Country/Western 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.

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.

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 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 or triple two-step, except that the first triple step begins with the right foot.