Country dance is inevitably connected to same genre’s music, and we tend to believe that this dance was originated at the same time than the musical style. But this is not completely exact, because the country music has evolved with passing of time until ramify in diverse styles as the dance has also done.
In other words: people adapted country music from ancient dance styles that already existed. And there are as many dance styles as different musical types in the same genre, much richer than it could seem at first sight. Yes: there are people that like country music, even without knowing it, especially the pop lovers.
But, despite there are diverse country dance styles, all of them have common elements. In the different styles of this dance, we can do two classifications: group dance and couple dance. Country Line Dance, that is danced alone, is actually a modern concept that has a great popularity. Up to the point of almost oust the other two modalities, at least in Europe. But let’s do a short tour by the history, until reaching the best country songs to dance right now. Put on your boots!!
The dance that crossed the Atlantic… heading to the west
Yes, this is not a mistake: although there is who believe country dance is an American culture heritage, the true is that the Americans imported it from Europe, like many other things. But is undeniable that was in the United States where the dance surprisingly settled down, evolving and ramifying until offering the variety that nowadays we enjoy.
Origin is situated in the European popular dances of the 18th and 19th Centuries, a folklore that the colonist inevitably took with them when emigrated to North America. These popular dances were born at the countryside, what helped to fit with western’s ambient when crossed the ocean. Symbiosis was so perfect that nowadays, to dance “in every way”, western clothing is used, whose origin is not European. Although, the peculiar clothing, footwear and environment where country dance took place in the New World, forever imbued this western culture dance.
Nowadays, dancing use to take place at the called “honky tonks”, outdoors, at barns or country parties. An essential accessory to join the party are the cowboy boots, playing an important role to adapt the steps with style. Because, let’s be honest: country dance has a very powerful component to show off. Because it doesn’t only involve executing the dance steps, but doing it with a very personal outfit, that goes from the legendary boots until the cowboy hat, via western shirt, vest, bandana, belt and other accessories if we like. At Corbeto’s will find all of them and even some you wouldn’t imagine, because we have all country fashion novelties.
It’s time to move
Heels’ touch, toe’s touch and cross are key elements for all country dances, that’s the reason of cowboy boots prominence to execute the steps. Whether we dance with a couple, in group or alone, is advisable to “get into the character” of a genuine cowboy or cowgirl and don’t do any movement that they wouldn’t do. Independently of country dancer’s genre, the secret is to keep that slight of roughness that cowboys and cowgirls transmit with their movements when dancing. Of course, as we said, country dance has variations for all tastes, and the best way to realize that is hearing some of the best country dance songs versions.
Our suggestions to warm up a party:
“I Like It, I Love It”, by Tim McGraw: after 20 years of its launch, this song keeps being one of the best to enjoy fast country dance. Check it by yourself.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”, by Brooks & Dunn: this stellar due made its debut in 1991, and consolidated as of one the most successful of country music with themes like Boot Scootin.
“Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson: the first single from this singer reached the first place on United States top hits, and continue gathering all the ingredient for a great country dance full of energy.
“Achy Breaky Heart”, by Billy Ray Cyrus: it was unavoidable mentioning this song, that already is an infallible classic to let the people start dancing in any party.
“Cruise”, by Florida Georgia Line: with a carefree summertime style, it’s perfect to alternate with other more active songs for your country parties.
And to make the experience perfect, you know you can count on Corbeto’s. At our store will find all the necessary accessories that will let you impress with the perfect country attire for any time, adapting to your style. Let the music play!