Most danced country dances: the guide to learning them

Introduction

Every step counts, and we show you how to master them, improve your technique, and even strengthen your body with dance. Whether you're looking to impress at the next party or add a new exercise to your routine, the most danced country dances are your perfect ally.

Explanation of the characteristics of country dance

Ah, country dancing! An escape, a return to basics where each step resonates like an echo of the vast American prairies. Born from cultural fusions, it has its origins in folk dances European, African, and Native Americans, anchoring itself deeply in the heart of American traditions. It's more than a dance, it's a story told to the rhythm of cowboy boots and hats.

But why let yourself be seduced by country dancing? It is the perfect blend of health, entertainment and conviviality. Swaying to these catchy rhythms is not only burn calories without seeing the time pass, but it is also the assurance of having a good time, with a smile on your face, in good company. Country dancing is a bit like a big family where everyone is invited to share their joy and energy, even at balls! 

And you know what ? You don't need to be an expert to get started. Each step, each figure is an open door to greater self-confidence and well-being. So, whether you are looking to have fun, improve your physical condition or simply expand your social circle, country dancing is there, ready to welcome you with open arms.

So, lace up your boots, adjust your hat, and get ready to dive into the joyful and upbeat world of country dancing. Let's go on a journey where each step is a discovery and each dance a new adventure!

The most popular country dances

Let's now dive into the heart of the festive atmosphere of country dance with a focus on the 20 most popular country dances in the top 50. These dances, varied and colorful, are the epitome of conviviality and shared pleasure. Get ready to discover the fascinating world of country dance, where every step tells a story, every movement carries the essence of tradition.

1. The Two Step

Starting position: The partners stand face to face, with the guide holding the follower's right hand with his left hand.

No base: The guide takes a step forward with his left foot, quickly followed by a step with his right foot. The follower does the opposite, starting with a back step with their right foot.

Pace : The entire sequence is “step fast, step fast, step slow, step slow,” always starting with the left foot for the leader and the right foot for the follower.

2. Line dancing

Starting position: Stand, facing the same direction in line with other dancers, keeping a comfortable distance.

No base: Follow the specific choreography of the song, which may include shuffles, pivots, and kicks. The key is to memorize the sequence and stay in sync with the group.

Pace : Varies by song, but repetition and active listening to the music will help you maintain the right rhythm.

You probably know this dance, notably on hooked on country, bring down the house, on the waves or nothing but you 2 choreographed by Darren Bailey. And if line dancing interests you more, you can watch the choreographies of Séverine Fillion, Maddison Glover or Maggie Gallagher. 

3. Square Dance

Training: Four couples form a square, each couple facing the center.

No base: Listen to the instructions from the caller who will tell you when to swap places, turn, or take specific steps like “back to back” or “German left”.

Pace : The pace is set by the caller, and your ability to listen and respond quickly is essential.

4. Waltz Country

Starting position: In waltz position, where the guide holds the follower's right hand with their left hand and places their right hand on the follower's back. The follower places his left hand on the guide's shoulder.

No base: Start with a box step – the leader steps forward with the left foot, the follower steps back with the right foot. Complete the square by moving the other legs accordingly.

Pace : Three beats for each measure, resulting in a smooth, continuous movement.

5. East Coast Swing

Starting position: Face to face, holding both hands.

No base: The basic step includes a “rock step” (a step back then back on the front foot), followed by two “triple steps” (three small, quick steps on the spot).

Pace : Count “1,2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3” for the “rock step” and the “triple steps”.

6. West Coast Swing

Starting position: Face to face, but with more space between partners than in East Coast Swing, allowing freer passing and movement.

No base: Start with a sugar push, where partners lightly push each other without changing places, followed by a whip which is a full rotation with changing places.

Pace : The rhythm is generally slower and smoother than East Coast Swing, with an emphasis on "1, 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6".

7. The Polka

Starting position: As a couple, facing each other, ready to jump and spin to the rhythm.

Basic step: A quick step to the left, followed by a shuffled step to the right, and a jump while turning around.

Pace : Fast and happy, “1-2-3-hop” throughout the dance.

8. Cha-Cha Country

Starting position: Similar to traditional Cha-Cha, partners face each other, ready for some quick footwork.

No base: A side step on the left foot, bring the right foot to the left, and a triple “cha-cha-cha” step on the spot.

Pace : The “2, 3, cha-cha-cha” rhythm is key, with an emphasis on the quick “cha-cha-cha” steps.

9. The Ten Step

Starting position: As a couple, face to face, ready for a more complex series of steps.

No base: Five steps forward started with the left foot for the guide, followed by a half turn and five steps back, returning to the initial position.

Pace : Maintain a steady pace, paying particular attention to the mid-sequence U-turn.

10. Cowboy Cha-Cha

Starting position: The partners stand side by side, the guide on the left.

No base: A triple step forward on “1 and 2”, a step back on “3”, followed by a backward “rock step” on “4 and 5”.

Pace : The rhythm is similar to traditional Cha-Cha, but adapted to the country style.

11. The Tush Push

Starting position: Alone, facing the track, ready for a line choreography.

No base: Start with hip bumps to the left then right, follow with front heel taps and do a quarter turn to the right.

Pace : Playful rhythm, mark the hip thrusts and heel taps in time.

12. The Horseshoe Shuffle

Starting position: In line, facing forward, space between each dancer for lateral movements.

No base: Slide left foot out, bring right foot back, and repeat alternating sides with sliding steps and claps.

Pace : A regular rhythm, “slide, bring back, clap”, to be maintained throughout the dance.

13. The Boot Scootin’ Boogie

Starting position: In line, with some room to move sideways and turn.

No base: A mix of sideways slides, U-turns, and heel digs, following the song's own choreography.

