Country Western Dance Lessons in Sarasota, FL
Want to two-step around the floor instead of watching from the side? Our Sarasota instructors teach the partner dances you see at country bars, weddings and concerts: Texas Two-Step, Country Swing, Nightclub Two-Step and more, taught in a way that is easy, fun and never intimidating.
- Texas Two-Step, Country Swing, Nightclub Two-Step & more
- Private 1-on-1 lessons, no partner needed
- Two studios: South Tamiami Trail & Downtown Sarasota
Start Country Western Lessons
Your first private lesson is free. Takes 30 seconds, no obligation.
Country Dancing Is Big in Sarasota
Florida loves country music, and partner dancing is the best way to enjoy it.
Country music has a huge following on the Suncoast, from local bars with live bands to big concerts in Tampa and country-themed weddings. The people having the most fun on those dance floors are the couples who can actually two-step together.
Country partner dancing is friendly and relaxed. The music is easy to hear, the basic patterns are simple, and once you know a few moves you can dance with almost anyone, which makes it a great choice for singles too.
We focus on partner country dancing, not line dancing. That means leading and following, smooth travel around the floor and spins that feel great, so you're never stuck on the sidelines when a slow country ballad comes on.
The Country Dances We Teach
Learn the dances that fit the songs you actually hear.
Texas Two-Step
The classic. A quick-quick-slow-slow rhythm traveling counterclockwise around the floor. Learn smooth progressive steps, turns and the promenade.
Country Swing
High-energy and full of turns, wraps and pretzels, danced in place to upbeat country songs. This is where country dancing gets really fun.
Nightclub Two-Step
A smooth, romantic side-to-side dance for slower country ballads. It's a favorite for weddings and slow songs at the end of the night.
Country Waltz & Cha-Cha
Many country songs are waltzes or have a cha-cha beat. Knowing these lets you keep dancing no matter what the band plays next.
Your Country Dance Journey at Arthur Murray
Start with the basics and be ready for your first night out within a few weeks.
- Lesson 1: Two-Step BasicsHear the quick-quick-slow-slow, learn the basic and how to travel around the floor in the line of dance without bumping into other couples.
- Weeks 1–4: Turns & Country SwingAdd underarm turns and the promenade to your two-step, then start Country Swing with its basic, side passes and your first pretzel.
- Months 2–3: Smooth Moves & Slow SongsNightclub Two-Step for ballads, smoother turns, wraps and combinations, plus how to choose the right dance for each song.
- Bronze Level & BeyondArthur Murray's medal system takes you into advanced combinations, dips and styling, and many students add East Coast Swing, Cha-Cha or Waltz to round out their dancing.
Country Dance Tips From Our Instructors
Advice our Sarasota instructors give new country western students.
Glide, don't bounce
In Two-Step, keep your head level and glide around the floor. The smoother you travel, the better you look.
Respect the line of dance
Two-Step travels counterclockwise. Faster couples use the outside lane; spins and slower dancing happen toward the center.
Wear the right boots
Boots or shoes with smooth leather soles let you turn easily. Rubber soles grip the floor and are hard on your knees.
Pick the dance by the beat
Steady, walking songs are Two-Step. Bouncy, upbeat songs are Country Swing. Slow ballads are Nightclub Two-Step or Waltz.
Two Sarasota Studios, One Proven Method
Take Country Western lessons at whichever studio is closest to you.
Arthur Murray Sarasota
8383 S Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34238
(941) 500-2703
Easy access from Siesta Key, Palmer Ranch, Osprey and south Sarasota.
Arthur Murray Downtown Sarasota
2074 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 260-0406
Minutes from downtown, Lido Key, St. Armands and Longboat Key.
Country Western Lessons in Sarasota: FAQ
Do you teach line dancing?
Our focus is country partner dancing, like Two-Step, Country Swing and Nightclub Two-Step. That's what you need for slow songs, weddings and dancing with a partner. Ask your instructor if you want to add a few popular line dances.
Do I need a partner for country dance lessons?
No. Many students come on their own. In private lessons your instructor dances with you, and you will meet other students at group classes and practice parties.
How quickly can I learn the Texas Two-Step?
Most students can do a basic Two-Step with a few turns after their first couple of lessons. Feeling confident on a busy country dance floor usually takes a few weeks of lessons.
Can you help us with a country first dance for our wedding?
Yes. We regularly help couples with country wedding dances, from a smooth Nightclub Two-Step to a fun Country Swing surprise. We can teach social steps or choreograph your song.
Is my first country dance lesson free?
Yes. New students get their first private lesson free. You'll learn the Two-Step basic, try a turn and talk through a plan that fits your goals, with no obligation.
Ready to Two-Step in Sarasota?
Your first private lesson is free. Grab your boots and pick the studio closest to you.
Book My Free Country Western Lesson