What Is HTT?
We, here at Honky Tonk Traditions, are simply ambassadors for cowboy culture in the dancing scene and advocates for agrarian living in every thing we do. We support farmers, ranchers, and rednecks through financial support, staying up-to-date on all news, and educating others on our history.
Our Mission Statement:
Bring etiquette back to the hardwood while improving skills and having fun throughout the entire process.
Our Outlaws carry that passion through education and competition. Progressing the honky tonk culture by reintroducing long traditions is the heartbeat.
Honky Tonk Traditions is an idea more than a group. This allows us to maintain humility and focus while being trendsetters in the country dance community.
We believe partner dancing can solve any issue the United State faces currently through...
- Fitness: Cardiovascular issues are #1 in mortality rates for 18+ and #2 for <18. Honky tonks allows for long-term, low-stress cardio
- Relationships: Both platonic and romantic relationships need a safe place to grow, couples need a simple date night, and romance can be seen by everyone without being considered PDA
- Culture: Honky tonks are historically cross-cultural with regional influences that form a great middle ground for anyone to feel comfortable celebrating with simple folk's way of life.
Our History:
At the age of 6, John Carter McGehee was introduced to traditional two-stepping by his mother at an annual family reunion–dancing was a regular event for the Ranallo family. John Carter was caught up in the way each couple adapted and complemented one another’s weakness (height, disabilities, lack of sobriety). For the next 20 years, he pursued multiple styles of dance and jumped on every opportunity to build others’ confidence in country dancing wherever he could (school dances, summer camp, college, etc.)
Moving to Dallas in 2022, he saw lack of clarity in the honky tonk community with etiquette, tradition, and boundaries as a whole. There were countless skilled instructors teaching incredible moves, but not one was teaching the basics of a honky tonk. Rather than stubbornly grumble, John Carter took initiative and began teaching 1-on-1 lessons, producing content to educate and promote healthy culture in the community, and studying history to better face questioned posed from new or freestyle dancers. With a recent move to Fort Worth, he is currently taking steps to make his home bar, Pearl's Saloon, well-known and form a competitive team to give direction to this return to traditional country dancing.