 step is 4/4 timing. That means if you assume the basic you are taking a measure and a half to complete a basic. (4 quarter notes to a measure.) This is important (At least it is in ECS) for musicality because it will take 3 measures to get back to the first beat of a measure. So if you do 4 quick quicks that takes up a measure and if you follow with a slow slow that will complete the next measure and you will start your next series of moves on the 1st beat of the next measure. Why important? If you do 3 quick quicks then do your slow slow you will have a beat (quarter note) left in a measure so instead of starting on the first note of a measure you will start on the last note of a measure. In my opinion it is important to know where you are in the music when you dance but I realize everyone might not want to get this technical.
I love the way you break down the rhythm and interpretation of the dance steps. So understandable. I recognize a two step by the beat of the song. It’s like a 4/4 time that I can fit 6 beats into.
Y’all are great, I live in the woodlands! Hopefully these videos can help but I may have to drop by and have you beautiful people teach me some things!
Thank you so much for joining us here! We’d love to have you stop by our studio. Your first private lesson is only $15 which you can schedule at www.countrydancehouston.com
Was asked to go out dancing. I know nothing! So I looked it up on UA-cam. Found y'all. You're fantastic. Still haven't gone but I'm slowly learning concepts and will build my confidence and get up the courage to go. The guy knows how so hopefully he can teach me. Just hope his leading skills are decent. Thanks for all you do and for doing it so well!
For me I listen and picture it in my mind, some songs you can put more sway into it... love the way you beat it down !show it from different angles, helped me,to help others enjoy dancing.... plus the ladies love a guy who can dance...
I really like the explanations of more intermediate concepts. Most of what you're explaining I am doing, but that doesn't mean I've been consciously aware of why I'm doing it. Now that you've pointed it out, it helps me make those movements and timings more crisp because I have a target and an deeper understanding. Keep up the good work!
Validation is just as important as learning new concepts. At least then you will keep doing what you're doing well. Thanks for being here and contributing!
I have taught Lindy and ECS for many years...now somewhat retired from that. I primarily dance argentine tango now but have started learning country line dances and two step. I want to say your instruction is excellent. I love the way you break it down. While I am musically inclined and can dance well with the music I am struggling with how to count the beats. Are you counting 1/2 on the quick quicks and 3/4, 5/6 on the two slows?
Anthony and Rose thank you for the videos. My wife and I are in our 70s and enjoy two stepping and add some of you tips. We can’t do it all but what we do we do well. Thank You both.
Thanks for the great tips, I always wondered why dancers in El Paso were dancing 2-step two to the left and one to the right, I have always danced it as you teach it. QQSS. I sure enjoy your videos.
Two Step has always been QQSS. Even when they count it as “two to the left and one to the right” that is still QQSS. It’s still 4 steps and is the same rhythm regardless of how you count it out. (You can’t step twice with the left without stepping with the right foot in between). Thank you so much for watching and contributing!
I’m here working in El Paso right now, I’ve noticed most just one step or do the pirate limp, they 2step done here is very bouncy so it looks weird on the QQs done. If you’d like to get together sometime, Anthony will vouche for me I bet.
Been here in Houston for a little while now wish I had seen about this channel earlier but hey it’s never too late. I need a couple of these lessons. 😂🙏🏽
We're glad you're here! This was filmed at our studio near the Galleria in Houston. We usually film at our location in The Woodlands (that's where we live).
love all your dance videos, but my boyfriend is only dancing WCS, I wish he would agree to learn 2 step😞. You are bringing on so much of it. So here is my question: You are having 2-stepping Tuesday😊👌 why not West Cool Wednesday? 💔😎🤔
Thank you for the recommendation. We have had that conversation multiple times and it’s probably something we’ll do at some point in the future. What’s holding us back is that we own 2 dance studios with hundreds of students, a dozen full time employees, 2 small kids at home, and still try to spend time with each other LOL We love doing these videos for you guys. Promoting country dance is a passion project for us. But ... time is a factor. Thank you for joining us and your kind words. We will definitely post more WCS here soon!
To the question of how do you know if a song is a 2-Step, the short answer is: does it feel like it works for you? My personal thought process is a little long but decides between waltz, 2-step, polka, West Coast or Nightclub 2-Step. First, I check if the song is in 3/4 and if so, it is automatically a waltz. If not, then I check the feel of the song. If it feels more relaxed and like something you could sway in place to then I would lean more either Nightclub (i.e. Speechless by Dan + Shay) or West Coast (i.e. Pontoon by Little Big Town) and check tempo for reasonability. If it has a little more of a pep to it and makes me want to get up and cover ground then I look into 2-Step (i.e. Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson) or polka (i.e. Nothin' to Lose by Josh Gracin). In checking the tempo, I always check 2-Step in normal time to see if it works. If the song is too slow for that, I then check polka in normal time to see if that works. If the song is still too fast, I finally check for a half-time 2-Step. At this point it is really unlikely to find a song that has a tempo this slow and still enough energy to make me want to go for a traveling dance.
So the way I was taught, if I can comfortably say triple step then it’s not a two step, it’s a 3step, triple two, wcs etc. if I can’t say it then it’s two step. On fast triple step songs they tend to sound bouncy to me so I polka. I’m only recently beginning to hear a cha cha beat but it’s more I just hear but can’t explain what I’m hearing. Wcs well on stretchy sounding sounds I’ll do that or I’ll blend it w all my triple step songs. Btw this is Justin with Breaking Bad Country Dance. Love you guys, love your videos!!
Justin! Thank you for contributing here. It never stop amazing us how different Dallas is even in the simple things like terminology, music, dance styles, etc.
Great question on how one determines what dance to select for a particular song. I am a musician also, and I typically pick two step style dancing for certain tempos or Beats Per Minute [BPM] a song with about 90 BPM is perfect comfortable rhythm for two step, while a triple two, or one step, would be appropriate for faster tempo songs. Also, songs have different beat patterns such as a train shuffle beat, which is a straight beat, which is great for two step, and other songs have a bit of a swing to them, which typically makes them better triple twos or one steps. In summary, if I don't know the song, I let the beat clarify, then I pick two step, or triple step.... You can search on country songs with different BPM and get a good sample of this....
