Frequently Asked Questions

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A line dance is a choreographed dance in which a group of people dance together in a line to a repeating sequence of steps. These lines usually face in the same direction. You do not need a partner to line dance. Line dancers are usually not in physical contact with one another. Everyone follows the same sequence of steps, although advanced dancers may incorporate additional steps and turns to make the dance more fun and interesting.

Some people start line dancing because it is a fun way to exercise. We are fortunate in the Chicagoland area that there are many venues available where we can dance outside of class.

Our classes are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers.

No prior dance experience is necessary for the Beginners Class. 

The Bar Dances Class on Monday evenings is designed for mixed skill levels, although most students have some line dance experience. If you are new to line dance, you are welcome to try it out, but be aware that most of the other dancers have some (or a lot of) experience. 

Our Improver/Beginner 2 and Intermediate Classes are designed for dancers who are experienced. Most dancers take lessons for a year before entering an Improver Class, although that is variable depending on the dancer.

If you're not sure where you belong, come to a class you think might work for you and try it out. See it as a learning experience, and you can evaluate where you should be from that experience. Have a conversation with Eva before or after class.

When you come to a lesson for the first time, please let Eva know it is your first time there so she can welcome you.

We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes with smooth soles that allow for movement and easy turning. Don't worry about dressing up; people dress casually for lessons. Many people wear jeans and a shirt/blouse for lessons. Layering is good, as many people warm up while the lesson is underway. Be sure to bring a water bottle to lessons.

Many people have anxiety when they start something new. That's natural! So give yourself credit for being "normal."

In our classes, we think of humor as our best friend. We laugh at ourselves (not each other). We learn from our mistakes. We are all learning together, so we try to support each other and learn together as a community. We leave perfectionism at the door.

If you don't know anyone when you start, don't worry. Just be patient and give it time. The more you come to lessons and dances in the community, the more people you will meet. Gradually, great friendships can develop.

You will learn in class that you can modify the line dances to what is comfortable for you. High- impact dances can be modified to low-impact. Lose your balance or get dizzy if you do many turns? Knee or ankle issues? Just ask Eva in class how you can adapt the dance to a style that is comfortable for you, and she will offer you guidance. Please do not dance if you are in pain or discomfort, feel dizzy or unsteady. 

Line dancing evolved from community and social dancing, just as square dancing did. While it was once associated exclusively with country music, today line dancing is done to a variety of musical genres. Most people who line dance develop an appreciation for country music, but also discover that line dances are done to many kinds of music with a regular beat. Many people are also surprised that there are line dances done to cha chas, swings, waltzes, jazz, and a variety of popular music styles.

You don't need to drink alcohol to line dance. In fact, many people discover that they can't drink much alcohol and do the dances well. Dancers are encouraged to support the local restaurants and bars that host line dancing so they will continue to have us back! But you can order food there; there's no pressure to drink in the line dance community. We have many "sober" members. You do need to be 21 or older to enter most bars, but restaurants usually don't have a minimum age.

Your attire is up to you! Comfortable footwear is a must. Different venues have different styles but casual is always good. Ask other students in class, or visit the website/social media of a bar/restaurant to look at photos if you would like further guidance.

Yes, you can, but you will need to have your parent/guardian sign a consent form if you are under 18 years of age. Teenagers are welcome to come with their parents or grandparents to classes.

1) The first guideline to remember is that, at dances and in lessons, it is important to respect other dancers. Be aware of how much space you are taking up, so that you don't bump into others. If you do, simply say a quick apology: "Sorry." Dancers are on the floor to dance. If you want to have a conversation or answer a phone call, you need to leave the dance floor first. Walk around a block of dancers, not through them. Avoid bringing food or drink onto the dance floor. No one wants to dance on spills. If you do spill something, clean it up before the next dance starts. 

2) Be kind to others. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others as you would like to be treated. Be group-minded. If the floor is crowded, keep your steps and arm movements small so that you don't bump into others. Try to encourage new dancers and be patient with them. Remember that we want everyone to feel welcome, regardless of how experienced they are. Avoid passing judgments: you were a new dancer once, too. If you are a new dancer, it is usually better to dance in the middle of the group, so there is always someone more experienced for you to watch.

3) When there are also couples dancing on the floor, line dancers usually dance in the middle while partner dancers move in a circular motion around the outer edges. Give partner dancers priority and space to pass by, and stay aware of the flow of traffic. A split floor means that the floor is divided into two or more groups dancing different movements or dances. Listen for instructions so you know where to go on the floor.

4) Listen to the teacher in class. Be aware of when instruction is starting. If you have been taught the dance elsewhere, realize the instructor may teach a version with some variations or by another choreographer. This is common in the line dance community, since there is no international standardization of dances. Some dances are done differently in different parts of the country or even in the same state. Don't try to out-teach the teacher -- other students are there to learn from the instructor. When the teacher starts talking, be quiet and respectful so other students can hear what is being said.

5) If there is a DJ at a dance, be respectful of the DJ. Listen to them when they are talking, and follow their cues. Realize that there may be many people making requests. The DJ has final determination over what is played. They often know what the dancers at their venue like. It's also good to be aware that the same dance may be done to different pieces of music. Trust that the DJ knows how to do their job. Thank them for conducting a wonderful event!