Historical Development of Line Dance

Historical Development of Line Dance

• Line dancing steps are easy and don't need a partner, making it perfect for singles.
• It evolved from the adaptation of the polka and waltz by American immigrants in the 1800s.
• The dances of the first line did not originate from country-western dance, but from folk dancing.
• Line dancing originated from folk dancing which shares many similarities.
• Contra dancing, a style of American folk dancing, influenced line dancing.
• The hustle dance, popularized in the 1970s, paved the way for line dances set to popular country songs.
• Line dances started being created for popular country songs in the 1980s and 1990s.
• The 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus popularized line dancing.
• Conventional music began to see an upswing in line dancing popularity during the 1990s, propelled by "The Macarena."

Line Dance Format

• Line dances consist of specific numbered steps.
• Line dances have catchy names like "The Texas Two-step", "The Tush-Push", "The West Coast Shuffle", "The Redneck Girl", and "Boot Scottin' Boogie."

Line Dancing Today

• Line dancing is taught and performed in country-western dance bars, social clubs, and dance halls around the world.
• A newer version of the electric slide, called the “Cha-cha Slide,” was created in 1996.
• The "Cupid Shuffle" rose in popularity in high school dances during the early 2000s and is still played in clubs today.

Terminologies

• Accent - focus on a given or movement.
• Back Cross - the nominated foot crosses and touches behind the other foot.
• Behind - a step with the free foot crossing behind the weighted foot.
• Brush - swing the foot back or forth.
• Across - one foot movement in front of the other.
• Balance Step – a step in any direction followed by a close step and a hold.
• Break – a change in direction.
• Bump - hips shift to the side.