Love that. Thank you for your input. We have a lot of things we want to cover with this topic because we're asked about this a lot. I mentioned this in reply to another comment, but most country dancers would count the same two step song that you're counting as 90 bpm as 180 bpm. Same beats per minute, but there is typically a down beat and an up beat in two step. We could count two step as 1,2,3,5 rather than 1&2, 3. Thanks again for pitching in! We look forward to doing this video and cover the topic fully.
that's true! Two Step is in 4/4. The difficult thing is that west coast swing, polka, cha cha, east coast swing, triple two step, country swing (and many more) are also in 4/4 :-/
I think tempo definitely has to be taken into consideration. To expand on what you're saying, most country dancers would translate that to Two Step is 150-190 bpm. Same song, same tempo, but most of us would count every beats as opposed to just the down beats. Two Step weight changes would be counted 1,2,3,5 which makes it a 6 count pattern at 150-190 bpm rather than counting it 1&2,3 which would align with a 75-95 bmp.
I have no idea how to explain how I know the difference between a two step song or shuffle, or waltz or cha cha or WCS. But I can always identify what dance goes with what music, sometimes more that one dance can fit. I'm amazed at people who cannot quickly identify the appropriate dance. I just listen and it's just obvious. Your thoughts?
Totally get that! That’s how we are now... but since not everyone is that way, we’ve had to really put some thought into how to explain it verbally to someone else who doesn’t understand it that way. We’ve found that there are definite differences in the music. Stay tuned for a future video where we do our best to break it down :-)
My wife and I choose the dance style based on music genre and tempo or BPM. Progressive Double Two Step (1&2, 3&4, 5, 6) is popular in Dallas to 100-120 BPM country western music. We generally two-step to anything faster or slower. I guess West Coast Swing is usually to other genres in the plus or minus 110 BPM range. And Polka isn't really danced much in our part of the state.
We were just in Dallas a few weeks ago and went dancing at Red River. You're right... not much polka there but LOTS of Triple Two Step (what you guys call Progressive Double Two Step). It is crazy how different the country community can be in style and dance popularity from one area to the next.
@@countrydancex sorry you ended up at Red River..I it's a fun place but mostly country swing and progressive double two. Which just shuffles and no french crosses to much faster songs that I'd dance Triple at. usually when a bunch of us go to RR, we just do a slow polka to the fast progressive songs. It's fun to do a leisurely polka while everyone is frantically trying to do a super fast progressive. Guitars and Cadillacs in Ft Worth is more like the Houston area places I've been to dance style wise
gary goode I think it’s all in what you’re accustomed to. Houston has a very different community than Dallas for sure. But... neither of us are originally from Houston either and dancing in Houston took some getting used to for us too. We don’t dance Progressive Double Two Step, but were excited to see so many people filling up the dance floor having a good time.
Had to search these comments for a while to find one discussing how to tell which songs are two step appropriate. Thanks for opening this discussion. I appreciate your point about BPM and genre, but I'm not a country western music fan. However, I need to pick a song for a first dance with my mom at my wedding. She's a two step dancer. Can you give me some song suggestions for an easily danceable two step song that might fit the occasion?
Travis Martin congratulations on your big day and your thoughtfulness towards your mother. I did a little thinking about it and searched around. “So Much Like Dad” by George Strait or “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” by Glen Campbell are a couple of good lyrical options and you can’t go wrong with King George. Maybe Tennessee Whiskey somewhere in the evening for your bride. All of these are easy dancing but you might consider a couple of private lessons specific to the song(s) you choose if you really want to impress.
Really, REALLY learned a lot from this, thank you. Love seeing the partner moves during FFSSlow. And your finesse, also showing weave, styles, and great pace. Thanks. You could consider your female partner getting to talk a little...?
Perhaps you answer the question about determining the style or chosen dance pattern, but here is my input..(preaching to the choir) You can generally swing OR two step to most songs with a 1-2-3-4 tempo, or 4/4 time signature. Good two step numbers generally are a little slower than swing, coming in about + - 100-130 BPM, (beats per minute) Swing starts about 130-150BPM and up. Both styles would have a very definitive DOWN beat almost as if 1-2 feels just a tiny bit stronger than the 3-4, but good swing seems to emphasize the 1 and 3 beat just a little more. Two examples, City of New Orleans, Willie Nelson, strong 1-2 beat, two step tempo. Jailhouse Rock, Elvis, strong 1-3 beat ( listen to the emphasis on the words Warden and Party) and just has a little "bounce" to it which lends itself to swing. That being said, you could dance either style to either song, there is no right or wrong..it's moving to music. Good way to determine BPM, start a stop watch on the downbeat of a song, count every beat for 6 seconds and add a zero.
We agree that Two Step and Swing have a strong down beat. We typically recommend that Two Step be danced at 150-200 bpm, ECS at 125-145 bpm, and WCS could be anywhere from 60-140 bpm. The song you mentioned (City of New Orleans) is definitely a slower Two Step and comes in right at 152 bpm.
Do you try to show the quicks and slows by the length of your steps. Shorter steps on the quicks and longer on the slows. Or keep the length of your steps the same and hold longer on the slows?
That's a good question :-) The quicks are literally half the size of the slows. Each quick is 1 beat and each slow is 2 beats. We want Two Step to be smooth and travel at the same "miles per hour" throughout. 2 quicks equal 1 slow in time and should equal the same in distance.
Houston area huh? What's yalls fave place to go to for beginners in between bw8/610 loop? I've been to Stetsons but it has been a while. Wanting to get back into it. Tia.
