I’ll always remember the first time I tried line dancing. In fact, I attempted to lead a dance, which was hilarious since I didn’t know the first thing about it! It was at a huge event and drinks may have been involved, because when the call came for someone to lead a dance I literally leapt into action. Happily, for all involved, my “teaching” didn’t last long!
Fast forward to today. With a year-and-a-half of dancing classes with Tammy Lee Wyatt of Bronte Boots N Spurs Line Dancing under my cowboy belt, it’s clear to me why people of all ages are drawn to this style of dancing. Best of all, I no longer have to fake my moves! Grapevine, jazz box, the K-step, rocking chair, pivot turn, Monterey? Done and dusted!
The classes, held at the Burlington Legion, are popular with people in their 20s, 30s and all the way up to 80s who drop by on Mondays and Thursdays for absolute beginner, beginner and more advanced level instruction. While dancing to songs like Achy Breaky Heart, Do Si Do, and Choosin’ Texas, I’ve discovered a group of friendly people who are quick to invite me to other dancing opportunities in our area.
I recently attended a packed beginner’s line dancing night under the stars at Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Milton, led by Erykah Mackie, of Mackie Line Dance Lessons. It was a sea of denim skirts and cowboy boots where singles, couples, girl gangs of all ages, and families joined together for a night of dancing. While appealing to all ages, Mackie has noticed how popular line dancing has recently become with a younger demographic, thanks in part to its exposure on TikTok and Instagram.
“Line dancing is appealing to people under 35 because it combines so many things that people are looking for today, like being active, socializing, learning new skills and being part of a community,” Mackie explains. “People love getting together with friends, dressing up in cute country outfits, and being part of an experience.”
A real sense of camaraderie flows from meeting new people as we all master new skills, which can also have a positive effect on our mental health. In this digital age, young people in particular often experience social anxiety, loneliness, and a sense of disconnect from others. The inclusive and confidence building nature of line dancing can provide a sense of belonging.
Mario Carito, of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing, teaches in many venues in Halton Region and the GTA and observes the benefits of line dancing on mental health for all ages.
Where to Line Dance
Burlington
Grace United Church, 2111 Walkers Line
Class for seniors, Fridays 11 am – noon, and 2 pm – 3 pm., Cost: $6
905-335-0090 to be added to the waiting list
graceunitedchurchburlington.com
Halton Veterans Naval Hall, 2444 Industrial Street
Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Friday, October 2, Doors open at 6:30 pm, lessons at 7 pm. show at 7:30 pm.
Live Country Music and free line dance lesson for beginners.
Donations accepted
Nickel Brook Brewing, 3426 Mainway
Thursdays, Cost $10
nickelbrook.com/events
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60
Mondays and Thursdays, Cost $15 (stay for as many classes as you like)
burlingtonlegion.com
Simply Ballroom & Latin Studios
Outlaw Country Western Dance Company
3323 Mainway Drive
Offers a six week structured country-western line dancing course on Thursdays
simplyballroom.ca
Oakville
Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios
225 Lakeshore Road East, 2nd Floor
Line Dancing Tuesdays at 8:15 pm, twice a month
oakvillefredastaire.ca
Less Than Level
381 Kerr Street
Hosts Wednesday night line dancing (usually 7 – 9:30 pm) featuring beginner-friendly drop-in sessions
Waterdown
The Waterdown Legion, Branch 551
79 Hamilton Street North
Lessons 7 – 9 pm, dancing 9 to midnight, $15
waterdownlegion.ca
Dundas
Dundas55plus.com
Thursdays, 10:15 am – 11:30 am.
dundas55plus.com/classes
$30 for 10 weekly sessions
“By being part of the community and being friends with someone who you normally wouldn’t be friends with, line dancing is a huge avenue for positivity and mental health,” he says. “We’re here to have fun, not to judge.”
Carito adds that the teamwork involved is also great for morale. Unlike solo or duo dancing, line dancing means a whole group of people must work together to remember a dance.
In addition to the social and mental perks of line dancing, it offers a fantastic workout for both mind and body. Line dancing requires concentration. As you learn the choreography and your muscle memory kicks in, your confidence increases. As with any new skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become.
See you on the dance floor!
By Cyndi Ingle
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