Line Dancing

These notes were written by Chris. As you will see, she is passionate about line dancing, as are four or five others in the church.

It seems that people either like or dislike the idea of line dancing - a bit like Marmite - love it or hate it!

People who know me, know that I love line dancing and have done it for more years than I care to remember. It's as if I have always danced. It has given me many hours of pleasure and excersize, not to mention new friends at the social events. Those who attended the church family camps will remember the line dance displays that I organised at the talent nights.

The one reason that I started was because I have always loved to dance - ballroom, scottish & folk are a few of the styles that I have done scince I was a child. The idea of line dancing attracted me, because yuo dont need a partner, as unfortunatly my husband can no longer dance due to a back injury. So along wiht a few friends I went to a class and was hooked.

Over the years, line dancing has evolved from the 'ye-ha' country and western style, which most people associate it with, to modern pop and a very energietic style. Although there is a campaign to 'keep it country', it has in some cases become quite compliucated and competitive.

Unfortuately this has created a devide and the line dance world and created a 'them & us' attitude. I have seen it from both sides, as at first I was very competitive and stove to better myself and be among the 'big boys' and know the top dancers on the circuit.

I did enter two competitions and have the trophies to prove it. They were only on a small scale, at Butlins, but it was enough to nearly give me a heart attack with fright, but looking back that was all part of the fun and an achievement.

Now getting older and witht the old brain box depleting, I settle for just the fun of it, along with socialising.

I hope that you realise by now that there is more to this line dancing than you thought - lots more! Style of dance & music is one thing, dress is another. far removed from western boots or stetson hats [although you still see some], its all about glitter these days. You can stru yout stuff in the most glitzy of outfits, especially at Christmas and special cances. Charity dances are another place to let your hair down and wear the weirdest of outfits that you would not normallt be seen dead in!

As I write this [november], in a couple of weeks I shall be going on a Line Dancing weekend to Eastbourne with friends. We have chreographers come to teach us the latest dances, we dress up, deance and meet twith old friends.

Line dance weekends & holidays are great fun, especially abroad. I have danced in Tenerife & in Cyprus. What could be better than combining sun & dancing?

To conclude, I must sum this up by saying that this type of activity is for all ages. There are many young people bringing fresh ideas & style into line dancing. At the same time, I know people of 90 still dancing. As you get older its a great way to keep the joints moving and the brain active.

When I go to weekends, to hear the bands, meet & dence witht he choreographers and different dance groups it is a real delight. All the stresses and pressures of the working week melt away. I hope and pray that I shall still be enjoying this for many years to come.

Why don't you try it?