The first time I saw Red Dirt Steppin in action, I knew they weren’t just another dance group. They were a movement—a full-force revival of traditional country dancing with two-step, waltz, and honky tonk spirit pumping through their veins.
Lance Lawless, founder of Red Dirt Steppin, along with his ride-or-die dance partner Ashley Jackson and their wild card, Garrett “Red” Payne, aren’t just dancers. They’re preservationists of an art form that’s been slipping through the cracks in modern country culture. This trio and their crew aren’t content with watching real country dancing fade into the background—they’re here to save it.
From Small Towns to Big Dance Halls: The Story of Red Dirt Steppin
Like most great country music stories, this one starts in small-town America. Lance Lawless grew up in Overton, Texas—a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of town where Dairy Queen is a landmark and kids run free until the streetlights come on, or used to.
It was there that his mother first pulled him into the living room and taught him how to dance. He resisted at first, like any 10-year-old boy would. But she insisted, saying, “You’ll thank me later.” Decades later, he’s still thanking her.
Ashley Jackson, on the other hand, was a Fort Worth Stockyards girl. As soon as she turned 18, she dove headfirst into the honky tonk scene, mesmerized by the music and movement. Life took her away from it for a while, but like any good country song, she found her way back.
Then there’s Red. A kid from Arkansas who picked up a guitar at 13 and got hooked on Cowboys Red River’s dance floor the minute he turned 18. These three come from different backgrounds, but their love for traditional country dancing brought them together—and now they’re bringing it back for everyone else.
What Exactly Is Red Dirt Steppin? More Than Just a Dance Group
At first glance, you might think Red Dirt Steppin is just another dance crew, but they’re something much bigger. They’re reviving a culture—one that’s been overshadowed by line dancing to pop-country beats and bar coast moves, and that ain’t honky tonk.
Their mission? To bring traditional country dancing back to life and to support independent country artists who are keeping it real. They show up at venues that still play authentic country music, fill the dance floor, teach new folks how to two-step, and make sure that live bands don’t have to play to an empty room.
“We’re not just dancing,” Lance explains. “We’re part of the show. We bring the energy. When people see a packed dance floor, they want to join in. That’s how you keep this culture alive.”
Keeping Traditional Country Dancing Alive in a Changing Scene
In an era where mainstream country is drifting further from its roots, Red Dirt Steppin is doubling down on what made country music special in the first place—community, connection, and movement.
A few decades ago, every honky tonk in Texas had a dance floor packed with two-steppers, waltzers, and couples gliding effortlessly to the music. Nowadays? Not so much. Many venues have given up on traditional dance floors entirely, and a new wave of “country” dancing has crept in—moves that owe more to pop choreography than cowboy boots on sawdust.
Red Dirt Steppin is out to change that.
“We don’t teach bar coast,” Lance says. “We teach real country dancing—the kind of dancing that belongs in honky tonks.”
When they’re not on the floor themselves, they’re teaching newcomers the ropes—starting with the basics. First, the two-step. Then, the waltz. Spins and dips come later, but only after a dancer can hold a steady rhythm. This isn’t about showing off. It’s about preserving a way of life.
🔥 Chapters & Timestamps
(00:00) Exclusive Interview with Red Dirt Steppin
(01:44) Where Y’all From? Small Town Roots & Big City Moves
(04:21) How Lance, Ashley & Garrett Fell in Love with Dancing
(15:33) How Red Dirt Steppin Started & Grew Into a Movement
(21:27) How Lance & Ashley Met on the Dance Floor
(31:16) What Exactly is Red Dirt Steppin? More Than Just a Dance Group
(37:37) Keeping Traditional Country Dancing Alive in a Changing Scene
(50:06) Why Red Dirt Steppin Supports Traditional Country Artists
🎧 Listen to the Full Interview
Come And Pick It is available everywhere you get podcasts. Find Come And Pick It on your favorite platform HERE.
Why You Should Listen
If you care about keeping traditional country music and dancing alive, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or just curious about what makes country dancing special, Red Dirt Steppin delivers an inside look into a movement that’s bringing back real country culture.
🔥 Key Takeaways
Traditional country dancing is disappearing, but Red Dirt Steppin is bringing it back.
They support artists who embrace authentic country music.
Dancing and live music go hand in hand—a full dance floor keeps a honky tonk alive.
Red Dirt Steppin isn’t just about dancing—it’s about culture and community.
Why Red Dirt Steppin Supports Traditional Country Artists
Dancing and country music have always gone hand in hand. A great honky tonk band needs a dance floor full of people, and a great dance floor needs the right kind of music. That’s why Red Dirt Steppin isn’t just about the moves—it’s about the music too.
They actively support artists who keep traditional country music alive. That means fiddles, steel guitars, and lyrics that tell a real story. They’ve worked with artists like Billie Jo Jones, helping to create the official line dance for her song Why You Gotta Be So Cowboy, and they recently shot a music video with Uncle Ryano for Waylon for Cash.
Their presence at live shows isn’t just about dancing—it’s about setting the tone. They make sure the energy is right, encouraging venues and artists to keep playing the kind of music people actually want to dance to.
The Future of Red Dirt Steppin
The movement is growing. Red Dirt Steppin started as a handful of dancers, but it’s turning into something bigger than any of them imagined. They’ve cut down their crew to a tight, dedicated group that understands the mission—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
In 2025, they’re looking to expand their clothing brand, create more collaborations with independent country artists, and continue teaching new people the magic of real country dancing.
So if you’re tired of watching country music drift further from its roots, and you want to be part of the revival, pay attention to Red Dirt Steppin. Find them at a honky tonk near you, grab a partner, and get on the dance floor.
Follow Red Dirt Steppin
Website: RedDirtSteppin.com
YouTube: Red Dirt Steppin on YouTube
Facebook: Red Dirt Steppin on Facebook
Instagram: Red Dirt Steppin on Instagram
TikTok: Red Dirt Steppin on TikTok
Listen to More Episodes
YouTube Playlist: Come And Pick It Podcast
Spotify: Come And Pick It on Spotify
Related Episodes
Follow Anthony Bonnette & Come And Pick It
🔗 Follow Anthony Bonnette: AnthonyBonnette.com/socials
🎧 Come And Pick It Podcast: AnthonyBonnette.com/comeandpickit
📩 Stay Updated: Join the Newsletter
Final Thoughts
Red Dirt Steppin isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about reviving a tradition that should never have disappeared in the first place. If you’re ready to step onto the dance floor and be part of the movement, find them at a honky tonk near you. Real country music deserves real country dancing.
Be Prepared with My Patriot Supply
In a world where the unexpected can happen at any time, having a reliable emergency food supply is essential. Whether it’s natural disasters, power outages, or just being ready for the unknown, My Patriot Supply has you covered. They offer 25-year emergency food kits, survival gear, and water filtration solutions to keep you and your family prepared.
🎯 Stock up today and support the show: My Patriot Supply
Disclaimer
Disclaimer-Required by FTC: This content includes affiliate promotion, sponsorships, and/or affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the channel and allow us to bring you more content. Thank you for your support!
Comments