Country Western Dance

A fun, fact-filled, and thoroughly researched journey of country and western dancing from the roots of Western Swing to Hank Williams, the Urban Cowboy two-step of John Travolta, and the nationwide sensation of country line dancing. Country & Western Dance turns the spotlight on a uniquely American form of dance, one that has been scuffing the floorboards for nearly a century but is often overlooked. Fun, lively, and thoroughly researched, this revealing volume tells the full story of country and western dance music from the days of Bob Wills and Tulsa to Oklahoma's Cain's Ballroom to John Travolta and Gilley's of Houston, Texas. Each chapter provides information on the historical roots of the most popular country and western dances as well as the pioneers of the music of a particular era, all in the context of changing cultural, social, political, and economic forces in America. The book also examines the seminal impact of radio, television, and the movies in helping spread the music, the moves, and the good times on the country dance floor.

Do you remember when Country was cool? Do you remember when Country Western dancing was hot? From the mid-eighties through the mid-nineties, Country culture trans- formed from a niche genre to a popular passion. City dwellers and suburbanites embraced the once rural art forms-the music, the dance, and the apparel. The Pablo Stories describe that Country Western dance craze with -Short stories, mostly about dancers at the Rusty Horn Saloon -Articles that focus on the world of dance festivals and competitions -Artifacts including photos, business cards, a dance festival program and a roster of Southern California honky tonks -Glossary of dance hall terms The Pablo Stories identify and commemorate the Country Western Dance Era as a time when the historically rural Country culture melded into the social mainstream.

Discusses the history of the cowboy, western clothing, and country music. Also explains western style dance.