At the University of Houston, students recently pulled out their boots and hit the dance floor—not just for fun, but for a deep dive into history.
In a lively line dancing class, they got more than just a lesson in choreography. They stepped into a tradition that has long been a part of Black communities in the American West, where dance has brought people together and helped preserve cultural identity.
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A first-time dancer falls in love with the tradition
For Nathan Mwananput, one of the students in the class, the experience was eye-opening. “It’s been an experience of a lifetime—my first time ever doing it, and I fell in love with it,” he said. “Moving forward, it’s going to help me focus more on the material I’m learning, especially when it comes to understanding the cultural relationships we’re studying. It really helps me get immersed into my material, and not only learn it but also experience it,” Mwananput said.
Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter, and the Legacy of Black Western Culture
This class takes a unique approach, using Beyoncé’s latest album as a starting point to explore Black history in the West. It goes beyond the typical Juneteenth narrative, highlighting the legacies of Black towns, Black cowboys, Black country music, and the many paths to freedom that often go overlooked.
And speaking of Beyoncé—students in this class got to see history in the making when she brought line dancing to the Texans-Ravens halftime show on Christmas, marking her first-ever performance of Cowboy Carter right here in Houston.
Students to exhibit at Houston Rodeo’s Black Heritage Day
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The students just got big news: The Black Heritage Committee at the Houston Rodeo has invited their class to Black Heritage Day—as official exhibitors. That means they’ll get to showcase their research alongside exhibits from the Black Cowboy Museum and the Buffalo Soldiers Museum.
“We have been invited to officially become exhibitors,” the professor announced. “Everyone should be there, and we have to sign up to help staff the table.”
Bringing history to life—One dance step at a time
For these students, it’s more than just an academic experience—it’s a chance to share history, connect with the community, and celebrate the deep cultural roots of Black contributions to Western traditions. And if this class has proven anything, it’s that learning history can be as engaging as hitting the dance floor.
Catch up on Cowboy Carter Chronicles:
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