Popular Line Dances

Popular line dances are an instant hit on the dance floor no matter where you are.

Why would someone choose to participate in line dancing over other forms of dance? There are several reasons why it is an appealing choice:

• There's no need to find a partner. You can avoid the awkwardness of asking someone to dance and never feel like you have to wait on the sidelines because you didn't come with a date.
• It's a fun way to feel like part of a group. You can really get in the spirit of a party when you're dancing in sync.
• Line dancing provides good exercise. The faster the pace of the steps, the greater the aerobic workout.

Although the dance is typically called The Electric Slide, from a lyric in the accompanying song, its official name is actually The Electric. The "slide" comes from a modified grapevine step that starts off each segment of the dance. Ric Silver, the creator of the dance has posted the official choreography online.

The Cha Cha Slide is danced to a song of the same name, sometimes called the "Casper Slide." Whereas The Electric Slide is distinctly a product of the disco era, this song brings the line dance to a hip hop audience. Compared to other popular line dances, the Cha Cha Slide has a unique format where the song actually instructs the dancers in what to do. For instance, the lyrics tell dancers when to hop, when to slide to the side, and when to clap their hands. An online DJ resource offers the complete choreography along with suggested alternative steps throughout the song.

"Cotton-Eyed Joe" is a classic folk song that gained a new audience when a European dance band created a souped up version of the tune in the 90s. The associated line dance includes a series of kicks, making it a high-energy dance.

The Boot Scootin' Boogie is a popular country line dance. Although it is danced to the song of the same name, it can also be performed with a number of other tunes to increase the tempo. The steps include grapevines, kicks, stomps, heel swivels, and more for 32 counts.

There are far too many line dances to list in a single overview. The Line Dance List includes links to hundreds of dances. Browse the selection to find new ideas for the next time you hit the dance floor.

Inexperienced dancers should keep the following tips in mind before hitting the dance floor:

• Don't be afraid to jump in and try it.
• Once you learn a few basic steps, such as the grapevine, you will find it much easier to pick up new combinations.
• You may want to start small. Don't jump into the middle of the most complex, fast-paced song of the night if it's your first time out.
• If you're new to the dance, stand on the outskirts of the dancing group, so you won't bump into anyone or get stepped on if you miss a directional change.
• If you attend a country line dancing night at a local bar or other venue, find out if there will be an instructional period at the beginning of the event. Reviewing the steps at a slower pace can make it much easier to catch every nuance of the dance.
• Instructional videos like Party Line Dances, can help you practice your steps at home. Review each piece of the dance as many times as necessary and never worry about getting in the way of others.

Dancers of all levels should remember that although there is typically a common way to perform each dance, there is always room for interpretation and local flair. Don't be surprised if you enter a new dance venue and find everyone inserting an extra hand clap or making quarter turns instead of half turns. Just go with the flow and enjoy.

• Photos of Ballet Dancers
• Dance Studio Equipment
• Pictures of Limbo Dancing

• Dance Steps to Thriller
• Popular Line Dances
• Famous Choreographers
• Country Line Dance Steps
• Famous Ballet Dancers

• Learn Country Dances
• Cha Cha Slide
• Philippine Ethnic Dance
• Two Step Dance
• Macarena Dance