Line Dance the Night Away

A woman works on her line dancing skills in very appropriate attire – cowboy boots. Photo by Katie Sikora.

Perhaps I was a bit overdressed for country western line dancing at the Carrington Pub with my cowboy hat and bandana. One woman had a set of cowboy boots, and there may have been a few tasseled shirts, but the common factor between all of the dancers was mild inexperience paired with a willingness to learn.

The stage was set overlooking the sunset on the bay, and conveniently located near the bar to help keep the event loose and light. With the floor comfortably filled, there were enough dancers to resemble the synchronized line dancing of a large hall while still allowing for enough room for exaggerated expression (within reason, as I was advised after Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” came through the speakers to my overexcitement).

The structure of the night was relaxed, allowing time between each dance to visit the bar or visit with the fellow dance students in the room. A new song would begin with step-by-step instructions by Michael Manis followed by a few run-throughs with the music. By the end, nearly everyone on the floor could flawlessly go through the motions. By the end of the night, no one needed instruction on what a “hook” was or how to enter the “sweetheart position.”

Jackson Parr dosey does with a young lady at the Carrington Pub’s line dancing night. Photo by Katie Sikora.

The combination of fast paced dances with slower dances for the several couples on the floor gave the needed breaks and helped keep things fun and interesting. With well-known favorites such as “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and the “Electric Slide,” as well as less well-known dances paired with popular songs, there was something within the night that got each individual on their feet.

Being entirely new to the world of line dancing, I found it rather easy to catch on to the simple steps while more difficult and fast-paced moves kept me on my toes. The night brought together many generations to share in something not found in everyday life.

Country western line dancing with instructor Michael Manis takes place each Wednesday from 7 – 11 pm at the Carrington Pub at the Landmark Resort, located at 7643 Hillside Road near Egg Harbor. For more information call 920.868.3205.