Honky-Tonk Two-Step Confidence Kit

Your Austin Honky-Tonk Etiquette & Style Guide

From Double or Nothing Two-Step

Welcome to Austin's Dance Floor!

Congratulations on taking the first step into Austin's incredible honky-tonk scene! This guide will give you everything you need to walk into any venue with confidence, knowing exactly how to look, act, and dance like you belong.

Remember: Austin's dance community is incredibly welcoming. Everyone was a beginner once, and we're all here to have fun and enjoy great live music together.

Part 1: What to Wear

The Golden Rule

Think "going out" not "going riding." You want to look like you're ready for a night on the town, not like you're headed to work on a ranch.

For Everyone

DO:

• Dress for the venue's vibe (check their social media for recent photos)

• Choose clothes you can move comfortably in

• Wear shoes with smooth soles that allow you to pivot and glide

• Pick something that makes YOU feel confident and attractive

• Layer – venues can get warm with all that dancing!

Pro Tips for Comfort

• Bring a backup shirt – you'll appreciate having a fresh one if you're dancing all night

• Pack a small towel or bandana – handy for wiping away sweat between dances

• Consider a small hand fan – great for cooling off during breaks

• Bring earplugs if you're sensitive to loud music – you can still hear everything but protect your hearing

• Layer wisely – venues can get warm with all that dancing, so be prepared to shed a layer

Footwear Guide

Great Options:

• Leather-soled boots (cowboy boots, ankle boots, dress boots)

• Dance shoes or character shoes

• Leather-soled dress shoes

• Well-worn leather sneakers

Avoid:

• Rubber-soled shoes that stick to the floor

• Brand new shoes that haven't been broken in

• Flip-flops or sandals (safety first!)

• Anything you can't pivot in

Practical Comfort Tips

Fabric Choices:

• Light, natural fibers (cotton, linen) breathe better and keep you cooler

• Darker colors show less sweat – helpful when you're dancing all night

• Avoid synthetic materials that don't breathe well

Fit & Movement:

• Choose clothes that allow you to move your arms and legs freely

• Test your outfit by doing a few dance moves at home

• Avoid anything too tight or restrictive through the shoulders and hips

• Consider how your outfit will look and feel after a few hours of dancing

Venue Considerations:

• The dress code across Austin's honky-tonk scene is casual with dressy being optional

• You'll fit right in whether you choose jeans and a t-shirt or dress up for the night

• Check venue social media if you want to see what others typically wear, but don't stress about it

• Consider the weather – you might be walking between venues or waiting outside

Part 2: How to Ask Someone to Dance

The Basics That Work Every Time

The Simple Approach:

1. Make eye contact and smile

2. Walk over during a song break or slow moment

3. Say: "Would you like to dance?"

4. Accept their answer gracefully – "no" isn't personal!

Other Great Options:

• "Care to dance?"

• "Want to give this song a try?"

• "May I have this dance?"

Reading the Room

Good Times to Ask:

• During song breaks or quieter moments

• When someone is standing near the dance floor watching

• When you make eye contact and they smile back

• Early in the evening when people are fresh

Maybe Wait:

• If they're deep in conversation

• If they just finished dancing (let them catch their breath!)

• If they're eating or drinking

• If they're clearly with a romantic partner

Handling "No" Like a Pro

• Smile and say "No problem!" or "Maybe next time!"

• Don't take it personally – there are a million reasons people say no

• Move on gracefully – there are plenty of other potential partners

• Remember: their "no" tonight might be "yes" another night

Part 3: Dance Floor Etiquette

Space Awareness

In Austin's Honky-Tonks:

• Expect crowded floors – this is normal and part of the charm!

• When there's room, move counter-clockwise around the floor

• On crowded floors (which happens more often than not), dance in place

• This in-place dancing is the hallmark of honky-tonk two-step and why we blend in so much swing

• Adjust your moves to the available space

• Be aware of other couples around you

The Unwritten Rules

DO:

• Say "excuse me" if you bump into someone

• Thank your partner after each dance

• Offer to get your partner a drink if you're heading to the bar

• Help newcomers if you see them looking lost

• Compliment good dancing when you see it

DON'T:

• Give unsolicited advice unless asked

• Monopolize someone for too many dances in a row

• Teach on the dance floor unless requested

• Wear strong cologne or perfume (close-contact dancing!)

