It’s no secret that Austin’s honky-tonk community has had a major resurgence over the past few years. While great spots to dance to country music have been present in the capital city for generations, the tradition is more active than ever before. Newer venues like The White Horse and Sagebrush have joined old-school spots like Sam’s Town Point, Donn’s Depot, the Little Longhorn Saloon, and Broken Spoke to create a community where there’s more than one floor to scoot your boots on any given night of the week. Many of the top two-step instructors in Austin give public group lessons on a weekly basis, offering easy pathways to familiarize yourself with dancing. Plus, these teachers also offer private instruction, and they’re available for corporate events and weddings.

 

Vanessa Vaught of Double or Nothing Two-Step teaches a lesson to a crowded room at Donn’s Depot. Photo by Bryan C. Parker
Double or Nothing Two Step

Locals will tell you that we have our own regional variant of two-step around these parts—the Austin honky-tonk two-step—and Double or Nothing is among the very best to teach it. Many of the bars in town have their own style and flair, but if you want to be able to travel from spot to spot, this style gives you the most flexibility and greatest chance of success. They operate public lessons at a variety of times and locations, namely Sagebrush on Tuesday and Sunday nights and at Donn’s Depot on Wednesdays. It’s always best check Double or Nothing’s Instagram and website for any last-minute adjustments to their weekly schedule. For private events, these instructors can fulfill any need and adjust to a wide variety of styles and skill levels and have worked with a slew of notable companies for corporate events. instagram.com/doubleornothingtwostep

Where to find them: 

Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Sagebrush – Beginner
Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sagebrush – Intermediate
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Donn’s Depot – Beginner
Sunday at 5 p.m. at Sagebrush – Advanced
Sunday at 6 p.m. at Sagebrush – Intermediate
By appointment and private booking

 

Two-step instructor Beth Coffey at The White Horse. Photo by Dave Creaney.
Dancin’ Austin

An eighth-generation Texan, Beth Coffey has been the resident dance instructor at The White Horse for more than a decade. As the bar has grown in popularity and drawn travelers from across the globe, she’s often the first person to introduce people to honky-tonks and two-stepping. Her classes run Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. and are free to attend, though there’s a cover to enter the bar after 7:30 p.m. Just remember to tip the instructor along with your Stetson. Coffey emphasizes the traditional traveling Texas two-step, which is the style you’ll most often see at larger dance halls like Mavericks as well as Broken Spoke. With multiple appearances on national television, Coffey has become a true ambassador of Texas culture. instagram.com/dancinaustin

Where to find them:

Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. at the White Horse
By appointment and private booking

 

Eric Moreno and Keighley Voorheis of Native Texas Two Step.
Native Texan Two Step

Run by Eric Moreno and Kayleigh Voorheis, Native Texan Two Step hosts public classes and also teaches private lessons out of Moreno’s home studio, which he lovingly refers to as the “dance dojo.” While the pair emphasizes Austin’s honky-tonk two-step, they also tout their ability to teach other styles like polkas, waltzes, and cumbia. Catch them at The Highball on South Lamar on most Thursdays and Sundays to attend a group lesson for a small cover charge, or explore one of their specialized workshops, which focus on targeted skills like spins or dips. Check their website for the most up-to-date info. instagram.com/nativetexantwostep

Where to find them:

(Most) Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. at The Highball
By appointment or private booking

 

Wyatt Gauss poses with his class after a lesson.
Hill Country Two-Step

Instructor Wyatt Gauss exudes southern hospitality and refined warmth, and he teaches his dance lessons with that classy demeanor. He’s thoughtful and knowledgeable about the history of dances and takes pride in sharing that information with his students. His company, Hill Country Two Step, hosts classes at a couple of different venues, including the Little Longhorn Saloon on Tuesday evenings and Sagebrush on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Gauss often likes to work on specific skills at a class to vary instruction, and his website always contains up-to-date details. Class offerings occasionally shift, and the company regularly works private events, so please check their Instagram handle for the most current info. instagram.com/hillcountrytwostep

Where to find them:

Tuesday at 7 p.m. at The Little Longhorn Saloon
Wednesday at 7 p.m. at The Little Longhorn Saloon
Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Sagebrush
Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Sagebrush
Thursday at 7 p.m. at Sagebrush
Thursday at 8 p.m. at Sagebrush
By appointment or private booking

 

D. Marie Ashley of Texas Nomad Dance Co.
Texas Nomad Dance Co.

Knowledgeable about not just Texas two-step but also the dances that inspired it, including schottische and polka, D. Marie Ashley teaches with a deep sense of tradition while embracing the modern evolutions of two-step in Austin. While she has been a part-time instructor for other outfits on this list, she’s now focused on providing private instruction, which she hosts at a studio inside Hyde Park’s Baker Center. If you’re looking for some one-on-one time to brush up on your two-stepping skills, you can book directly through her Instagram account. instagram.com/dancingwithmarie

Where to find them:

By appointment or private booking