Country-western two-step

[5] The Texas two-step is the same step known to ballroom dancers as the international fox-trot.

Except for the one-step, which is just that, most Texas dances are variations of a two-step, also called a half-step, which is simply a step-close-step.

The Texas two-step is generally done with two long steps and a step-close-step to two-four time.

Even individual dance halls may have their own unique variations which they consider correct.

[6] Older dance manuals specified the best effect is achieved when dancers have a smooth gliding motion in time to the music.

For example, the 1939 book "Cowboy Dances" states that, "The real two-step should be smooth and beautiful to watch.

[12] Danced to music with 4/4 time signature, it consists of four steps with timing quick, quick, slow, slow, where the pattern of movement is often referred to as "Step-together, walk, walk.

[14] The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) lists competitive Two-Step at 180-210 bpm, while the Country Western Dance International (CWDI) lists competitive Two-Step at 160-192 bpm.

This style has roots with the first level of Foxtrot and basic two-step patterns are equivalent to those of many other progressive partner dances.

Fort Worth Shuffle has the same pattern as double two-step, except that the first triple-step begins with the right foot.

[18] The Progressive Double Two Step is a type of country and western dance popularized in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The basic 6-beat pattern consists of two shuffle steps (counted as "1 and 2", "3 and 4") with the woman being led by an arching one quarter semicircle clockwise then counterclockwise followed by two walking steps (counted "5, 6").

The leader determines the movements and patterns of the pair as they move around the dance floor.

The partners generally begin in closed position with the leader facing the line of dance.

In a traditional "frame" the leader places their right hand over the partner's left shoulder.

In the more contemporary styling, closed position is formed by placing the right hand under the follower's left arm, on their back.

[21] It is frequently danced to mid-tempo ballads in 44 time that have a characteristic quick-quick-slow beat.