What is Line Dance?

First of all, we line dance to all sorts of rhythms, such as cha-cha, rumba, waltz, two step, twist, boogie-woogie, and so on. Some of those rhythms may be familiar from ballroom dance.

However, the style of dance is different. In line dance all are performing a certain pattern of steps, which repeat. You dance in lines, i.e. next to a person, or in front or in the back of a person. Contra line dances or circle line dances are also possible.

Line dance cannot be compared to classical dance or square dance. One thing is certain; line dance is fun and can even become addictive. Beginning dances start at 16 counts, but mainly consist of 32 counts. There are dances that have 48, 56, 64 or even more counts, some of them having tags or restarts. There are 1 wall, 2 wall and 4 wall dances (very rarely 3 wall dances). Choreographers create a dance for almost every song.

Our group has a certain repertoire. This makes it easy for us to join others when we visit various events.

Bayport Stompers dance mainly to country & western music. However, no rule is without exception; we also like hot pop music and/or oldies. It is important that the music have a distinct beat which makes it «danceable». The type, rhythm, and era of the music add variety and interest. Besides the big shots in country music, i.e. Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, etc. there are also singers that specialize in line dance music, such as Scooter Lee. Bands/musicians welcome line dancers because they add to the positive mood and spirit of the event.

So in order to get a first glimpse, please feel free to contact us.

Line Dance
Questions & Answers

Do I need a partner to take classes?

You can participate with your partner or alone. Since line dance is danced – as the word itself expresses – in lines, there will be dancing colleagues at the side, in front or in the back of you – and you will meet friendly people that will help you.

What if I have never danced before?

If you like rhythm and recognize the beat of the music, line dance is quite easy to learn. You will start off with easy dances and will learn the steps. Once you are acquainted with the specific step pattern – which repeats itself after 16, 18, 24, 32 counts, etc. – you are on your way. Of course you’ll need a little practice – as you know, practice makes perfect. Many dances use the same steps such as «grapevine» or «kick ball change». But once you know all the steps, it will be easier to learn new dances. It is the combination of the steps that varies.

How should I dress?

The right shoes are very important. Shoes with high heels and/or sticky soles are not practical. You should wear shoes with a low heel that provide good support for the feet. Many dancers wear jeans, t-shirts, a hat and boots. The style of clothing you choose to wear is not as important as being comfortably dressed as you dance.

What is the difference in the step combination?

There are many step combinations and it would be too complicated and take too much space to explain all of them here. Every dance has its own name and its specific step combination.

Should I visit a beginner class?

We strongly recommend you to do so. It would be very frustrating to go to a class where they do the dances they have learned already and you cannot follow. It is much easier to be on the same level and it is much more rewarding if you learn it in a group and you can see your progress.

What should I do at my first visit to a class?

Talk to your teacher and let him/her know your previous experience in dancing. She will keep an eye on you and possibly align you beside a more experienced student. Some beginners tend to hide in the back. However, it is much easier to learn the steps if you are near the front. You will be able to see the steps and step combinations your teacher is describing. If you are standing in the back row and there is a wall change, you could end up in the first row! Scary! You’ll have no one to follow; other dancers may be following you.
If there are more experienced dancers in a class, make sure you are in the middle of the rows. Hence you will be able to watch the feet of your fellow students as you learn and change walls. Eventually you will know what to do when you hear «grapevine», «kick ball change», etc. It is always good to have someone beside you who knows the dance a little better and can help you. Should you miss a step, don’t worry, just smile, because there are no mistakes in line dance, just variations!

What kind of dances should I learn?

The dances are divided into three parts: beginners, intermediate, advanced.
In those categories there may be subdivisions such as low beginner, high beginner, beginner/intermediate, etc. Sometimes the level of difficulty varies with upbeat music and variations in steps. Beginner dances consist of easy steps (no syncopations, no turns, etc.) and a low to intermediate tempo in music. Many dances have become a classic such as «Black Coffee» and are danced throughout the world. Most teachers will teach a combination of «classics» and «up to date» dances.

How do I find the right line dance class?

There is a whole list of line dance groups on our website. We’re sure you will find one in the vicinity of your home. It is important that you feel comfortable with the teacher and that you are on the same wavelength as the other dancers in the class. Every teacher strives to make you as happy and confident as possible during your learning experience.

Remarks from Paul

I personally am a totally addicted «non-line dancer», but am very interested in the techniques of line dancing. Whenever and wherever possible, I accompany my wife to various events and thus get acquainted with many friendly line dancers. I enjoy myself very much in this line dance family.

I recommend line dance to all people who wish to keep mentally and physically fit and want to spend their leisure time in uplifting company.

Bayport Stompers