Sunday, May 22, 2016

Line Dancing - Fun, Fitness, and Friendship

Line Dancing in the Wilmington, DE Region

     Looking for a fun way to burn off some energy, meet new friends, and get fit without those trips to the gym?  Line dancing just might be for you, and if you live in the Wilmington or south Jersey area you're probably no more than a few minutes away from the opportunity.

     There are so many classes and dancing events around, and so much variety that there's something to suit almost everyone.  Best of all line dancing is very budget friendly.  Many venues offer free lessons, and more specialized locations charge little more than the price of a latte for a full night of entertainment that can get your heart pumping and heels stomping.

    So here's a list to help you get started, including contact information and brief descriptions to help send you on your way to a new and interesting pastime that's become all the rage.  Whether you're young or young at heart we hope you'll step out on the floor and become part of a growing community of line dance enthusiasts.

     Our Facebook Page is a good place to keep up with all the events, and much more. Like us there!

Patti Nivens Leathers teaches on Mondays at Bankshots in Glasgow, DE.  She has years of experience, and focuses mostly on country dances, with a sprinkling of fun newer dances thrown in. Her classes move you through the steps smoothly and easily.  The cost is $5.00 a student, and it's well worth it. Classes start at 6:30

Visit her Website, or check out her Facebook page for more information.

If you're interested in those classic oldies dances from the past, along with a mix of newer dances, join Joanne O'Neill McMahon's classes every Monday at Five Points Fire Hall in Wilmington, DE, starting at 6:30.    These classes are perfectly paced to learn, and include a beginner dance class each week.  At only $5.00 a person this is a bargain.  Keep up to date on her Facebook page.

.For newcomers to country line dancing Jim Dawson's classes on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Christiana Pub on Main St. in Christiana, DE are a good option. The classes are free and focus on the easier country dances.  

Jim is a patient instructor, and in no time at all you'll be joining the other dancers on the floor.  Classes begin at 7:30, but on Tuesday he teaches a country couples lesson at 7:00.


 There's plenty to do on the soul line dance scene with Charlayne "Shay" Thomas. The week starts on Monday at 6:15 at the Glasgow Pines Community Center.  On Tuesday at 6:45 the action can be found at the Peoples Settlement House in Wilmington, and Thursdays at 6:00 at the South Bridge Neighborhood House.

For more information call 302-588-3030


 Country line dancing can also be found on Thursday nights at the Hops Bar stage in Delaware Park.  There's no charge for this weekly event, with instructor Rob Holley giving his first lesson of the night at 6:30, and a second at 8:00.

Throughout the rest of the night DJ Dave Cornwell keeps everyone's feet moving on the dance floor with a great selection of country and popular songs.

Rob's teaching style brings new dances to you in a way that builds layer upon layer until the whole dance comes together. Find Rob on Facebook.


 Wednesday nights at 7:00 you can learn classic line dances if you join Mania Chrzanowski at St. Elizabeth's Grant Hall in Wilmington.

At only $5.00 a person you can learn Cha Chas, the Wagner Walk, and a whole range of old Philly dance scene favorites.

For more information call 302-598-0682


Wednesday nights at 7:00 you can join Pepper Walling at the Wilmington Elks Lodge.  There's a terrific variety of dances taught, with 3 lessons each night at $8.00 a person. Pepper has been teaching at this location for several years, and is well know in the line dancing community.

On Fridays you can catch her there as well from 7:30 til midnight.  At $10.00 a person it's a great night out.  For more information call 610-874-9434


Tailgates Sports Bar in Newark, DE is busting with boots on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month as Steve Pistoia and Laura Stanton take the floor to teach you the latest country line dances.  These classes are only $5.00 and begin at 6:30

If you want to venture further afield Steve and Laura also teach at Tombstone Saloon in Buena, NJ on Thursdays, and once a month at Steakouts in Elmer, NJ.

You can keep up to speed on what they're doing on Facebook.


Eric Mosley is your host for country line dancing and lessons at the Newark Elks Lodge on the 3rd and 4th Fridays each month beginning at 7:00.  These are free lessons and dancing.

On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays he also teaches at the Euphoria Taproom in Bear, DE, beginning at 6:30.  $5.00 cover.


On Tuesday nights you can join DJ and dance instructor Steve Carroll at The Hideaway on Ebright Rd. in Wilmington.  This is a cozy little spot, but worth the trip.  The dance floor opens onto the bar and restaurant.

Steve focuses on basic line dances to help you learn quickly.  There's no cover, and the dancing starts at 7:00.  He can also be found teaching at several locations in South  Jersey, and his schedule is posted on his Facebook page.



To learn more about what's happening in the line dancing community please like Dora and Gary's Facebook page, where we keep a very detailed list of what's happening, share videos and photos from classes and events around the region, and post the latest news from the area.

Thanks for reading, and as always, get out there and dance!     Dora and Gary

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