We have so many choices here in Houston. Some of our favorites are Wild West, Big Texas, and Stampede. There's a really nice one opening soon too. Look for Electric Cowboy in a month or 2 :-)
When I hear a song, I note the beat then I quickly count the beat against the rhythm for the dances I know and see which of those matches the song I am listening to. Often I will find that there are two, sometimes three, different dances that I could dance to that song. No offense intended, country music isn't our thing but we did have a group class in Texas Two-Step about four years ago so I know the rhythm, thus I do recognize a song with a two-step beat.
Thank you for watching and contributing! Totally agree with you that there are sometimes multiple dances to fit a single song. We call those songs "multi-rhythm" at our studio. Sometimes the same song could work for ECS, WCS, Cha Cha, Hustle, Tango, Rumba, Samba, Polka, and even Salsa. There are, however, some identifiable features in music beyond just the BPM that would best fit the expression and character of the dance style itself. That's what we hope to cover in a future video.
When I dance and my partner spins me a lot ( which I love ) how do I keep from getting dizzy. I try to spot but we are moving around the room so it’s difficult. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi there! That’s one of the most common things for newer dancers. While there’s no quick fix (you have to just build up that muscle), here is an old video we made about that... ua-cam.com/video/NjWSWHQFdsY/v-deo.html
So, is Texas Two-Step just the country dance version of Foxtrot? And, to differentiate itself from Foxtrot it starts with QQ rather then SS as Foxtrot does?
Using that logic, rumba, polka, nightclub two step, bolero, bachata, and salsa are all the same dance (salsa/bachata/polka are qqs, while rumba, bolero, and nc2 are sqq) ... and keep in mind that foxtrot is only ssqq for beginners (it eventually becomes sqq). Oh, and two step also uses qqs rhythms. The steps, style, and structure between foxtrot and two step are almost polar opposites. Even if the steps were identical, that wouldn’t make the dances similar. If it did, waltz, rumba, foxtrot, and samba would all be the same as they all use the box step. The count is irrelevant. Foxtrot is a smooth dance while two step is a rhythm dance.
In dancing, slows should always start on a downbeat, and you need to have an even number of quicks in order to keep the slows on the downbeat. I suspect you are dancing a triple step (which is counted1&2 with the music), not 3 quicks (which would be counted 123). Either way, the dance you are doing is your own invention, and it isn't country 2-step.
Good question! Your feet will definitely play a role. On the other hand, I always tell my students that your spine is what’s most important. If you’re doing “quicker quicks” that might mean turn quickly and “slower slows” might mean the absence of motion.
So, if the patterns/turns start on the QQ, then technically aren't the cues on the second slow? If we start the dance with a SS, then we could turn on the first QQ. But, if we start with the QQ, an entire QQSS will pass before we turn. Correct?
You “could” start mid pattern on the slows for sure. Some people do and it’s not “wrong.” But, since most everything starts on the quicks, it just makes more sense to start dancing there. Most turns continue past the 2 quicks and into the first slow as well.
@@countrydancex I appreciate your kind response. Pardon my confusion, but - when you say "most everything starts on the quicks," I'm guessing you mean the turns. However, based on other techniques you have emphasized, the feet have to swivel prior to the first quick (because the cues are on the 2nd slow). This still seems like steps "start" on the 2nd slow and definitely before the first quick. Unless I misunderstood, I believe you discussed this concept in at least 2 other videos.
Where could I find information on the “shuffle” style? My girlfriend dances that way and I would like to take her dancing without just sitting watching her dance with everyone else. (Witch isn’t a bad thing) I’ve been on dirt bikes and under a hood for my whole life so this is all new to me.
We get it. On the other hand, we can’t think of a single legitimate dance teacher who would teach that... so we honestly wouldn’t know where to send you. Sorry if that sounds harsh lol Our suggestion is to ask your girlfriend to learn to dance with you. Use the videos here on our channel and try it together :-)
Country Dance X thank you for responding, didnt seem harsh at all I completely understand. I talked to her about it but she’s just so comfortable with the other way. I guess it was worth a shot. You’re videos are great I watched about 4 hours of them. Keep up the good work.
There is something I don’t quite understand about some dance competitions I have watched. It appeared their dance moves and choreography did not go with the rhythm or timing of the music. I am a musician and my dance would have to match the song tempo and rhythm. If it doesn’t why have music? A fantastic dance is no good if it doesn’t work with the music timing. Most pop and country music is 4/4 or cut time.
Musicians tend to get stuck in their heads a lot. For some reason, they sometimes believe that the moves should be done in sections of 4 beats at a time if the song is in 4/4. In Two Step, for example, there is a down beat and an up beat. That's all that matters socially. 1,2,1,2 etc rather than 1234. In competition, choreography is often phrased in sections of 16/32/64 to emphasize the phrase changes between verse/chorus etc.
@@countrydancex yep, that is why I initially struggled with it. I’m still learning. I believe a musician can have an edge with understanding timing and different rhythms.
What makes a two step a two step.... a 4 4 time signature consisting of evenly distributed quarter notes and eighth notes in an any Garth Brooks song. Most two step songs are also written ion the key of G. West coast wing is typically written in 3 8 or 6 8 time with either 3 beats or 6 beats to the bar with each beat being an 8th note, a swing beat puts a 16th note on every third beat. A waltz is 4 4 time quarter note quarter note half note, example: Unforgiven by Metallica.
Yeah, it can be a little confusing for newer dancers at first. The good news is that you will eventually get a "feel" for the different rhythms. First of all, Two Step and WCS are both in 4/4 time signature. The BPM does come into play ... Two step is typically anywhere between 150bpm and 198bpm. WCS is a little more versatile and can be danced very slow or quite fast. Traditional Two Step music is characterized by a strong down beat and an up beat. I don't think the key of music is in any way relevant. Newer Two Step music is harder to find... but George Strait has a lot of great older Two Steps. By the way, waltz is very clearly in 3/4... The Unforgiven by Metallica is NOT a waltz.
@@countrydancex So being the troll I am I looked up the time signature to all of Metallica's music to prove you wrong.....The song I learned to waltz to is Nothing Else Matters, which makes sense that one is 3/4 time. I'm a Mega Death fan.
