| A line dance is a formation dance in which a group of | | | | counts, and then move on. This has it roots in Square |
| people dance in a line formation or in lines, and they | | | | or 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 of | | | | variation 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 that | | | | a 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., the | | | | what is known as a cape dance, where the male |
| Dabke dance of Middle East. In fact, with small | | | | partner 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 a | | | | cape. |
| circle. | | | | Music |
| In a small group there may be only one line, but | | | | Line dancing has had a cowboy image, and it was |
| usually there are several parallel lines, one behind the | | | | danced 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 the | | | | young people became involved. Today, country music |
| first line. Inexperienced dancers are encouraged to | | | | may make up the minority of a DJ's play list, with the |
| take positions in the middle of the group to allow | | | | balance 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 take | | | | Celtic, Swing, Pop, Rock, Big Band, Folk, and almost |
| positions on the outside edges of the group to help | | | | anything else that has a regular beat. |
| others. | | | | Competition |
| In this parallel line formation, the dancers dance in a | | | | The main organisation for line dance competition is |
| synchronized manner, but independently of each | | | | Masters in Line (www.mastersinline.com). Masters in |
| other. There are usually no moves that require any | | | | Line (MIL) run competitions all over the world, from |
| interaction between the dancers, other than they | | | | Asia to America and feature a World Championship in |
| execute the maneuvers at the same time. Each | | | | Blackpool, UK during August each year. Competitors |
| dance has a different sequence of movements that | | | | compete 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 lines | | | | named the 'British Masters'. The Masters consist of |
| set-up. There may, for example, be two sets of lines | | | | three notable line dancers, Rachael McEnaney, Robert |
| where the dancers face in directly towards each | | | | Fowler and Paul McAdam. Competitors compete in |
| other. In larger groups these will become several sets | | | | divisions, 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 facing | | | | strict 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, and | | | | days, featuring line dance workshops, socials and |
| make momentary contact, such as a hand clap, or a | | | | demonstrations from the Masters themselves as well |
| swing, or take hold in Promenade position for a few | | | | as the competing. |