Skip Hamrick

T is for 200 Two-Steppers on the Steps of the Texas Capitol

On April 21, 2010, two hundred two-steppers danced their way around the south steps of the Texas state capitol to kick off the annual Fusebox Festival. A two-step duet opened the show, featuring Skip Hamrick, a lifelong country-western and competition dancer, and patron of Austin’s best dance halls. According to Skip, he’s been dancing ever since he could stand on two feet, but his love for country-western dance began nearly 35 years ago.

Directed by Allison Orr, T is for 200 Two-Steppers on the Steps of the Texas Capitol celebrated the two-step’s rich cultural history while showcasing local dancers who love and live for the dance. T is for… featured a live Texas swing Orchestra directed by Graham Reynolds and fronted by Austin favorite Dale Watson.

Eleven years after the tremendous Two-Step performance, Allison and Skip discussed their collaboration, the state of two-steppin’ in the Covid-19 pandemic, and Skip’s love of dance. Listen to their conversation above.

On the Job: 20 Portraits from 20 Years highlights the work of twenty people who have collaborated and performed with Forklift Danceworks. Featuring new interviews between Forklift choreographers and our collaborators, the series shares the voices and experiences of people whose work sustains our communities.

New portraits will be released each month, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to meet more Forklift performers throughout the year!

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.