By day, Nicholas Martin's world revolves around the precision of highway designs, working as a design project coordinator for TxDOT in Tyler. Come nightfall, the same precision finds its way to dance floors ablaze with rhythm and flair. In a profile published by TxDOT, Martin shares how his childhood in San Antonio laid the groundwork for a lifetime passion for dance, thanks to early influences from his grandparents.
"My grandma taught me how to dance different styles, including Cumbia and Bachata. It was a big part of my childhood," Martin recalled in the article. It seems that rhythm is a family legacy, as his parents met in a dance club—his father, a breakdancer and DJ, and his mother, a hip-hop dancer. This heritage impelled Martin to further explore dance during his college years at UT Tyler, which led to an affection for Texas-style two-stepping and eventually to the formation of the Tyler Country Dancing group.
Stretching beyond the familiar, Martin and the Tyler Country Dancing group encourage a sense of community for those with an inclination to step onto the dance floor. Formed as an initiative to connect dancers, the group organizes events, offers lessons, and fosters an environment rich with diverse dance styles. "The styles in Tyler differ from somewhere like Dallas or Nacogdoches. You see all kinds of different styles just in Texas. It really is unique," Martin said.
Yet, for Martin, dance brought more than just accolades and regional notoriety—it also brought love. He and his wife Sarah, who met within the tightly-knit dance community, share an avid enthusiasm for two-stepping, carrying their passion well beyond local dance halls. They married in 2024 and have since made it a point to spread their love for dance wherever they go. Martin, with sights set on diversifying his repertoire, looks forward to embracing more Latin dance styles like Salsa and Tango. "Two-stepping has really given me a lot of memories," Martin shared, underlining the blend of culture and connection that dance continues to weave into his life.
