| A line dance is a formation dance in which a | | | | Round Dancing. |
| group of people dance in a line formation or | | | | |
| in lines, and they all execute the same dance | | | | These contact maneuvers are more likely in |
| moves individually. | | | | the variation where line dancing takes place |
| | | | in two concentric rings which are facing each |
| The term is applied to two different types of | | | | other, such as a Barn Dance or Indian Outlaw. |
| dances. | | | | |
| | | | Two dancers (usually partners) can dance |
| In a number of cultures there are line dances | | | | together in what is known as a cape dance, |
| that may be considered a variation of circle | | | | where the male partner stands next to the |
| dances, where people are joined by hands in | | | | female and holds her corresponding hands - |
| chain, e.g., the Dabke dance of Middle East. | | | | one arm over her shoulder, like cape. |
| In fact, with small numbers of dancers most | | | | |
| circle dances, such as hora, may be danced in | | | | Music |
| a line formation, rather than in a circle. | | | | |
| | | | Line dancing has had a cowboy image, and it |
| In a small group there may be only one line, | | | | was danced predominantly to country-western |
| but usually there are several parallel lines, | | | | music. This has been changing since the late |
| one behind the other. A dance teacher, or | | | | 1990s, as more young people became involved. |
| more experienced dancer, will usually perform | | | | Today, country music may make up the minority |
| on a stage or in the center of the first | | | | of a DJ's play list, with the balance spread |
| line. Inexperienced dancers are encouraged to | | | | through a variety of many different musical |
| take positions in the middle of the group to | | | | styles both new and old. Genres including |
| allow watching other dancers' feet in front | | | | Celtic, Swing, Pop, Rock, Big Band, Folk, and |
| of them. Experienced dancers are encouraged | | | | almost anything else that has a regular beat. |
| to take positions on the outside edges of the | | | | |
| group to help others. | | | | Competition |
| | | | |
| In this parallel line formation, the dancers | | | | The main organisation for line dance |
| dance in a synchronized manner, but | | | | competition is Masters in Line |
| independently of each other. There are | | | | (www.mastersinline.com). Masters in Line |
| usually no moves that require any interaction | | | | (MIL) run competitions all over the world, |
| between the dancers, other than they execute | | | | from Asia to America and feature a World |
| the maneuvers at the same time. Each dance | | | | Championship in Blackpool, UK during August |
| has a different sequence of movements that | | | | each year. Competitors compete throughout the |
| must be learned. | | | | year at a number of events to qualify for the |
| | | | finals which are held in December, named the |
| There are several variations to this parallel | | | | 'British Masters'. The Masters consist of |
| lines set-up. There may, for example, be two | | | | three notable line dancers, Rachael McEnaney, |
| sets of lines where the dancers face in | | | | Robert Fowler and Paul McAdam. Competitors |
| directly towards each other. In larger groups | | | | compete in divisions, including 'Newcomer', |
| these will become several sets of in-facing | | | | 'Division 4', 'Division 3', 'Division 2' and |
| parallel lines. In these "contra" line | | | | 'All Stars'. Competitors must follow strict |
| dances, the dancers will dance with the | | | | guidelines and rules related to each |
| others in the facing lines. The dancers often | | | | particular division. Normally competitions |
| weave in and out, exchanging places, or dance | | | | run over a number of days, featuring line |
| up to each other, and make momentary contact, | | | | dance workshops, socials and demonstrations |
| such as a hand clap, or a swing, or take hold | | | | from the Masters themselves as well as the |
| in Promenade position for a few counts, and | | | | competing. |
| then move on. This has it roots in Square or | | | | |