Category Archives: Dancing

This past Saturday I went dancing with some friends from my campus ministry, The Navigators. It was this time, in particular that was the most fun for me even though I’ve been to Midnight Rodeo many times. I was trying to figure out why this time was so special compared to other times that I’ve been. This is roughly how my night went…

My friend, Bethany, picked me up around 10:15 and we were at Midnight Rodeo by 10:35 or so. Once there, I and Bethany’s two other passengers went to the under 21 line to get those big, black T’s on our hands. Bethany went to the 21 and up line to get her indestructible “I can drink” bracelet. Once inside we saw UT Navigator alumni, Abby. We caught up with each other while we waited for the guys to arrive. It was not long before the whole group was there.

I had never danced with Trenton (2nd guy from the right in the second row) before. He sang along to the music and was so encouraging when we completed just about every turn.

I danced with all of the gentlemen in our group, who varied in two-stepping skills and willingness to talk while dancing. Cody (3^rd from the left in the second row) even taught me a new move. I probably will not be able to do that move with him again, because he is graduating; however I really appreciate that he took the time to help me improve in my two-stepping skills. I didn’t get to dance to “Copperhead Road”, because I was due to watch the drinks. Nonetheless, I was able to dance to “Footloose” after I remembered the steps as well as “Cupid Shuffle” and “The Cha-Cha Slide”. While I re-hydrated, I entertained the table of friends with funny faces and interpretive dancing to various songs.

I think what I enjoyed the most about this particular visit to Midnight Rodeo was that it was a nice break from working at night (I’m a night supervisor for the dorms here on campus), and overall I was really relaxed. The fact that it would probably be the last time I could dance with my favorite partner Demyan (1^st from the right on the second row) was ringing in my head a majority of the night, but I did not let that get me down. Side note: Demyan is my favorite two-step partner, because he is the closest to my height, closest friend-wise, isn’t afraid to laugh at himself, and is so reassuring when I suck at following. Using that as an excuse, I think I danced more than I ever have.

This is Elizabeth. She’s a Tim McGraw fan and liked to sing along with me when neither of us were on the dance floor.

For the first time ever I actually danced with a stranger, two of them as a matter of fact. One guy was decent at leading. The other, well let’s just say I had to lead the whole time because he did not know how to lead. I will give him props though. He approached a group of at least five girls to ask for a dance, even if it was a cheesy “my friends have a bet going” spiel. My night ended when my friend dropped me off at my dorm around 2:30 AM or so. One of my coworkers was working at the front desk and was surprised I was not working that night. If that doesn’t say anything about how much I work, I don’t know what does.

Overall, I would have to say that I enjoyed this trip to Midnight More than any other one even though I didn’t see a guy dancing with a chair (a common thing I’ve witnessed before). Was it because of the seniors and the large group? Maybe. Could it be that I just really needed the break? Quite possibly. Regardless of the reason, I enjoyed myself and I encourage others to go to Midnight Rodeo. What fun memories do you have of two-stepping? Do you enjoy going with a large group or just a few people? Let me know about your two-stepping experiences in the comments.

This past weekend I had the chance to visit Austin’s very own Midnight Rodeo. Not sticking to only traditional country music, Midnight Rodeo would switch up their two stepping to the wobble. While it was predominately country music so that I could practice my two stepping skills, I was able to take a break and get out on the dance floor with my gals and drop it like its hot because boy was it hot in there.

I got the privilege to go with a large group of my gal pals, which supported the old saying “the more the merrier.” While as a group we had the most fun at the breaks when songs like “Uptown Funk” came on, individually we enjoyed the country songs better because, honestly, where else can you find that kind of entertainment? Either grabbing a free guy or one of our friends we danced in circles around the dance floor to every country song that played. Being such a social event, country dancing is hard not to enjoy even if you are sitting that song out and just watching.

Now please don’t think that because we all own a pair of cowboy boots and live in Texas we are automatically great country dancers. My group and the dance floor ranged from first time dancers that had never laid a foot in a dance hall to pros who incorporated flips into their two-step. It truly was amazing to watch the expert dancers who made it look effortless. I fell right in the middle of those two being able to do the steps and a couple simple turns. I think we all enjoyed ourselves just the same no matter the skill level we were at. You could feel the energy and heat coming off of the dance floor from the people that were there to have a good time.

Now I challenge you to go and try it! This tutorial, excuse the woman’s outfit, shows you the very simple basics of two stepping. However, I believe getting out there and doing it is the best way to learn! Starting with a slower paced song will help you get your footing and eventually you will be able to keep up with a faster paced beat!

Tim McGraw’s “Just to See You Smile” is one of my favorite two stepping songs that you can try out at home with your cat, dog, cow or what ever else you have running around the house. I hope you try out you closest country dance hall and enjoy the experience as much as I did!