We’re looking forward to introducing you to Beth Coffey. Check out our conversation below.
Beth, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
What continually surprises me is how far people travel just to dance in Austin. I’ve been teaching the Texas Two-Step for almost 15 years at the world-famous White Horse, right in the heart of Austin, and before every lesson I always ask, ‘Who here came the furthest?’ The answers amaze me. On any given night, I’ll hear Germany, France, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Spain even as far as Australia and New Zealand. And it’s not just a once-a-year thing, it’s every single week.
That tells me something powerful: people from all over the world see Texas Two-Step as part of the culture they want to experience. I’ve been fortunate to be invited to teach in places like London, France, and Germany, and those experiences have only deepened my belief that dance is a true cultural bridge. When visitors come to Austin and step into my class, they’re not just learning steps they’re taking part in a living tradition that connects Texas to the world.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a proud 6th generation Texan and the founder of Dancin Austin. I teach and share the Texas Two-Step and line dancing as a way to build community, preserve cultural traditions, and spread joy. Whether it’s at Austin’s legendary White Horse honky-tonk, a corporate retreat, or a pop-up abroad, my mission is to create an inclusive dance floor where everyone feels they belong. I’ve been honored to be recognized by the Mayor of Austin as the city’s Ambassador of the Texas Two-Step, and I’ve taught everywhere from London to Germany, France, and the Netherlands — carrying Texas dance with me like a passport.”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My story really starts with healing. I survived a serious accident in West Texas near our Marfa Ranch in my early twenties, and during recovery in Austin I found dance. It rebuilt not only my body but my spirit. Dance gave me life again. That’s why I believe so deeply in its power to connect and transform people. Every lesson I teach is rooted in that experience — it’s not just steps on a floor, it’s confidence, joy, and community.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Me and my team blend tradition with accessibility. You don’t need a partner, you don’t need experience, and you don’t even need boots, “you’d be a lot cooler if you did” Mathew McCoughney. My approach makes dance approachable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. We honor the heritage of Texas dance while making it fun and relevant for today’s audiences, whether that’s a corporate team-building session, bachelorette party, or a global cultural exchange.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I see dance as a language. When I step onto a dance floor in Austin or across the ocean, we don’t have to speak the same words to understand each other, the rhythm does the talking. I use Texas Two-Step and line dance as cultural bridges, creating moments of connection between Texans and people from all over the world. It’s a way to share the story of Texas in a form that’s alive, joyful, and participatory.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For me, this isn’t just a hobby, it’s a legacy. I think about my 22-year-old stepdaughter and my 6-year-old daughter, and I want them to have a space where dance, music, and connection are alive for the next generation. I see myself paving the way so that they, and other young women, have a stage to step onto, not just as dancers, but as leaders.
In this day and age, it’s important that we have more women behind the microphone, guiding people on the dance floor, making sure they feel welcome and connected. Dance is about joy and humanity, it’s about live music, live voices, and real people moving together. That’s the legacy I want to pass on: keeping the tradition alive, while opening doors for more women to lead the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.dancinaustin.com
- Instagram: @dancinaustin
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/bethcoffey
- Facebook: @dancinaustin
- Youtube: @dancinaustin9295
