Two-Stepping in Texas

For a list of the many dance halls and honky-tonks in Central Texas, visit www.honkytonktx.com/dancehalls. Also check out “Big Bill’s Guide to Country Western Dancing and Dance Halls In and Around Austin” at www.centraltexascountry.com/dance.html. Following are sites mentioned in the story. Call ahead for more information, including admission, music schedules, dance lessons, and special events.

Dance Venues

Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, 512/442-6189.
The Continental Club, 1315 South Congress Ave., Austin, 512/441-2444.
Dallas Nightclub, 7113 Burnet Rd., Austin, 512/452-1300.
Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon, 5434 Burnet Rd., Austin. (See video: Chicken bingo)
Twin Sisters Dance Hall, on US 281, south of Blanco.
Crider’s Rodeo and Dance Hall (3.5 miles west of Hunt on Texas 39), 830/238-4441.

What other venues would you recommend for a little two-stepping action? Email us.

Books

Dance Across Texas by Betty Casey (University of Texas Press, 1985). Dance Halls and Last Calls: A History of Texas Country Music by Geronimo Treviño III (Taylor Trade Publishing, 2002). Texas Dance Halls: A Two-Step Circuit by Gail Folkins (Texas Tech University Press, 2007).

Dance Instruction

For a basic introduction to the two-step, visit www.youtube.com and search for “Two-Step.” Many instructional DVDs are also available online and through your local bookseller. Also consider taking lessons from a dance studio or private instructor like Peter Turner (512/417-7383). In the Austin area, popular dance studios include Austin Uptown Dance and Go Dance Studio.

The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) is an international organization that promotes country-western dance by producing festivals and competitions in 20 countries. Visit their website for information on UCWDC-sponsored events and competitions.

From the January 2012 issue.

Order back issues