The roots of Western dance run deep. They can be traced from the taverns of Ireland, to the ballrooms of Europe, to the Czarist palaces of Russia and even as far back as to tribal rituals in Africa. People from these areas of the world brought their native dances when they migrated to America. The immigrants from these areas of the world had little to no exposure with each other. Once they arrived in America, the immigrants merged and combined their unique techniques and steps to create Country Western Dance.
African influences were being carried over offering a stylistic influence that can still be seen in today’s Country dances. This happened after the Civil War when many African Americans moved west to try and make a new life far from the depressing reminder of slavery.
Cowboys were not known for their athletic ability to dance. The long hours in the saddle didn’t necessarily make them more limber. Cowboys also wore large and heavy boots with spurs, which didn’t aid them to easily move around the dance floor. As a result, Country dancing is simple and easy to pick up. One does not need to be athletic in order to dance Country.
Learning the Country dance principles, order of steps and the variations is very simply. Since different forms of Country dance doesn’t require partners or a great deal of athleticism, it’s a very easy for people to get begin dancing. Country Western dance is still being enjoyed today by a huge majority of the American population.
The Evolution of Dance 