Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance but felt intimidated by the complexity and variety of dance styles and steps? If so, you might want to try country music line dancing, one of the most fun and easy ways to dance in the world. Country music line dancing is a form of dance that involves a group of people following a simple and repetitive sequence of steps while arranged in one or more lines or rows. These lines usually face the same direction and move in sync with each other. Unlike other forms of dance, country music line dancing does not require physical contact or partner coordination. All you need is a pair of boots, a hat, and a love for country music!
In this article, we will explore the origins and development of country music line dancing, as well as some of the benefits and tips for enjoying this form of dance. We will also introduce you to some of the most popular and classic country music line dances that you can learn and practice at home or at your local dance club. Whether you are a fan of country music or just looking for a new and exciting way to exercise and socialize, we hope you will find this article informative and inspiring.
Origins and development of country music line dancing
Country music line dancing has a long and rich history that can be traced back to various forms of folk and country dancing that originated in Europe and were brought to North America by immigrants in the 1800s. These dances were often performed in social gatherings, such as barn dances, where people would form circles or squares and follow a caller who would instruct them on the steps and movements. Some of these dances, such as the Virginia Reel and the Cotton-Eyed Joe, are still popular today.
Country music line dancing as we know it today emerged in the late 20th century, as it was influenced by other styles of dance and music that became popular in this period. One of the most influential genres was disco, which originated in the urban nightclubs of New York and Philadelphia and spread across the world. Disco music was characterized by a four-on-the-floor beat, syncopated bass lines, and lush orchestration. Disco dancing was also a distinctive style that involved complex and energetic moves, such as spins, dips, and splits. Some of the disco dances that influenced country music line dancing were the Hustle, the Bus Stop, and the Electric Slide.
How-To: the Electric Slide
Another influential genre was pop, which encompassed a wide range of styles and artists that appealed to a mass audience. Pop music was often catchy, upbeat, and easy to dance to. Some of the pop songs that inspired country music line dances were YMCA by the Village People, Footloose by Kenny Loggins, and Thriller by Michael Jackson.
However, country music line dancing remained true to its roots and maintained its connection to country music, which originated in the rural areas of the southern United States and blended elements of folk, blues, and western swing. Country music was often associated with themes of love, heartbreak, and patriotism. Country dancing was also a popular form of social activity that involved various styles, such as two-step, western swing, and country waltz. Some of the country songs that inspired country music line dances were Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, Boot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks & Dunn, and Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex.
Country music line dancing continued to evolve and diversify in the following decades, as it was influenced by other musical genres and cultures that emerged or gained prominence in this period. Some of these genres include rock, hip hop, reggae, salsa, swing, and jazz. Some of these cultures include Latin American, Irish, African American, Native American, and Asian. Country music line dancing also became more popular and accessible in the UK and other countries, as it was taught and practiced in various venues and events.
Benefits and tips for enjoying country music line dancing
Country music line dancing offers a range of benefits for the dancers, such as physical fitness, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
Physical fitness: Country music line dancing is a great way of exercising one’s body and improving one’s health. Country music line dancing can help burn calories, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance coordination. Country music line dancing can also help prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Social interaction: Country music line dancing is a fun way of meeting new people and making friends who share a common interest and passion for dance. Country music line dancers can join clubs, classes, workshops, festivals, and competitions that offer opportunities to learn and practice their dancing skills and techniques. Country music line dancers can also support and encourage each other to improve and have fun. Country music line dancing can also help foster a sense of community and belonging among the dancers.
Mental stimulation: Country music line dancing is a challenging way of exercising one’s mind and improving one’s memory and concentration. Country music line dancing requires the dancers to remember and follow a sequence of steps and movements that vary depending on the song and the dance. Country music line dancing also requires the dancers to pay attention to the music and the cues from the instructor or the leader. Country music line dancing can also help relieve stress and boost mood by providing a positive and enjoyable outlet for expression and creativity.
To enjoy country music line dancing, here are some tips that might help you:
- Choose a song and a dance that suit your level of difficulty and preference. You can start with simple and easy dances that have fewer and slower steps, such as the Electric Slide or the Cowboy Boogie. You can then progress to more complex and fast dances that have more and quicker steps, such as the Tush Push or the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear. You can wear casual or western-style clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. You can also wear boots or shoes that have smooth soles and low heels that enable you to slide and turn easily on the floor.
- Learn from an instructor or a leader who can teach you the steps and movements of the dance. You can join a class or a workshop that offers instruction and guidance for beginners or intermediate or advanced dancers. You can also watch a video or a demonstration that shows you how to do the dance.
- Practice with a group of people who can help you learn and improve your dancing skills and techniques. You can join a club or a group that organizes regular sessions or events for country music line dancing. You can also practice with your friends or family who are interested in country music line dancing.
- Have fun and enjoy yourself while dancing. You can smile and laugh and express yourself while dancing. You can also cheer and applaud for yourself and others who are dancing. You can also experiment and improvise with your own steps and movements as long as you stay in sync with the group.
Popular and classic country music line dances
If you are interested in learning some country music line dances, here are some of the most popular and classic ones that you can try:
- Achy Breaky Heart: A 24-count, 4-wall dance that was created by Melanie Greenwood in 1992 for the song of the same name by Billy Ray Cyrus. The dance involves kicks, touches, heel splits, vine steps, hip bumps, quarter turns, stomps, and claps. Learn the steps
- Boot Scootin’ Boogie: A 32-count, 4-wall dance that was created by Bill Bader in 1992 for the song of the same name by Brooks & Dunn. The dance involves heel digs, toe struts, scoots, shuffles, rock steps, pivots, weaves, grapevines, heel hooks, heel fans, heel switches, heel taps, heel lifts, stomps, scuffs, slaps, kicks, and jumps. Learn the steps
- Cotton Eye Joe: A 32-count, 4-wall dance that was created by unknown in 1994 for the song of the same name by Rednex. The dance involves heel digs, toe touches, heel switches, heel hooks, heel fans, vine steps, quarter turns, stomps, and jumps. Learn the steps
- Electric Slide: A 22-count, 4-wall dance that was created by Ric Silver in 1976 for the song “Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths. The dance involves grapevines, back steps, scuffs, touches, slides, and quarter turns. Learn the steps
- Tush Push: A 40-count, 4-wall dance that was created by Jim Ferrazzano in 1990 for the song “Tush” by ZZ Top. The dance involves heel digs, toe touches, heel switches, heel hooks, heel fans, vine steps, half turns, shuffles, rock steps, pivots, hip bumps, stomps, and kicks. Learn the steps
- Black Velvet: This is a line dance that is done to the song “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles. It consists of steps like forward touch steps, kick-ball-changes, shuffle steps, and jazz box steps. Learn the steps
- Country Girl Shake: This is a line dance that is done to the song “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” by Luke Bryan. It involves steps like heel digs, toe struts, hip bumps, and grapevines. Learn the steps
Next Steps (pun intended)
We hope you have learned something new and interesting about country music line dancing and maybe even felt inspired to join in the fun. Country music line dancing is a great way of expressing yourself, enjoying yourself, and connecting with others who share your love for dance. Whether you are a fan of country music or just looking for a new and exciting way to exercise and socialize, we hope you will find country music line dancing to be a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
You can find more information and instructional videos on websites like www.countrydancingtonight.com and Country Line Dance Bucket List
Playlist of instructional videos: https://www.youtube.com/@alsonvideo/videos
If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family who might also enjoy country music line dancing. You can also leave us a comment below and let us know what you think about country music line dancing or if you have any questions or suggestions. We would love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading and happy dancing!