Country music and dance represent more than just genres; they represent an expression of culture that prioritizes tradition, authenticity, and simplicity. No matter your level of experience with country dancing or country dance music, these ten songs will get you up on the floor dancing without delay! Whether it’s your first time chopping, twirling, and boot scooting or not!
Darius Rucker’s ‘Wagon Wheel’ is the perfect song to kickstart our list of excellent country line dance songs. With its straightforward choreography and easy transitions, it makes the ideal starting point.
2. Practice the Moves
Being familiar with country dance moves is essential when dancing to country music. Practice at home or with a partner before heading out on the dance floor; online tutorial videos offer step-by-step instructions on basic moves. Watching others dance at local country bars or events will also help you master proper form for each move.
As soon as you’re ready to step onto the dance floor, aim for the center of the room. Here, most dancers tend to congregate, allowing more room for you. If you feel intimidated, bring along a friend for feedback about how well your moves are being executed.
Your first country dance move to master should be the two-step. This basic step forms the core of country dancing, so once you can perform this step to almost any country song, more advanced moves may follow.
One of the most beloved country dance songs for line dancing is Chris Young’s “Aw Naw.” This track offers an ideal tempo for line dancing, providing an opportunity to let loose and shake your booty. Furthermore, its fast-paced verses create an irresistibly engaging rhythm which will get your feet moving!
Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown” provides another ideal country dance move for any saloon-type dance floor setting, featuring its high tempo that’s ideal for line dancing as well as plenty of footwork – perfect for showoff moves on any saloon dance floor!
Pretzel dance steps are one of the more difficult country dance steps. They require precision as both partners swing their arms back and forth in an intricate pattern, requiring great coordination. Pretzeling can be fun to do for experienced dancers but may be challenging for beginners to grasp at first.
4. Look for a Partner
Country dancing has long been an established part of life in America. If you visit a bar that plays country music, there will likely be plenty of opportunities for you to grab a partner and hit the dance floor. Learning basic country dance moves is relatively straightforward – there are numerous videos online dedicated to teaching basic steps for this form of dancing.
Once you’ve found a partner, join the line of dance and start moving either toward or away from the music depending on the song. Make sure that both of you stay in sync by keeping to the beat and staying connected through patterns while staying within steps as part of an enjoyable experience for both of you. Once comfortable with your steps and patterns, advanced moves may allow for even deeper connection!