I first heard about the Borderland Country Dancers when I started training for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso "Dance for Kids Sake" in 2024 with my dance partner for the show Hugo Vela. My husband and I had started taking country dance lessons with him and his long-time dance partner Lisa. There was always a group of people, younger and older, that they hung out with who were exceptionally good at country dancing. I would love to just watch them and wonder if they had rehearsed these moves before, or if it was possible to be that in tune with your dancing partner to be able to read dance cues just like that. Having always prided myself on being a good solo dancer, I had to know more.

Lisa and Hugo had been a part of a very well known dance group called "The Dallas Dancers," named for the Dallas Country Nightclub that was here in El Paso years ago on Lee Trevino, (OG's know what I'm talking about). The Dallas Dancers were the best of the best. Country dancing was their life, and for many of the members like Lisa and Hugo, still is.

Dallas Dancers circa 1992:

Fast forward to 2022. I found out that Lisa and Hugo had formed this dance group after the request of a young man named Anthony. Anthony had been recording their dancing to practice on his own and finally worked up the courage to ask if they would show him how to dance. The group was originally named the Ricky D's Dancers, after Ricky D's Country Club, (R.I.P.), since that's where they used to practice. At the time that's also where Lisa and Hugo would give their free country dance lessons and host events, like line dancing competitions.

The group now consists of members ranging from ages 21-58, and divided into the "OGs'" which includes those adults who had been a part of the Dallas Dancers, and the "Babies," which includes the younger generation who have the passion and talent for country dancing. They perform at various country events around the city and are like one big 2-stepping family, all sharing their passion for country dancing. The OG's teach them the more traditional dance techniques, while the "Babies" infuse some of the newer styles and line dances.

There are 10 OG's, a majority of which are over 50 years old, and include Lisa M Estrella, Hugo Vela, Fernie & Sofia Caballero, Bonnie Aguirre, John Dominguez, Adolfo & Vero Quintero, Saul & Myra Macias

"Babies" include Amber N., Mindy G., Michelle H., Savannah G., Trinity M., Hannah S., Anthony M, Angel P., Marlo E., Emilio Q., Davonte S., with the youngest being 21.

You can find them on social media, just search Borderland Country Dancers. Lisa and Hugo also give free country dance lessons where they break down the 2 step for beginners and teach various line dances: Thursdays 7:30-9pm at Havana Bar & Grill (7250 Doniphan), 7:30-9pm at Whiskey Dicks (1580 George Dieter), every other Saturday at Speaking Rock Casino, and 5-6:30 pm at Cactus Owl, (204 Palm St).

Brooke Taylor