Home FAQs
FAQs

1. I don't have a partner, can I come on my own?

Line Dancing is aimed primarily at the single dancer. You just stand up, and join on the end of a line when you feel like it! There are a couple of partner dances thrown in for good measure, but nothing is compulsory. And of course if you DO have a partner, drag them along as well - the more the merrier!

2. Do I just turn up?

Bizarrely I always get asked this  - and my answer is usually “No just stay at home and enjoy it from there!” Admittedly this is usually met with a confused silence... YES turn up, buy your ticket at reception, take a seat in the Riverside Suite, watch for a while, and then join in when you feel like it. There is absolutely no pressure to do anything you don't want to. You may even enjoy just sitting and watching. We go on all evening but you can leave whenever you want.

3. Is there an age limit?

We've got children as young as ten and people in their 60s and 70s (And I think one or two in their 80’s) - so that would be a no!

4. Do I have to wear anything special?

Absolutely not! Jeans, t-shirts, skirts and blouses - whatever you feel comfortable in. We advise against footwear with high heels, but any sensible walking shoes, trainers or boots are fine. We used to do the whole cowboy hat and boots thing years ago, but quite frankly that all got a bit shameful! And of course - no leotards! Or fleeces, I hate fleeces!

5. ‘I can't dance, I've got two left feet!’

I’ve heard that tired old cliche from just about everyone the first time they mention Line Dancing! It’s starting to get annoying now... You do not have to be able to dance, or even have much co-ordination. As long as you can count to four, and just about know left from right, you'll be fine! Even if you can’t - who cares, as long as you have a laugh and don’t kill anyone.

6. Will I lose weight?

That all depends on what you do in the privacy of your own kitchen! There are never any guarantees to weight loss, and really, as long as you are basically healthy, and are lucky enough to be able to move about - then that’s really all that matters.
That said, Line Dancing is great aerobic, low impact, exercise. You can do as little, or as much as you want to do. Most importantly, and as far as I’M concerned, dancing is a fantastic stress reliever, as you get to let lose all your inhibitions in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Plus, you don't feel as though you are exercising, because you will be having such a good time!

7. But I HATE Country Music!

Line Dancing is done to all sorts of music, not just Country - ok mostly country! But we do use all sorts of music from other genres to keep it interesting: Soul, R&B, rock, pop, music from the 50's and 60's to the current chart hits. Even music styles from around world like Irish, Latin, and Folk is used! I can assure you the music will be a pleasant surprise. Country Music is responsible for over 60% of world music sales, so you will be enjoying one of the most diverse and popular styles of music there is. And not ONCE over 15 years have I EVER played Achy Breaky Sodding Heart!

8. Is It fun?

You may laugh until you wet yourself! It will give you whole new lease of life, whatever your age, or abilities. You won't believe what a difference it will make! Chances are, you will bump into someone you know who has secretly been dancing for years. We’ve even had a few marriages as a result of meeting at the class! So while I wouldn’t go as far to say you will find love at Line Dancing - you never know....!

 

Last Updated on Monday, 23 February 2009 23:16
 

How did it all begin?

Rob O'Brian
I started Line Dancing in Newport in 1995 initially at the Kings Hotel. It was just, me, a few CDs, a sound system, and a couple of dances in my head. Along with my then dance partner Zoe, and my Mum, Vee, on the door taking tickets we managed to scrape together a class of around 15 - the first class in South Wales.

After much publicity in the local and national press, the small class soon caught the eye of the local TV stations - we even had an item on BBC Wales Today! The class quickly grew to over 400 - far too big for the hotel, so was promptly moved to the Newport Centre. More TV coverage ensued, and with Zoe moving on to pastures new, and me chucking in my daytime job as a graphic designer I eventually set up more classes. We are now the biggest Line Dance class in Wales, and one of the largest in the UK! As the forerunner to the Line Dancing craze, the chances are your local class probably began with us! As well as the regular lessons, there are occasional Party Nights where all come together for one big social evening, whether it be Christmas, Halloween, my birthday or just for the fun of it! And I’ve still got Mum on the door!


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