Between Songs

• Walk your partner off the floor or ask if they'd like to dance another

• It's perfectly fine to dance just one song and say thank you

• Multiple dances are great too – read their enthusiasm level

• Offer water or a break if they seem tired

Part 4: Social Dynamics & Community

Making Friends

Austin's dance community is incredibly social! Here's how to plug in:

• Introduce yourself to people sitting near you

• Ask about upcoming events or good bands to see

• Compliment someone's dancing (people love this!)

• Ask for venue recommendations

• Share what brought you to the scene

Conversation Starters

• "I'm new to the scene – any bands I should check out?"

• "This place has such great energy – do you come here often?"

• "I'm still learning – any tips for a beginner?"

• "Great band tonight! Do you know who they are?"

Building Your Dance Network

• Follow local dancers and venues on social media

• Attend regular weekly events to become a familiar face

• Join beginner classes to meet others at your level

• Volunteer at dance events when opportunities arise

• Support the live music – tip the bands and buy drinks

Part 5: Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

What NOT to Worry About

• Having perfect technique (it comes with time!)

• Knowing every step (basics are enough to start)

• Dancing with the most advanced dancers right away

• Looking exactly like everyone else

What TO Focus On

• Connection with your partner – this matters more than fancy footwork

• Listening to the music – let it guide your movement

• Enjoying yourself – your smile is contagious!

• Being respectful – good manners go further than good moves

Beginner Faux Pas to Avoid

• Don't teach your partner unless they ask

• Don't apologize constantly for mistakes (it kills the fun!)

• Don't worry about doing moves "wrong" – there are many variations

• Don't compare yourself to advanced dancers (they've been doing this for years!)

Part 6: Your First Night Out

Preparation

• Eat something light beforehand (you'll be dancing!)

• Bring water or plan to buy drinks (dancing is thirsty work)

• Check the venue's website or social media for event details

• Arrive early-ish to get a feel for the crowd and claim some space

Game Plan for Success

1. Observe first – watch the dance floor for 10-15 minutes

2. Start with basics – simple two-step and basic swing moves work everywhere

3. Dance with different people – variety helps you learn faster

4. Take breaks – pace yourself for the whole evening

5. Stay positive – everyone makes mistakes, laugh it off!

If You Feel Overwhelmed

• Take a seat and just watch for a while

• Ask someone friendly-looking about the venue or music

• Remember: everyone there started as a beginner

• Focus on having fun rather than being perfect

Part 7: Building Your Confidence

Mindset Shifts That Help

• "I'm learning" instead of "I'm bad at this"

• "This is fun" instead of "I'm embarrassing myself"

• "Everyone's here to enjoy music" instead of "Everyone's watching me"

• "I belong here" instead of "I'm an outsider"

Quick Confidence Boosters

• Master 2-3 basic moves really well rather than trying everything

• Practice good posture and connection

• Smile and make eye contact with your partner

• Focus on the music and let it move you

• Remember: confidence is attractive, perfection isn't necessary

Part 8: Next Steps

Continuing Your Journey

• Take lessons – even one or two classes make a huge difference

• Attend regularly – becoming a familiar face helps you feel at home

• Support the community – tip bands, buy drinks, spread the word

• Stay curious – there's always more to learn and explore

Resources to Explore

• Follow @doubleornothingtwostep on social media

• Check the daily calendar at doubleornothingtwostep.com/wheretotwostepaustin

• Join beginner workshop series when available

• Connect with other dancers online and in person

Final Thoughts

Austin's honky-tonk dance scene is something truly special. It's not just about the steps – it's about connecting with live music, meeting incredible people, and becoming part of a community that's been welcoming dancers for decades.

You don't need to be perfect. You don't need years of experience. You just need to show up with curiosity and openness to the experience.

The first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, you'll discover why people fall in love with this scene. From the moment you hear that first steel guitar to your first successful spin on the dance floor, you'll understand why we're so passionate about sharing this world with newcomers.

So grab your dancing shoes, check tonight's calendar, and come find us on the dance floor. Austin's honky-tonks are waiting for you, and we can't wait to dance with you!

Questions? Need more help? Reach out to us anytime at Double or Nothing Two-Step – we love helping new dancers find their footing in our amazing community.

Now get out there and two-step with confidence!

© Double or Nothing Two-Step. This guide is your free resource for navigating Austin's honky-tonk scene like a pro.