Honky Tonk Dancing in Texas
Texas honky tonks are legendary — sawdust floors, ice-cold beer, live country music, and the best two-stepping you'll find anywhere in the world. Here's your guide.
What Is Honky Tonk Dancing?
Honky tonk dancing is a Texas tradition. The term "honky tonk" refers both to a style of bar — typically featuring live country music and a wooden dance floor — and to the dances performed there. The Texas Two-Step is the signature dance, but you'll also see waltzes, polkas, and Cotton-Eyed Joes on any given night.
Unlike club dancing, honky tonk dancing is partner dancing. Couples move counter-clockwise around the dance floor's perimeter, a custom known as the "line of dance." Etiquette matters: faster dancers have the right of way on the outside lane, while slower dancers and learners stay closer to the middle.
The Best Honky Tonk Dance Halls in Texas
Gruene Hall, founded in 1878, is Texas's oldest dance hall and still books incredible talent. Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth's Stockyards holds the record as the world's largest honky tonk. Luckenbach Dance Hall is tiny but iconic. And nearly every Texas town of any size has at least one local dance hall where the regulars know every step.
Honky Tonk Videos
Honky Tonk Dancing FAQ
What is honky tonk dancing?
Honky tonk dancing refers to partner dances — primarily the Texas Two-Step, waltz, and polka — performed in a honky tonk bar to live country music.
What are the best honky tonk dance halls in Texas?
Gruene Hall, Billy Bob's Texas, and Luckenbach Dance Hall are among the most famous. Texas has hundreds of beloved local dance halls as well.
How do you do the Texas Two-Step?
Quick-quick-slow-slow. The lead steps forward on the two quick beats, then glides forward on the slow beats. See our Texas Two-Step guide for full instructions.