Pace : Follow the upbeat rhythm of the music, with dynamic movements and turns.

14. The Schottische

Starting position: As a couple, face to face, ready for tandem movements.

No base: A left side step, followed by the right foot, a small jump in place, then repeat in the opposite direction.

Pace : “1-2-3-hop, 1-2-3-hop”, a simple and joyful rhythm that invites you to relax.

15. The Watermelon Crawl

Starting position: In line, facing forward, ready to follow the choreography.

No base: Move forward with front heel digs, follow with side grapevines, and finish with full turns.

Pace : Adapt to the rhythm of the music, integrating the specific movements of the dance.

16. The Achy Breaky Heart

Starting position: In line, facing forward, for an iconic dance to the song of the same name.

No base: “Grapevine” to the left, with a clap, then “grapevine” to the right, and finish with heel-to-toe steps.

Pace : The rhythm of the song guides the movements, with particular attention to grapevines and claps.

17. The Electric Slide

Starting position: Online, space between dancers to move freely.

No base: A set of side steps, back steps with a touch, and a quarter turn to the left to repeat the sequence.

Pace : The rhythm is infectious and naturally guides the fluid movements of the dance.

18. The Neon Moon

Starting position: As a couple, face to face, in a more intimate atmosphere.

No base: Follow the languorous melody with modified waltz steps, incorporating turns and embraces.

Pace : Let the music guide you, with special attention to connecting with your partner.

19. The Cotton Eye Joe

Starting position: In line, ready for an energetic and upbeat dance.

No base: A mix of jumps, kicks, and quick steps, all while following the wild music.

Pace : The fast rhythm is the heart of this dance, requiring energy and endurance.

20. Kill the Spiders

Starting position: Inline, with space for dynamic movements.

No base: Simulate the action of killing spiders with your feet by alternating “stomps” and “kicks,” adding claps for rhythm.

Pace : Fast and fun, this rhythm pushes you to move with energy and precision.

To perform these dances, start by mastering the basic steps. Practice alone or in a group, and don't hesitate to follow tutorials or participate in classes. The secret lies in repetition and the pleasure of dancing. No matter your level, the important thing is to participate and let yourself be carried away by the music. And remember, in country dancing, a mistake is not a failure, but an invitation to improvise and laugh at yourself.

Each dance has its particularities, its key movements, and requires a certain technique. However, the beauty of country dancing lies in its ability to accommodate everyone, regardless of age or level. With a little practice and a lot of enthusiasm, you will find yourself mastering choreographies that seemed complex at first.

So, whether you are attracted by the grace of Waltz, the energy of Square Dance or the conviviality of Line Dance, don't wait any longer. The dance floor is calling. Put on your boots, and come join the big family of country dance lovers. It is through sharing and good humor that we become not only better dancers but also true bearers of traditions.

Popular muscular country dances

After exploring the most popular country dances, let's focus on a more intense and physical side of this tradition: muscular country dances. This section will show you how to add strength and power to your dancing, not only to improve your performance on the floor, but also to strengthen your body. Get ready to sweat, smile, and pump up your dancing!

How to strengthen a country dance?

To strengthen a country dance, integrate specific movements which target the main muscle groups. This may include squats, of the lunges, and pexplosive aces which add an athletic dimension to the dance.

Squats and Towers: Incorporate squats between basic steps. For example, in the Two Step, after a rock step, do a full squat before continuing. This strengthens the legs and glutes while adding a dynamic touch to your dance.

Lunges and slides: When side sliding in dances like Line Dance, add a lunge for each side step. Not only does it work the thighs and hips, but it also increases the intensity of the dance.

Tip to improve your fluidity and technique

The key to improving fluidity and technique in muscular country dancing lies in repetition conscious of movements andintegration of flexibility and balance exercises.

Stretching and Flexibility: Before and after your dance sessions, take the time to do targeted stretches. Flexible muscles will help you perform movements with more grace and range.

Balance Exercises: Practice balance exercises, such as standing on one foot while doing arm movements, to improve your coordination and stability while dancing.

Exercises to do

Here are specific exercises for to strenghten your body and boost your country dance performance:

Push-ups with Clap: A variation of the classic push-up where you push hard enough to lift your hands off the ground and do a clap before dropping back down. Ideal for strengthening the upper body and adding a playful touch.

Jump Squats: Start from a squat position and explode into a jump. Land gently and return to a squat position. This strengthens the legs and improves explosiveness, useful for kicks and jumps in dance.

Burpees with Twist Country: Do a standard burpee, but when you get back up, add a body twist and a country dance move, like a shuffle step. This increases the heart rate and incorporates dance-specific cardio.

Lateral Lunges with Rotation: In a side lunge position, add a rotation of the torso toward the front leg, holding a water bottle or small weight to add resistance. This works the legs, abs and coordination, simulating twisting movements in dance.

These exercises are not only beneficial for your fitness; they are designed to improve directly to your ease and your performance in country dance. Incorporate them into your routine, and you'll quickly see progress both in your ability to dance longer and more accurately and in your overall endurance and strength.

Remember, the goal is to have fun while challenging yourself. So, put on your favorite country playlist, and transform your living room, garage, or even your garden, into a dance and fitness room. Ready to give your country dancing a boost? Let's go, y'all!

Conclusion

Exploring country dancing opens up a world of catchy rhythms and togetherness. This article has guided you through the most popular dances, providing the keys to mastering them, from the dynamic Two Step to the syncopated Line Dance. Each step brings you closer to mastering this rich and joyful tradition.

Beyond technique, strengthening your country dancing with targeted exercises transforms the experience into a real boost for your physical condition. Squats, lunges and burpees adapted to the country rhythm are not only beneficial for your health; they enrich your practice, making each movement more powerful and confident.

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