Kinesiology Lecturer Welcomes International Students with Two-Step Lessons

For the past seven years, Nicholas Enge has helped welcome incoming international students to The University of Texas at Austin during the annual International Student Orientation period. How does he do this?  

He introduces them to an iconic element of Texan culture: the Texas Two-Step.  

Enge is a lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education in the College of Education who researches social dances from the 19th century to the present, reconstructs them and teaches them to students. He also created a digital repository called the Library of Dance, where he has curated a collection of thousands of historic dance manuals and demonstration videos available for public download.  

“I was invited to offer these lessons to give incoming international students a taste of Texas culture,” said Enge, “as well as an opportunity to meet each other and mingle in a low-stakes, fun environment.” 

The international students seem to thoroughly enjoy this uniquely Texan experience, a fact that surprises no one involved. 

“The Texas Two-Step has been one of our most popular orientation events for international students for years,” said Margaret Luévano, director of International Student and Scholar Services. “Not only do the students have fun in a safe environment, but they also get a taste of Texas while getting to know other students from around the world. When Nick shares his passion for dance, the students can’t help having a blast!” 

Enge hopes his two-step lessons will help new international students feel a little more comfortable on the Forty Acres and get them excited about going to school in Texas.  

“The ultimate purpose of social dancing is to have fun, so it’s a great way to put people at ease, particularly as they navigate a difficult challenge like starting classes at a world-class university in a new country,” said Enge.  

This year’s Texas two-step lessons happen on Thursday, August 22, at 1:30 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m. in the Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom at the Texas Union.  

Find out more in the Texas Global event listings.