The Rockin’ Rodeo Line Dancing Club is up and running at ETSU, carrying on a Tennessee tradition for a new generation. Line dancing is a form of choreography that repeats step sequences facing different walls while dancers are arranged in rows.
The club meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Studio A or B in the Basler Center for Physical Activity. Lessons are taught for an hour, followed by an hour of open dance and song requests. Boots are not allowed and athletic clothing is recommended.
“It gives you a good foundation so you don’t feel overwhelmed when you go to more crowded places like the Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville,” said Reese English, president of the Rockin’ Rodeo Line Dancing Club.
The club has met three times so far, averaging about 15 participants. There has been a mix of beginners and experienced dancers.
“We love line dancing, but there wasn’t any on campus or in Johnson City,” said English. “We wanted to bring awareness to students.”
“The Barn Party with The Well really kicked it off,” said Maddie Hitchcock, vice president, in reference to how she started dancing. English and Hitchcock quickly teamed up, learning dances and traveling to different venues and classes together.
Some of the dances taught so far include “Muddy Muddy,” “Merry Go Round,” “Fireball” and “The Wolf.” English and Hitchcock added that “Pretty Young Things” and “Vibe” are their favorite dances, respectively.
“It is a low-stress environment. If you don’t know anything, it’s okay—that is what we are here for,” said English.
“We plan to continue into next year and hope to keep growing. Everyone is welcome,” Hitchcock added.
With the motto “Step in, step up and let’s rock,” Rockin’ Rodeo Line Dancing Club hopes to share the fun and make line dancing more approachable.
For more information, visit @_rrlinedancing_ on Instagram or email englishrn@etsu.edu.
