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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to Line dancing

Line dancing is a formation dance in which a group of people dance in one or more line. Line dancing's current popularity grew out of the disco period, when the country-western dance and music communities continued to explore and develop this form of dancing. Line dancing is a popular recreation activity and is practiced and learned in country-western dance bars, social clubs, dance clubs and ballrooms worldwide

Some line dancing steps

Chasse

One foot moves to the side, the other foot is placed next to it, and the first foot moves again to the side.

Grapvine

One foot moves to the side, the other moves behind it, the first foot moves again to the side, and the second touches next to the first. There are variations: the final step can consist of a hitch, a scuff, placement of weight on the second foot, and so forth. The name of the step is sometimes abbreviated to vine. Originally created in the 1920's, the pattern is designed to blend the diagonal alignments in the room.

Weave

To the left or the right. This is a grapevine with a cross in front as well as a cross behind. Creates a slight zig zag pattern on the floor.

Triple step

This is 3 steps being taken in only 2 beats of music. Can move forward, backward, left or right.

Shuffle step

A triple step to the front or the back, left or right side, starting on either foot. The feet slide rather than being given the staccato (short and sharp) movement of the cha-cha. There is a slight difference in the interpretation of the timing to give the element its distinctive look. It is counted as 1 & 2, 3 & 4, etc. However, the actual amount of time devoted to each of the 3 steps in the shuffle is 3/4 of a beat, 1/4 of a beat, then one full beat of music.

Lock step

A triple step backwards or forwards, starting on either foot, with the second foot slid up to and tightly locked in front of or behind the first foot before the first foot is moved a second time in the same direction as for the first step.

Line Dancing development

At least five line dances that are strongly associated with country-western music were written in the 1970s, two of which are dated to 1972: "Walkin' Wazi" and "Cowboy Boogie". This was five years before the disco craze created by the release of Saturday nigh fever in 1977. Two non-country line dances from the 1970s are "The Bus Stop" and "Nutbush"

CONCLUSION

Line dancing is a very organised dance form, if you are looking for a dance to learn that you can enjoy with family and friends it is perfect, you can even enjoy it with a partner. There are many sources on the internet where you can find information for line dancing. Be sure to look up all the internet resources!