If two couples can legitimately dance at different speeds to the same song, does that mean that you don't actually dance to the beat of the music, with two step?
Everyone dancing to the same song dances at the same speed... unless someone is dancing off beat (or I guess it's possible to dance at half time or double time). As mentioned in this video, speed is an illusion created through contrast. The music is oblivious to anyone dancing to it.
Country Dance X well I’m Probly doing it wrong then haha but that’s how I been doing it. I’ve not had lessons yet to dancing w the tempo, I need to though.
@@afterthestormhailrepair4619 I don't believe in "right or wrong", only better or worse ... which is simply an opinion based on the intended result (try to say that 3 times fast). The thing is that slower music gives you more time to stretch things out. The faster the music, the shorter the steps. With faster music, taking longer steps will just make everything look and feel rushed. A quick is a faster step than a slow, so quicks would feel more natural as shorter steps.
Amazing tutorial. Which all the southern Texan folks knew the real two step. Thank for the tips
Thank you for watching and your positivity!
as a an American smooth ballroom instructor retired with my wife, ( we instruct as a couple also) and a country music and blues fan really enjoyed your videos got out on the floor and put it together so weI no longer dance a fast fox (slow slow quick quick) with two steppers instead we are joining them.
That’s awesome! We’re glad to hear that :-)
I (Anthony) also started with smooth and rhythm and completed my gold certification in the late 90s. You’ll be interested to know that Two Step, while it is a progressive dance with similar counts to bronze foxtrot, is actually danced as a progressive rhythm dance. It is actually more similar in connection, movement, pattern structure, weight distribution, and overall technique to wcs, ecs, cha cha, and even salsa than foxtrot.
My wife and I learned to two-step through your videos about two years ago and have been regulars at Cowboys Red River in Dallas ever since. Thank you!
As to how to explain what type of dance goes with what song rhythm…that’s really tough to encapsulate. Part of it is rooted in pure experience of dancing (also in playing music myself) and your ear and sense of rhythm learning to “tune in” to the rhythm of a song. I always mentally “overlay” the QQSS pattern to a song when it starts to make sure it “fits”. If not, I then switch mentally to the three-step polka, and if that doesn’t fit, then I try to determine if it’s a swing song (mostly those are faster beat songs). Over time, you just sorta “know it when you hear it”.
You are awesome. I love how you explain the technique and rhythm of the dances. You have a great knowledge of the lead and follow in your teaching. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Both of you are so good in explaining the steps and such a great couple. Thanks for adding these on youtube. Both my wife and I love to watch you teach and your style of dancing.
What an awesome thing to say! Thank you so much.
We appreciate you joining us here too :-)
I have been taking two step lessons for about a year, I just recently found ya'll and I really enjoy the way you teach and break it down. Thanks You.
That’s awesome! We’re so glad you’re taking lessons. Thank you for watching :-)
So informative!! Added to what I've learned as a beginner, this makes me a much better leader for my wife!!
We love that! That’s what it’s all about :-)
One thing we'd like is after you teach something new, show us how it looks and feels to music! Thanks!
Hi there. Thanks for the suggestion. We generally do whenever we teach a new pattern. Since we didn't teach any patterns in this video, we didn't do that. But we could have demonstrated the concepts to music
💯
Love the way you guys teach! It's the logic and the art combined. I see so many dancers with poor musicality. Would love to see you guys visit Chicagoland!!
THANK YOU for saying that! Anthony is very theoretical himself... the artistic and athletic sides took a little more time. Thank you for watching and contributing :-)
i SO appreciate the technical breakdown here! this is totally how my mind works and learns best. i just learned to two-step yesterday (after several months of ECS) and people kept calling it a “4/4 dance” and i was so confused because the steps themselves are definitely 6/8.
Also: I so loved that you broke down that we do possibly infinite quicks until the two slows! This has had me so confused for so long with partner dancing - how to maintain my “assumed pattern” (which i thought my feet were supposed to keep doing no matter what!!) while doing all the fancy turns. Somehow no one ever explained that to me before. It just clicked. Thanks so much!!!
That makes us so happy to hear! Yes, Two Step music is in 4/4 ... but if you think of it as down beat/up beat it makes a lot more sense. It is a 6 count basic pattern and has patterns that could literally be any even number of counts haha.
The 2 step is 4/4 timing. That means if you assume the basic you are taking a measure and a half to complete a basic. (4 quarter notes to a measure.) This is important (At least it is in ECS) for musicality because it will take 3 measures to get back to the first beat of a measure. So if you do 4 quick quicks that takes up a measure and if you follow with a slow slow that will complete the next measure and you will start your next series of moves on the 1st beat of the next measure. Why important? If you do 3 quick quicks then do your slow slow you will have a beat (quarter note) left in a measure so instead of starting on the first note of a measure you will start on the last note of a measure. In my opinion it is important to know where you are in the music when you dance but I realize everyone might not want to get this technical.
Found yalls channel yesterday and i cant stop watching. I love yall!
Awesome! Well.. welcome!
Excellent, I never understood the purpose of quick quick slow slow. I can adapt this to other styles. Ya rock!
Happy to help!
I love the way you break down the rhythm and interpretation of the dance steps. So understandable. I recognize a two step by the beat of the song. It’s like a 4/4 time that I can fit 6 beats into.
That makes us happy to hear! Thank you for joining us here and for the love
Y’all are great, I live in the woodlands! Hopefully these videos can help but I may have to drop by and have you beautiful people teach me some things!
Thank you so much for joining us here! We’d love to have you stop by our studio. Your first private lesson is only $15 which you can schedule at www.countrydancehouston.com
Was asked to go out dancing. I know nothing! So I looked it up on UA-cam. Found y'all. You're fantastic. Still haven't gone but I'm slowly learning concepts and will build my confidence and get up the courage to go. The guy knows how so hopefully he can teach me. Just hope his leading skills are decent. Thanks for all you do and for doing it so well!
