Line dancing is a fantastic way to exercise your body and mind, and it’s incredibly social! If you’re new to dancing, or looking for something gentle and fun, especially as a senior, Easy Line Dances are the perfect starting point. Many people ask, “What are some good, simple line dances to learn?”. This guide highlights eight excellent dances, beginning with absolute beginner steps and gradually introducing slightly more complex movements. Learning these dances will quickly build your familiarity with common line dance steps and, most importantly, get you moving and having fun! Plus, you can learn these dances at your own pace.
Understanding Line Dance Basics
Line dances are choreographed sequences of steps repeated in patterns. Each dance is set to a specific song, and the routine is performed facing all four walls of a room (or sometimes fewer). Imagine dancing the routine facing forward, then, as you complete the sequence, turning to face the left wall, repeating, then the back wall, and so on, around the room until the music ends.
Easy Line Dances: Perfect for Everyone Starting Out
The following dances are not just for seniors; they are timeless classics ideal for anyone taking their first steps into the world of line dancing. These particular dances are excellent because they are all featured on Volume 1 of Liz Collett’s popular “Line Dancing DVD for Seniors” series. This makes them easily accessible for learning.
For those wanting to learn all of these dances, you can find them on Vol 1 of Liz Collett’s very popular Line dancing DVD for seniors series. And great news! Liz Collett’s DVDs are also now available as online videos, allowing you to learn on any device.
Here are the 8 easy line dances we’ll explore:
- Elvira
- Houston Hustle
- Boot Scootin’ Boogie
- Stray Cat Strut
- Slap Leather / Slappin’ Leather
- One Good Reason
- Woolshed Waltz
- Cowboy Cha Cha
Important Note: Line dance choreography can vary, so the descriptions here refer to common versions.
1. Elvira
Elvira is a fantastic beginner dance that introduces fundamental steps like the “vine” (or grapevine) and the “hitch”. It’s perfect for developing your sense of rhythm and timing. It’s a simple and fun dance that will quickly get you comfortable with basic line dance movements. Many dancers remember Elvira as one of the first dances they learned, making it a truly classic starting point.
Choreographer: Unknown
Counts per routine/wall: 24
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys.
StepSheet
2. Houston Hustle
Stepping it up slightly in tempo, the Houston Hustle introduces some slightly more intricate footwork, including “fans” and “stomps.” It builds upon the basic steps you learn in Elvira, adding a touch more flair and energy. This dance helps improve your coordination and introduces you to slightly faster rhythms in line dancing.
Choreographer: Chuck Rademacher
Counts per routine/wall: 32
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: “You’re Right, I’m Wrong” by George Strait
StepSheet
3. Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Boot Scootin’ Boogie is a perennial favorite among line dancers of all levels. Choreographed to a truly iconic country song, this dance is simple yet engaging, making it enjoyable for beginners while still offering enough fun for more experienced dancers. Its enduring popularity makes it a must-learn for anyone starting line dancing.
Choreographer: Bill Bader
Counts per routine/wall: 32
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
StepSheet
Learn Boot Scootin’ Boogie
You can even dance along and learn Boot Scootin’ Boogie with easy-to-follow instructions, many resources are available online to guide you through the steps.
Explore resources like Liz’s DVDs for visual learning.
4. Stray Cat Strut
Slowing the pace down again, Stray Cat Strut is a smoother dance with a distinctive “strut” that’s full of character. This dance allows you to focus on style and rhythm at a more relaxed tempo. It’s a great way to develop your musicality and enjoy a different feel in line dancing.
Choreographer: Unknown
Counts per routine/wall: 32
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: “Stray Cat Strut” by The Stray Cats
StepSheet
5. Slap Leather (Slappin’ Leather)
Let’s pick up the tempo again with Slap Leather (sometimes called Slappin’ Leather), a popular and energetic line dance. Once you learn this routine, you’ll find it fits many songs with a similar upbeat country feel and tempo. This dance is excellent for improving your stamina and expanding your repertoire of steps.
Choreographer: Unknown
Counts per routine/wall: 42
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” by Travis Tritt
StepSheet
6. One Good Reason
One Good Reason is a smooth and enjoyable dance, especially if you appreciate the song it’s often associated with. It’s slower and more flowing, allowing you to glide across the floor. However, don’t let the relaxed feel fool you – staying focused on the steps is still key! This dance is perfect for enjoying the music and practicing smoother, more graceful movements.
Choreographer: Su Marshall
Counts per routine/wall: 32
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance
Original Song: Possibly “Give Me One Good Reason” by Shanley Del, but often danced to “If they Turn Out The Lights” by Ricky Van Shelton
StepSheet
7. Woolshed Waltz
Introducing the waltz rhythm to line dancing, Woolshed Waltz is a beautiful and graceful dance set to a 3/4 time signature. Waltzes have a distinct feel compared to other line dances, with counts of 1-2-3, 1-2-3. This dance is a wonderful way to experience a different style of movement and musicality in line dancing.
If you’re interested in learning more about counting in line dances, further resources are available to help you understand rhythm and timing.
Choreographer: Kath MacManamon
Counts per routine/wall: 36
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance Waltz
Original Song: “The Dance” by Anne Kirkpatrick or “Dreaming My Dreams with You” by Collin Raye
StepSheet
8. Cowboy Cha Cha
Cowboy Cha Cha introduces the fun and rhythmic cha-cha step. Brooks & Dunn’s music provides a great soundtrack for this dance. The cha-cha rhythm is characterized by “slow, slow, quick, quick, quick” counts, adding a syncopated feel to your dancing. This dance is energetic and a great introduction to cha-cha rhythms in line dancing.
Choreographer: Likely Kelly Gellette & Michelle Stremche
Counts per routine/wall: 20
Wall: 4 Wall Beginner Line Dance Cha Cha
Original Song: “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn
StepSheet
We hope this selection of easy line dances inspires you to give it a try! Line dancing is a joyful activity that’s both fun and great exercise. To get a fantastic head start, explore resources like the Line Dancing DVD for Seniors to learn these dances and many more!
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