Country Dancing Austin: Top Spots and Events for Dance Enthusiasts
Country dancing has always been a cherished part of southern culture, and Austin, Texas is one of the best places to enjoy the sport. With its rich history and thriving live music scene, the city embraces this traditional dance style with open arms.
Austin offers an array of venues, classes, and events for those who want to participate in country dancing in whatever form they fancy. No matter your skill level - there are ample opportunities to get involved.
Austins Country Dancing History
Country dancing has deep roots in Austin, Texas and has been a popular form of entertainment for many years. The origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when the city was booming, partly due to the Missouri-Pacific train depot which was a key transport hub in the region. This growth led to an increase in nightlife options, including various venues for dancing.
As Austin modernized and grew, the focus began to shift from traditional dancing to more contemporary styles. However, the city was able to maintain its unique country heritage through dedicated venues and events.
In recent years, Austin's country dance scene has seen a resurgence, with new establishments opening their doors to both seasoned and beginner dancers alike. The city now offers a diverse range of dance experiences, from traditional honky-tonks to upscale modern dancehalls. This has ensured that country dancing remains an integral part of Austin's cultural heritage.
Where Are The Best Place for Dancing in Austin?
Austin stands proud as a landmark within the country music scene, so you won't be surprised to hear that there are plenty of dancing venues in the city. Some of the most popular are:
Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke is Austin's iconic country music venue, famed for its authentic atmosphere and dancing sessions. It showcases an impressive lineup of local and national artists, and beginners and experienced dancers alike are welcome.
White Horse
The White Horse is another popular spot, offering not only fantastic music but a fun and lively bar scene as well. Located in East Austin, The White Horse boasts an upbeat atmosphere, affordable drink options, and nightly live music. The taco truck outside is the perfect place to refuel after a long night of dancing.
Sagebrush
Sagebrush dance hall in South Austin provides an intimate country setting for dancing and live music. Known for its friendly staff and nostalgic decor, Sagebrush welcomes patrons to kick up their heels and enjoy a top-notch country experience. The venue offers line dancing and two-stepping lessons, ensuring that beginners feel welcome and confident on the dance floor. Be sure to check their event calendar for the latest information on performances and special events.
Little Longhorn Saloon
Immersed in a long history of country music and dancing, the Little Longhorn Saloon is a beloved Austin institution. With a diverse lineup of talented artists, this dance hall offers lively entertainment and a laid-back atmosphere.
The Little Longhorn Saloon isn't just centred around dancing - they also host weekly 'Chicken Sh*t Bingo' every Sunday afternoon. This is a highly popular event with both locals and tourists, and promises an afternoon of entertainment.
Sam's Town Point
Sam's Town Point is one of Austins most loved music venues, providing everything from live music sessions to line dancing lessons.
These are some of the most popular spots, but there are plenty more venues - Austin is home to several noteworthy dance halls, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience.
Weekly Events and Special Nights
Thursday Night Specials
Every Thursday night in Austin, country and dance enthusiasts can look forward to a variety of special events. Many local venues offer free live music, as well as drink specials. Some popular venues with Thursday night specials include:
The Country Dance Hall
Austin Dance Club
The Two-Stepping Tavern
Remember to check each venue's website for specific details on their weekly special offerings.
Saturday Live Bands
Saturday nights in Austin are especially lively, with numerous country venues hosting talented live bands. These events provide an excellent opportunity for dancers to experience authentic country music and showcase their skills on the dance floor.
Here are a few top spots for Saturday live country music and band nights:
The Lone Star Saloon – Known for their spacious dance floor and rotating roster of talented musicians.
The Rodeo Ranch – A popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, featuring a great selection of bands and a friendly atmosphere.
The Wild West Dance Hall – Offers live music from various genres, but Saturdays are strictly dedicated to country music.
Remember, these venues may have ticket prices and reservation requirements, so be sure to check their websites or call ahead for details.
Learn Country Dancing
Dance Lessons for Beginners
If you're new to the sport, it is a great idea to start with lessons specifically designed for beginners. There are several dance studios and instructors in Austin offering introductory courses to help newcomers learn the essential moves and techniques.
A typical beginner class covers popular country dances such as Two-Step, Triple Two step, and Country Waltz.
The Most Popular Dancing Lesson Providers in Austin:
Double or Nothing Two Step - offers private and group lessons.
Arthur Murray Dance Studio - provides lessons for singles and couples.
Broken Spoke - as seen on the hit show 'Queer Eye', this popular venue hosts lessons every night from Wednesday - Saturday 8-9pm.
Go Dance - a popular spot providing adult lessons.
These classes are the perfect way to gain confidence on the dance floor, learn the basic steps and footwork, and understand basic dancing etiquette.
Community Dance Events
The dancing community in Austin also hosts various dance events, providing excellent opportunities for dancers of all skill levels to practice, socialize, and expand their network. These events are a perfect way to put your lessons into practice and gain experience on the dance floor.
Some popular community events for dancing in Austin include:
Weekly social dances at local clubs and bars
Monthly or quarterly dance parties
Annual dance festivals and competitions
These entertainment options allow dancers to enjoy live music, country DJ nights, and even group line dance lessons. Most line dancing events cater to both beginners and experienced dancers, providing separate dance floors or designated timings for each skill level.
To keep up with the latest community dance events, follow local dance studios and organizations on social media, join mailing lists, or check online event calendars.
Planning Your Country Dancing Night
The key to the perfect night spent dancing in Austin is planning. Begin by choosing the perfect dance hall or bar for your night of fun. Austin has several honky tonk venues and dance clubs to choose from, many of which offer free live music on weekends.
Researching the schedule of various venues beforehand is a great idea - Austin's dance halls and bars often post their free upcoming events and performances on their websites or social media platforms. Keep in mind that weekend nights tend to be busier, so planning for a weekday night can provide a more laid-back atmosphere.
Don't forget to factor things like a cover charge and food and drink costs into your budget, and also consider any possible dress code requirements. Some venues may have a specific dress code, such as cowboy boots or hats, so it's wise to be prepared in order to avoid any disappointment at the door.
Here are a few popular Austin honky-tonks to consider for your country dancing night:
The White Horse - Known for its lively atmosphere and live music, this East Austin honky tonk is a great choice for those looking to two-step the night away.
The Broken Spoke - A legendary dance hall and bar in Austin, offering country dancing lessons, ice cold beer, and a variety of live music acts.
Dance Across Texas - This spacious venue is perfect for couples or groups, and offers beginner-friendly dance lessons on weekends.
When planning your country dancing night in Austin, keep these factors in mind to ensure a seamless and enjoyable line dancing experience. With the right venue, live music, and company, your night spent dancing in Austin will be one to remember.
Whether you're visiting Austin or you're a born-and-raised local, you should definitely give country dancing in Austin a go!