Welcome to partner dancing! You’ll love it once you get over that “I’m a beginner” stage. Just have a great time and don’t take it too seriously!
1st timer, just learning , been square danceing, 2 years, ask to go to do Texas two step. I hope this helps. thanks
For me I listen and picture it in my mind, some songs you can put more sway into it... love the way you beat it down !show it from different angles, helped me,to help others enjoy dancing.... plus the ladies love a guy who can dance...
Love it
Love the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really like the explanations of more intermediate concepts. Most of what you're explaining I am doing, but that doesn't mean I've been consciously aware of why I'm doing it. Now that you've pointed it out, it helps me make those movements and timings more crisp because I have a target and an deeper understanding. Keep up the good work!
Validation is just as important as learning new concepts. At least then you will keep doing what you're doing well. Thanks for being here and contributing!
I really like your explanation of concepts. The idea of the 2 Step rhythm being more than just. QQSS is new and very intersting to me. Thanks
Thank you for watching and stopping by to send us some positivity! We’re so glad you enjoyed it
I have taught Lindy and ECS for many years...now somewhat retired from that. I primarily dance argentine tango now but have started learning country line dances and two step. I want to say your instruction is excellent. I love the way you break it down. While I am musically inclined and can dance well with the music I am struggling with how to count the beats. Are you counting 1/2 on the quick quicks and 3/4, 5/6 on the two slows?
Hey there! Thanks for the kind words and welcome to Two Step.
That is correct. Two Step is danced 1 2 3 (4) 5 (6) :-)
Awesome video!
Anthony and Rose thank you for the videos. My wife and I are in our 70s and enjoy two stepping and add some of you tips. We can’t do it all but what we do we do well. Thank You both.
That is awesome! Thanks for being here :-)
Really fun to see where we’ll be going as intermediates. Thank you.
You’re very welcome. Thank you for watching!
Thank You ~ I love the two-steppin tips : )
You’re so welcome! We’re glad it was helpful :-)
Very polished. I will check out additional videos. I think you would look even better in a cowboy hats.
Thank you for watching!
Loved videos!
We're practicing!
That’s how you do it!
@@countrydancex we practice 4 times a week plus go to 1-2 weekend dances. We love it. Its so fun when it clicks and we realize we got it!
Great tips and if only this could be taught at all dance halls.
Send ‘em to our channel ;-)
Thank you for your time I in 🥰 it.
You are so welcome
Great job teaching it
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the great tips, I always wondered why dancers in El Paso were dancing 2-step two to the left and one to the right, I have always danced it as you teach it. QQSS. I sure enjoy your videos.
Two Step has always been QQSS. Even when they count it as “two to the left and one to the right” that is still QQSS. It’s still 4 steps and is the same rhythm regardless of how you count it out. (You can’t step twice with the left without stepping with the right foot in between).
Thank you so much for watching and contributing!
@@countrydancex Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to future videos.
I’m here working in El Paso right now, I’ve noticed most just one step or do the pirate limp, they 2step done here is very bouncy so it looks weird on the QQs done. If you’d like to get together sometime, Anthony will vouche for me I bet.
@@afterthestormhailrepair4619 Wish I could but living in Florida. I was raised in EP. There three country dance halls in El Paso, enjoy.
Love how you teach! this was really interesting! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent teacher and explained the steps so clearly.
Thank you so much for watching and the love!
Love your channel! I'm new to dancing and you guys are a great resource.
Thanks for being here and welcome to dancing! Let us know if we can ever help :-)
Very clear and easy to follow instructions. Thank you.
You're so very welcome! We're so glad you liked it!
An absolute rookie dancer-
Looking forward to the video on choosing the right dance for the music
Thanks for watching!
Been here in Houston for a little while now wish I had seen about this channel earlier but hey it’s never too late. I need a couple of these lessons. 😂🙏🏽
We're glad you're here! This was filmed at our studio near the Galleria in Houston. We usually film at our location in The Woodlands (that's where we live).
@@countrydancex Nice the woodlands is not even 20 minutes from me. Glad to be here thanks, look forward to getting down the steps the Texas way!!!
Awesome! Such detail.
Really helpful- thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks guys
Our pleasure!
love all your dance videos, but my boyfriend is only dancing WCS, I wish he would agree to learn 2 step😞. You are bringing on so much of it. So here is my question: You are having 2-stepping Tuesday😊👌 why not West Cool Wednesday? 💔😎🤔
Thank you for the recommendation. We have had that conversation multiple times and it’s probably something we’ll do at some point in the future. What’s holding us back is that we own 2 dance studios with hundreds of students, a dozen full time employees, 2 small kids at home, and still try to spend time with each other LOL
We love doing these videos for you guys. Promoting country dance is a passion project for us. But ... time is a factor.
Thank you for joining us and your kind words. We will definitely post more WCS here soon!
@@countrydancex
thank you for considering this. I feel for you.
good tips...
Thanks for watching!
Brilliant. Thank you so much for creating and sharing these videos.
Thank you so much for watching! We're having fun :-)
Great video! Learning a lot by watching all your videos 👍
Glad you like them! Let us know if we can help
Leaving and following techniques would be a big help!
That is a great idea! Thank you
Thanks so much for training!.
You're very welcome. Thank you for watching!
Excellent video clears up so much for me Thankyou very much! 🤙🏼👌🏻
So glad you liked it! Thank you for being here :-)
Nice job
Thanks!
Galleria and Woodlands!! Nice neighborhoods. And you two classy dancers fit in. If you ever want to go slumming come over to Austin, maybe the Spoke.
So nice of you to say that!
As weird as it is, we’ve lived here in Houston a total of 5 years and haven’t been to Austin yet. We do plan to this year!
I love watching yall! BTW your shirt is super cute!
We’re so glad you’re here! You’re sweet
Tempo, musical style, rhythmic patterns.
