Country/Western Two-step
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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.
The two-step is a partner dance, consisting of a "leader" (traditionally a man) and a "follower" (traditionally a woman). The leader determines the movements and patterns of the pair as they move around the dance floor.
The partners begin in closed position with the leader facing the line of dance. The follower stands facing the leader. In a traditional "frame" the leader places his/her right hand over his/her partner's left shoulder. In the more contemporary styling, the frame is formed by placing the right hand under the follower's arm, and on his/her back. In either case the leader holds the follower's right hand in his/her left hand at about shoulder height.
Basic two-step consists of two quick steps, followed by two slow steps (or alternately, by two slow steps followed by two quick steps). Leaders may start with either the slow steps, or the quick steps, as local custom dictates.
The leader begins by stepping forward with his/her left foot. The follower begins by stepping backward with his/her right foot.
Formally, the quick steps are full strides, with one foot passing the other on each step. However, in informal situations, particularly when the beat of the music is fast, the second quick step may be a shuffle, with the foot that's behind after the first quick step sliding up to, but not even with, the foot in front.
Basic two step patterns are equivalent to those of many other progressive partner dances.
Figures can be syncopated, following other patterns such as QQSQQS or QQQQSS (where Q represents a quick step and S a slow step).
[edit] Variations
Other dance styles related to the two-step exist.
[edit] Double two-step
Double two-step, also referred to as triple two-step, is usually danced to slower music. The two slow steps are replaced by two sets of triple steps. By contrast, the two quick steps are now slow steps. One way to count double two-step is "1 and 2", "3 and 4" step, step. The count is the same as that of East-coast swing.
The leader steps forward with his/her left foot to begin the dance. The follower steps backwards on his/her right. The partners embrace each other as in the basic two-step.
Double two-step is also referred to as "shuffle". Fort Worth shuffle has the same pattern as double two-step, except that the first triple-step begins with the right foot.[1]
[edit] Shadow dancing
In shadow dancing, a variation found in some gay country/western venues, the follower stands in front of the lead and both face down the line of dance. The lead places his/her right hand over the follower's midsection or belt buckle, and the follower places his/her right hand over the lead's. The lead takes the follower's left hand in his/her own and holds it loosely out to the left in a position similar to the one used in standard two-stepping.
The count is QQSS, the same as for the two-step. The follower uses the same footwork as the lead in this case, beginning on the left foot. The lead propels the follower down the floor, with bodies touching or close together, as though the lead were the follower's shadow. The pair will normally turn and weave, and the lead may turn the follower before returning to standard position. The lead may also bring the follower behind him/her, giving the appearance of having swapped roles but with the lead still in control, and the lead may then bring the follower back in front.
