History of the "Texas Hoe-Down"

The “Texas Hoe-Down” was born in 1990 (OMG...33 long years ago...) with Jerry & Virginia Rainey wanting to offer a Country-Western Dance competition in the State of Texas. The Rainey’s had been visiting and competing in several dance competitions in surrounding states and wanted TEXAS to have the distinction of playing host to such an event. To their knowledge, no such event had ever been held in the State of Texas. This was prior to U.C.W.D.C. being formed and prior to Fun Country and the A.C.D.A.

That very first year, the Rainey’s were astounded with their response from the Dance Community. Dancers from all over flocked to Ft. Worth to participate in this “first” for Texas. Dancers were also in attendance from Canada, with a Canadian couple taking the “Texas Hoe-Down” jackets and belt buckles home with them to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Later, Jerry and Virginia would see them wearing their belt buckles as they danced at the “White Horse Saloon” on television.

We learn something new every year. We feel as if we have learned from our problems and ALWAYS try to correct them. Our main goal is to make sure that EVERYONE has a good time, is treated fairly, leaves happy, and puts the next year’s “Texas Hoe-Down” date on their calendars. We are placed in the “TOP 10" in the Nation. Our “Wealth of Workshops” which has always been held on the Friday of the competition week-end, has always been a tremendous success. These workshops are free with registration. Workshops on various dances are also offered on Saturday by some of the Nation’s top instructors. Private lessons can also be booked. We intend for the “Texas Hoe-Down” 2022 to be the best one ever. If you have any suggestions, recommendations, ideas, or complaints about the “Texas Hoe-Down,” please make it a point to look up Jerry, Virginia, Missy, or Judi and they will take care of any problem you might have. Have a good time...keep on dancin’...and THANKS to all of our wonderful dancers!!! The “Texas Hoe-Down’s” dedication to promote Country-Western Dance is certainly obvious to the Dance Community.