To the question of how do you know if a song is a 2-Step, the short answer is: does it feel like it works for you? My personal thought process is a little long but decides between waltz, 2-step, polka, West Coast or Nightclub 2-Step. First, I check if the song is in 3/4 and if so, it is automatically a waltz. If not, then I check the feel of the song. If it feels more relaxed and like something you could sway in place to then I would lean more either Nightclub (i.e. Speechless by Dan + Shay) or West Coast (i.e. Pontoon by Little Big Town) and check tempo for reasonability. If it has a little more of a pep to it and makes me want to get up and cover ground then I look into 2-Step (i.e. Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson) or polka (i.e. Nothin' to Lose by Josh Gracin). In checking the tempo, I always check 2-Step in normal time to see if it works. If the song is too slow for that, I then check polka in normal time to see if that works. If the song is still too fast, I finally check for a half-time 2-Step. At this point it is really unlikely to find a song that has a tempo this slow and still enough energy to make me want to go for a traveling dance.
That's a great way to look at it! Thank you for the contribution. I'm sure this will be helpful for newer dancers
I love your videos!!!! I live in Michigan! I love to dance! And I need to find a place to go two-steppin!!! I do not have a partner though!
We love to hear that you're enjoying them! Keep learning. A partner will be easier to find the better your dancing is :-)
Interesting.
So the way I was taught, if I can comfortably say triple step then it’s not a two step, it’s a 3step, triple two, wcs etc. if I can’t say it then it’s two step. On fast triple step songs they tend to sound bouncy to me so I polka. I’m only recently beginning to hear a cha cha beat but it’s more I just hear but can’t explain what I’m hearing. Wcs well on stretchy sounding sounds I’ll do that or I’ll blend it w all my triple step songs. Btw this is Justin with Breaking Bad Country Dance. Love you guys, love your videos!!
Justin! Thank you for contributing here. It never stop amazing us how different Dallas is even in the simple things like terminology, music, dance styles, etc.
Yeah they got their own style in DFW lol even have their exclusive dances such at Fort Worth Shuffle and Progressive Double Two.
Great question on how one determines what dance to select for a particular song. I am a musician also, and I typically pick two step style dancing for certain tempos or Beats Per Minute [BPM] a song with about 90 BPM is perfect comfortable rhythm for two step, while a triple two, or one step, would be appropriate for faster tempo songs. Also, songs have different beat patterns such as a train shuffle beat, which is a straight beat, which is great for two step, and other songs have a bit of a swing to them, which typically makes them better triple twos or one steps. In summary, if I don't know the song, I let the beat clarify, then I pick two step, or triple step.... You can search on country songs with different BPM and get a good sample of this....
Love that. Thank you for your input. We have a lot of things we want to cover with this topic because we're asked about this a lot. I mentioned this in reply to another comment, but most country dancers would count the same two step song that you're counting as 90 bpm as 180 bpm. Same beats per minute, but there is typically a down beat and an up beat in two step. We could count two step as 1,2,3,5 rather than 1&2, 3.
Thanks again for pitching in! We look forward to doing this video and cover the topic fully.
two steps are usually in 4/4( 4 beats per measure) that's how i feel if its a two step vs another style
that's true! Two Step is in 4/4. The difficult thing is that west coast swing, polka, cha cha, east coast swing, triple two step, country swing (and many more) are also in 4/4 :-/
I think generally two step is a country song at 75-95 bpm. Polka is a country song at ~100bpm+. I just have to listen for the beat.
I think tempo definitely has to be taken into consideration. To expand on what you're saying, most country dancers would translate that to Two Step is 150-190 bpm. Same song, same tempo, but most of us would count every beats as opposed to just the down beats. Two Step weight changes would be counted 1,2,3,5 which makes it a 6 count pattern at 150-190 bpm rather than counting it 1&2,3 which would align with a 75-95 bmp.
I have no idea how to explain how I know the difference between a two step song or shuffle, or waltz or cha cha or WCS. But I can always identify what dance goes with what music, sometimes more that one dance can fit. I'm amazed at people who cannot quickly identify the appropriate dance. I just listen and it's just obvious.
Your thoughts?
Totally get that! That’s how we are now... but since not everyone is that way, we’ve had to really put some thought into how to explain it verbally to someone else who doesn’t understand it that way. We’ve found that there are definite differences in the music. Stay tuned for a future video where we do our best to break it down :-)
What makes a 2-step song a 2-step? Never really thought about it. Do tell?
We’re going to do a video on that soon :-)
We can tell what kind of dance to do by listening to the beat of the song that's playing
That’s how we know too... but it’s a bit more difficult for someone just getting started.
My wife and I choose the dance style based on music genre and tempo or BPM. Progressive Double Two Step (1&2, 3&4, 5, 6) is popular in Dallas to 100-120 BPM country western music. We generally two-step to anything faster or slower. I guess West Coast Swing is usually to other genres in the plus or minus 110 BPM range. And Polka isn't really danced much in our part of the state.
We were just in Dallas a few weeks ago and went dancing at Red River. You're right... not much polka there but LOTS of Triple Two Step (what you guys call Progressive Double Two Step). It is crazy how different the country community can be in style and dance popularity from one area to the next.
@@countrydancex sorry you ended up at Red River..I it's a fun place but mostly country swing and progressive double two. Which just shuffles and no french crosses to much faster songs that I'd dance Triple at. usually when a bunch of us go to RR, we just do a slow polka to the fast progressive songs. It's fun to do a leisurely polka while everyone is frantically trying to do a super fast progressive. Guitars and Cadillacs in Ft Worth is more like the Houston area places I've been to dance style wise
gary goode I think it’s all in what you’re accustomed to. Houston has a very different community than Dallas for sure. But... neither of us are originally from Houston either and dancing in Houston took some getting used to for us too. We don’t dance Progressive Double Two Step, but were excited to see so many people filling up the dance floor having a good time.
Had to search these comments for a while to find one discussing how to tell which songs are two step appropriate. Thanks for opening this discussion. I appreciate your point about BPM and genre, but I'm not a country western music fan. However, I need to pick a song for a first dance with my mom at my wedding. She's a two step dancer. Can you give me some song suggestions for an easily danceable two step song that might fit the occasion?
