Houston’s Step-by-Step Guide to the Texas Two-Step and More
Image: Annie Mulligan
Out here in Texas, there are some essentials you need to master any line dance: cowboy boots, patience, and a little Southern swag. Whether you want to two-step the night away or finally learn how to pop your fan on beat, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on some of our most popular dances.
Texas Two-Step How-To
Want to brag to your friends that you know how to Texas two-step at any bar? Let me break it down for you.
First, the leader in the dance places their hand underneath the shoulder blade of their dance partner. The other dancer puts their hand on the bicep of their partner. Then, both partners join hands at the eye level of the dancer who is following the leader. Now, you’re in perfect formation! Pro tip: Stand a little off-center from each other, so you don’t step on each other’s feet.
Remember this tempo: quick, quick, slow, slow.
The leader should shuffle their left foot, and their partner follows by shuffling their right foot. Shuffle your respective foot twice. Quick, quick. Then, step each foot at a slower pace. Slow, slow.
You may also see this version of the two-step: side, together, walk, walk. Shuffle your foot to the side, touch both feet together, and then walk forward twice. If you’re the leader, you’ll shuffle your left foot as the follower shuffles their right foot.
Ready to master a turn? For half of the Texas two-step, the follower is typically dancing backward. To switch things up, the leader can take a diagonal step with their right foot and turn their partner, so now they are facing the opposite direction, and the leader is dancing backward.
‘Boots on the Ground’ How-To
Once you get that down, let’s learn the viral dance to 803Fresh’s “Boots on the Ground.” Grab your fans!
OK, let’s get your steps down first. Step right, step left, step right, right.
Switch, and repeat the same moves on the left side. Step left, step right, step left, and then step left again.
Then, let’s bring in the taps! Tap your right foot to the front. Tap it to the right side. Tap it to the back, and then tap again on the right side.
Let’s cross over. Take the right foot out to the side and cross it over to the left. Then, take your left foot and tap it out to the side.
Repeat the cross-over on the left. Take the left foot that is out to the side and cross it over to your right side. Then, tap your right foot out to the side.
Step your right foot forward and shuffle forward. Then turn to the right. Step right, left, right.
Now, you’re going to turn to the left. Step your left foot forward, and then take a triple step and half-turn to the left.
Walk four steps forward. Right, left, right, left.
Now, the most important part. Pop your fan in the air four counts and do a stanky leg or twist as you move.
Then, the dance repeats!
Other Popular Line Dances of 2025
“Can’t Get Enough”
A sexy, soulful groove to the soulful voice of R&B singer Tamia.
“I Had Some Help”
Quick steps, kicks, and hip shakes to Morgan Wallen and Post Malone’s hit collab.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Expect claps, foot pops, and hip shakes to this charting song by Shaboozey.
“Before I Let Go”
As Beyoncé traveled the country for her Cowboy Carter tour earlier this year, fans aimed to master the moves to her swaggy version of this classic.