What is line dancing

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