Travis Martin congratulations on your big day and your thoughtfulness towards your mother. I did a little thinking about it and searched around. “So Much Like Dad” by George Strait or “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” by Glen Campbell are a couple of good lyrical options and you can’t go wrong with King George. Maybe Tennessee Whiskey somewhere in the evening for your bride. All of these are easy dancing but you might consider a couple of private lessons specific to the song(s) you choose if you really want to impress.
Hey you two look awesome! Great advise too! Are there classes to sign up for???
Thank you! We have 2 dance studio locations in Houston and The Woodlands, TX. We will also be planning a tour again in 2022.
Wish you had a studio in central Pa. If you know of one please let me know.
We used to have family up that way and visited often. Not too familiar with the dance studios there, though
Really, REALLY learned a lot from this, thank you. Love seeing the partner moves during FFSSlow. And your finesse, also showing weave, styles, and great pace. Thanks. You could consider your female partner getting to talk a little...?
So glad you enjoyed it! Anthony will sometimes let Rose talk if he’s in a good mood and she has behaved lol
Perhaps you answer the question about determining the style or chosen dance pattern, but here is my input..(preaching to the choir) You can generally swing OR two step to most songs with a 1-2-3-4 tempo, or 4/4 time signature. Good two step numbers generally are a little slower than swing, coming in about + - 100-130 BPM, (beats per minute) Swing starts about 130-150BPM and up. Both styles would have a very definitive DOWN beat almost as if 1-2 feels just a tiny bit stronger than the 3-4, but good swing seems to emphasize the 1 and 3 beat just a little more. Two examples, City of New Orleans, Willie Nelson, strong 1-2 beat, two step tempo. Jailhouse Rock, Elvis, strong 1-3 beat ( listen to the emphasis on the words Warden and Party) and just has a little "bounce" to it which lends itself to swing. That being said, you could dance either style to either song, there is no right or wrong..it's moving to music. Good way to determine BPM, start a stop watch on the downbeat of a song, count every beat for 6 seconds and add a zero.
We agree that Two Step and Swing have a strong down beat. We typically recommend that Two Step be danced at 150-200 bpm, ECS at 125-145 bpm, and WCS could be anywhere from 60-140 bpm. The song you mentioned (City of New Orleans) is definitely a slower Two Step and comes in right at 152 bpm.
Do you try to show the quicks and slows by the length of your steps. Shorter steps on the quicks and longer on the slows. Or keep the length of your steps the same and hold longer on the slows?
That's a good question :-) The quicks are literally half the size of the slows. Each quick is 1 beat and each slow is 2 beats. We want Two Step to be smooth and travel at the same "miles per hour" throughout. 2 quicks equal 1 slow in time and should equal the same in distance.
Houston area huh? What's yalls fave place to go to for beginners in between bw8/610 loop? I've been to Stetsons but it has been a while. Wanting to get back into it. Tia.
We have so many choices here in Houston. Some of our favorites are Wild West, Big Texas, and Stampede. There's a really nice one opening soon too. Look for Electric Cowboy in a month or 2 :-)
If it’s King George. You two step. Lol.
Strait Up
When I hear a song, I note the beat then I quickly count the beat against the rhythm for the dances I know and see which of those matches the song I am listening to. Often I will find that there are two, sometimes three, different dances that I could dance to that song. No offense intended, country music isn't our thing but we did have a group class in Texas Two-Step about four years ago so I know the rhythm, thus I do recognize a song with a two-step beat.
Thank you for watching and contributing! Totally agree with you that there are sometimes multiple dances to fit a single song. We call those songs "multi-rhythm" at our studio. Sometimes the same song could work for ECS, WCS, Cha Cha, Hustle, Tango, Rumba, Samba, Polka, and even Salsa. There are, however, some identifiable features in music beyond just the BPM that would best fit the expression and character of the dance style itself. That's what we hope to cover in a future video.
When I dance and my partner spins me a lot ( which I love ) how do I keep from getting dizzy. I try to spot but we are moving around the room so it’s difficult. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi there! That’s one of the most common things for newer dancers. While there’s no quick fix (you have to just build up that muscle), here is an old video we made about that... ua-cam.com/video/NjWSWHQFdsY/v-deo.html
Drink more beer
Let’s see with music getting it
Lots of that here on this channel as well as our Facebook and Instagram if you'd like to check those out
So, is Texas Two-Step just the country dance version of Foxtrot? And, to differentiate itself from Foxtrot it starts with QQ rather then SS as Foxtrot does?
Using that logic, rumba, polka, nightclub two step, bolero, bachata, and salsa are all the same dance (salsa/bachata/polka are qqs, while rumba, bolero, and nc2 are sqq) ... and keep in mind that foxtrot is only ssqq for beginners (it eventually becomes sqq). Oh, and two step also uses qqs rhythms.
The steps, style, and structure between foxtrot and two step are almost polar opposites. Even if the steps were identical, that wouldn’t make the dances similar. If it did, waltz, rumba, foxtrot, and samba would all be the same as they all use the box step.
The count is irrelevant. Foxtrot is a smooth dance while two step is a rhythm dance.
So what happened to the video for
Which dance for which song?
When in doubt look at dancers on the floor
That’s how we did it in the beginning
I dance quick quick quick slow slow. That way you aren't starting out on the same foot each time.
That’s interesting.
In dancing, slows should always start on a downbeat, and you need to have an even number of quicks in order to keep the slows on the downbeat. I suspect you are dancing a triple step (which is counted1&2 with the music), not 3 quicks (which would be counted 123). Either way, the dance you are doing is your own invention, and it isn't country 2-step.
You didn't explicitly say but I assume slowing the slows down is all about articulating your feet? Can you comment on that?
Good question! Your feet will definitely play a role. On the other hand, I always tell my students that your spine is what’s most important. If you’re doing “quicker quicks” that might mean turn quickly and “slower slows” might mean the absence of motion.
