With a nationwide revival in popularity, line dancing is attracting newcomers from all walks of life and all ages. Bec Faria is one of these energetic people. She and her cohort of fellow largely retired professionals intend to take line dancing with them the next time they go abroad. Once unfamiliar with the dance form, Faria now finds herself leading with confidence and style in her shiny cowgirl boots.
Just four years ago, Faria was novice when it came to line dancing. Now she’s grateful to her teacher—and friend—Mahalia Hayman for turning her on to this whole new world. We found out that we could cut up, have fun and get down together outside of line dancing. It’s a really chill environment and a really awesome and fun atmosphere here,” added Faria. This transition aside from making her journey even more interesting reflects the colorful, vibrant community that has formed around line dancing.
A Flourishing Community
Another important leader in the line dancing movement Chelsea Gillum took that passion and started her own business. She wants to create that same electric vibe that she felt in Nashville, US. Her workshops, conducted bi-monthly in her hometown of Rockhampton, have doubled and tripled in size since they began. Gillum added, “It’s placed friendships in my life that I didn’t realize that I needed, from diverse ages and demographic backgrounds.”
The Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton also holds a regular, bi-weekly line dancing night run by Quiet Riot’s Emily Holloway and Mahalia Hayman. What started out just two years ago as a modest one day event has almost tripled in size since. The event is all about inclusion, so it is open to everyone regardless of ability level. It requires honest outreach to get people on the dance floor. Once they hit the water, Holloway noted, their toothy grins quickly indicate how enjoyable this experience is.
A new wave of interest, particularly outside of classic country towns, has been fomented by social media. Gillum noted that for generations people have been working to create this change for decades. Now, they’re reaching a new generation of young people who have found it thanks to social media. This pre- to post-performance connection not only makes the performance special, it draws new dancers—especially diverse new dancers—into the fold.
Health Benefits of Line Dancing
The social and mental benefits of line dancing are remarkable. However, according to Dr. Danielle Le Lagadec, the biggest benefit lies beyond the most obvious surface benefits. These movements increase endurance, stability and strength, as Dr. Le Lagadec described to us. They’re an important restorative measure following an illness like COVID. She complained about a lack of social interaction at these events and how crucial it can be. As she explains, these meetings “lower stress and depression and enhance emotional health through the social environment with like-minded individuals.”
The movement’s growing, and line dancing is enjoying a renaissance! It’s a really fun way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and form genuine friendships with fellow participants. After losing her mother in 2021, Gillum’s path to line dancing deeply flourished. She found solace in the activity through her mother’s best friend, showcasing how line dancing can provide emotional support during challenging times.
Building Connections Through Dance
Bec Faria and her friends are a great example of how line dancing builds community among dancers. It’s common for large groups to show up all wearing the same color or style shirt, and that team spirit is infectious among the 6,000+ locals. Faria quipped, “They say when your age increases, your care factor decreases.” She emphasized the role of dance as a freeing force in terms of expressing oneself.
It is this excitement that keeps the line dancing craze going, as people of all races come together on the dance floor. In a world where relationships can be hard to find and maintain, line dancing creates communities. Yet this revival offers participants the opportunity to create genuine relationships that bridge generational divides.
