So you’ve been bitten by the Line Dancing bug, hey? We don’t blame you, it’s super fun, super addictive, and line dancing is taking over Adelaide and the world!
With so many line dancing nights, events, and opportunities popping up around Adelaide, you are probably thinking you should work on your moves.
Well, here are some tips on how to improve Line Dancing.
1. Repetition is key!
This is probably a pretty obvious one, but it’s worth saying. The more often you do a line dance, the better it will become. But perhaps you need some convincing.
Learning to dance is like learning to walk. At first, your brain and body are trying to connect all the moves at all the right times, and it can feel a little ‘clunky’.
Your brain is trying to link the movements and create neural pathways. Once these neural pathways are smooth and warm, the electricity can travel from your brain to your body quickly and smoothly, making you a more natural dancer. So we weren’t kidding, get dancing!
2. Often is better than long
You don’t need to line dance for hours at a time (although you may want to), but you do need to dance regularly. It is better to put your favourite line dance song on twice a day and do a run through than it is to hammer it for 30 minutes once every 6 months!
This doesn’t just go for line dancing, this is for all dancing, so try and build it into your routine. Maybe you can do a quick line dance while your bread is toasting in the morning? (It’ll put you in a great mood, too)
3. Work on individual elements
You will have noticed by now that line dances are generally made up of the same 30-40 ‘puzzle pieces’ strung together in varying sequences. Some core elements are: Grapevine, Heel/Toes Taps, kicks, cha cha lock steps, spins.
Take pieces you enjoy and practise them as a sequence just on their own. Work on the way you’re moving and think about different ways you can vary the movement with body shape and arm movements.
4. Style it! (and we don’t mean your hair!)
When you see a line dancer and you think ‘Wow! They can dance!’ They are most probably doing one thing differently. They are dancing with their whole body, not just their feet. Arms, hips, and head movements all play a part in making you an exciting and dynamic dancer, so explore some styling options for your favourite line dance moves and patterns.
5. Be Confident!
Okay, we know it’s easier said than done, but please try. Confident dancers look amazing out on the floor. So if you’ve practised a lot, you know the moves like the back of your hand, you’ve added styling and arm movements to your dance, then it’s time to strut it out with confidence! There’s no one else who can bring what you bring to this line dance, which is.. YOU! So bring it, own it, have fun!
With line dance happening in multiple halls, clubs, and venues around Adelaide, there’s never been a better time to get stuck into a new dance style. Enjoy your practice, and we’ll see you at the Honky Tonk y’all!