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So, if the patterns/turns start on the QQ, then technically aren't the cues on the second slow? If we start the dance with a SS, then we could turn on the first QQ. But, if we start with the QQ, an entire QQSS will pass before we turn. Correct?
You “could” start mid pattern on the slows for sure. Some people do and it’s not “wrong.” But, since most everything starts on the quicks, it just makes more sense to start dancing there. Most turns continue past the 2 quicks and into the first slow as well.
@@countrydancex I appreciate your kind response. Pardon my confusion, but - when you say "most everything starts on the quicks," I'm guessing you mean the turns. However, based on other techniques you have emphasized, the feet have to swivel prior to the first quick (because the cues are on the 2nd slow). This still seems like steps "start" on the 2nd slow and definitely before the first quick. Unless I misunderstood, I believe you discussed this concept in at least 2 other videos.
quick quick starts with hard beat listen to precussion
Thanks for contributing. We’d love to hear more about what you mean
Where could I find information on the “shuffle” style? My girlfriend dances that way and I would like to take her dancing without just sitting watching her dance with everyone else. (Witch isn’t a bad thing) I’ve been on dirt bikes and under a hood for my whole life so this is all new to me.
We get it. On the other hand, we can’t think of a single legitimate dance teacher who would teach that... so we honestly wouldn’t know where to send you. Sorry if that sounds harsh lol
Our suggestion is to ask your girlfriend to learn to dance with you. Use the videos here on our channel and try it together :-)
Country Dance X thank you for responding, didnt seem harsh at all I completely understand. I talked to her about it but she’s just so comfortable with the other way. I guess it was worth a shot. You’re videos are great I watched about 4 hours of them. Keep up the good work.
What kind of dance shoes is he wearing?
Ha! Non-dance shoes. Those were just regular street shoes (not the greatest for dancing)
@@countrydancex ... still fly.
You can two step to almost any song
you just know
There is something I don’t quite understand about some dance competitions I have watched. It appeared their dance moves and choreography did not go with the rhythm or timing of the music. I am a musician and my dance would have to match the song tempo and rhythm. If it doesn’t why have music? A fantastic dance is no good if it doesn’t work with the music timing. Most pop and country music is 4/4 or cut time.
Musicians tend to get stuck in their heads a lot. For some reason, they sometimes believe that the moves should be done in sections of 4 beats at a time if the song is in 4/4.
In Two Step, for example, there is a down beat and an up beat. That's all that matters socially. 1,2,1,2 etc rather than 1234.
In competition, choreography is often phrased in sections of 16/32/64 to emphasize the phrase changes between verse/chorus etc.
@@countrydancex yep, that is why I initially struggled with it. I’m still learning. I believe a musician can have an edge with understanding timing and different rhythms.
@@shanec4441 I (Anthony) was a musician for years and studied music theory before I started dancing. Totally get it.
Any Midland song lol 😆
Y not dance with music at the end of the video?
We usually do on videos where we teach a pattern in order to demonstrate the material to music. We don't when we haven't taught a new pattern.
If the song mentions a vehicle or alcohol its a two step.
Haha! The secret formula
What makes a two step a two step.... a 4 4 time signature consisting of evenly distributed quarter notes and eighth notes in an any Garth Brooks song. Most two step songs are also written ion the key of G. West coast wing is typically written in 3 8 or 6 8 time with either 3 beats or 6 beats to the bar with each beat being an 8th note, a swing beat puts a 16th note on every third beat. A waltz is 4 4 time quarter note quarter note half note, example: Unforgiven by Metallica.
Yeah, it can be a little confusing for newer dancers at first. The good news is that you will eventually get a "feel" for the different rhythms.
First of all, Two Step and WCS are both in 4/4 time signature. The BPM does come into play ... Two step is typically anywhere between 150bpm and 198bpm. WCS is a little more versatile and can be danced very slow or quite fast.
Traditional Two Step music is characterized by a strong down beat and an up beat. I don't think the key of music is in any way relevant. Newer Two Step music is harder to find... but George Strait has a lot of great older Two Steps.
By the way, waltz is very clearly in 3/4... The Unforgiven by Metallica is NOT a waltz.
@@countrydancex Unforgiven is what my friends mom taught me to waltz to haha thats funny. it might not be a waltz but you can waltz to it
You can certainly waltz "while it's playing"... but, honestly, you can't dance waltz "to" it. Waltz is danced in 3s. That song is counted in 4s.
@@countrydancex So being the troll I am I looked up the time signature to all of Metallica's music to prove you wrong.....The song I learned to waltz to is Nothing Else Matters, which makes sense that one is 3/4 time. I'm a Mega Death fan.
Yep. Nothing else matters is in 3/4 and is a waltz. It's a really fast one. Probably better as a Viennese Waltz.
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Where is the video of Andrew interviewing th naughty grandma?
Hi there. Maybe this is what you’re looking for?
ua-cam.com/video/jrm6xtTHjKg/v-deo.html
If two couples can legitimately dance at different speeds to the same song, does that mean that you don't actually dance to the beat of the music, with two step?
Everyone dancing to the same song dances at the same speed... unless someone is dancing off beat (or I guess it's possible to dance at half time or double time). As mentioned in this video, speed is an illusion created through contrast. The music is oblivious to anyone dancing to it.
I think how big of a step you take will show how fast you’re going. I take smaller steps on slow tempo and take longer strides on faster tempo.
@@afterthestormhailrepair4619 I think you meant that the other way around?
Country Dance X well I’m Probly doing it wrong then haha but that’s how I been doing it. I’ve not had lessons yet to dancing w the tempo, I need to though.
@@afterthestormhailrepair4619 I don't believe in "right or wrong", only better or worse ... which is simply an opinion based on the intended result (try to say that 3 times fast). The thing is that slower music gives you more time to stretch things out. The faster the music, the shorter the steps. With faster music, taking longer steps will just make everything look and feel rushed. A quick is a faster step than a slow, so quicks would feel more natural as shorter steps.
Real Country is two step lol
Great video!
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed this one :-)