Dancing

Country music can be found anywhere in the North Texas area, from radio stations like 99.5 The Wolf and 96.3 KSCS to people’s houses. It is widely available on iTunes, concert houses, honkytonks, and bars. The people that make up this music culture define the wide varieties of places that have country music available. After observing this culture in three different places, I was able to find many commonalities. There was dancing involved in every single performance. Billy Bob’s at Fort Worth, the famous Texas Honkytonk, has a special wooden dance floor, large enough to accommodate anyone who wants to dance. The dance floor is somewhat hollow, allowing the cowboy boots’ heels to make a distinct sound that accompanies the rhythm of the music. The family restaurant Love and War in Texas does not have a special dance floor, but there are areas surrounding the tables and in front of the stage that allow for people to dance. During both performances that we saw at Love and War the artists invited the crowd to come and dance. Finally, the small country bar Last Chance Saloon in Plano did not have a dance floor at all, yet people seemed to be moving along and dancing on their spot while the band played. It was clear that dancing is one of the most important activities of the country music culture. The songs are designed around the two-step rhythm, inviting the listener to join the band and be part of the song.

(Billy Bob’s, Love & War in Texas, Last Chance Saloon)