Let me tell you, discovering line dancing was like finding a hidden treasure! Where has this incredibly fun activity been all my life? Seriously, why didn’t anyone tell me how utterly enjoyable it is? I’ve been line dancing for just under two months now, and I’m completely hooked. It’s pure, unadulterated fun!
From elegant twirls and playful scuffs to energetic claps and stomps, line dancing is a fantastic hobby that combines a great workout with the chance to meet new people, all while moving to fantastic music. I’ve been genuinely surprised at how quickly I picked up the steps and how much I genuinely enjoy it as both exercise and a fun pastime. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to get active and social, exploring Line Dancing Classes might be the perfect step for you.
Looking to dive into this exciting world yourself? There are some excellent spots to learn how to line dance in and around Claremont, California, and start showing off your own dazzling moves. Let’s explore a couple of local options perfect for starting your line dancing journey.
Local Hotspots for Line Dancing Classes in Claremont and Montclair
If you’re searching for line dancing classes in the Claremont and Montclair area, you’re in luck! There are a couple of established venues offering regular classes for various skill levels.
Bonnie’s Country Western Line Dancing in Claremont
Every Monday evening from 6-8 p.m., the Alexander Hughes Community Center in Claremont comes alive with Bonnie’s Country Western Line Dancing. This is where my line dancing adventure began, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for beginners. The class costs $10 (plus a registration fee), payable inside the community center. It’s worth noting that cash is preferred, as there’s a surcharge for debit/credit card transactions.
Beginner line dancing class in Claremont
Bonnie Reed is the instructor, and she’s fantastic at breaking down each step at a comfortable pace. She excels at explaining and patiently repeating the moves, ensuring everyone can follow along.
Line dance instructor Bonnie Reed demonstrating steps
The evening starts with beginner-friendly dances like the Electric Slide, Rock Me, Watermelon Crawl, Mama Maria, and House Party. As the class progresses, the dances become a bit more challenging, featuring routines like Lonely Drum, 10 Step, Double Shot of Crown (Bartender), Wild Wild West, My Maria We Are Tonight, and Toes. It’s a ton of fun and a surprisingly good workout!
Group of people enjoying a line dancing class
Weekly Line Dancing at The Canyon in Montclair
Every Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., The Canyon in Montclair hosts line dancing for all skill levels. Admission is also $10, cash only. This venue provides a different vibe, being a music venue and restaurant.
Depending on the particular night, an instructor will typically teach around two new line dances. For the rest of the evening, the dance floor is open for you to join in if you know the dances being played.
DJ Nia manages a sign-up sheet for dance requests, accommodating various difficulty levels, including some couple dances. Even if you’re brand new to line dancing, I still recommend checking it out. It’s a great opportunity to watch a variety of dances, see which ones appeal to you, and maybe pick a few to learn for your next visit! I personally keep a running list of the dances featured at The Canyon and choose a few each week to learn and practice.
If you need a break from the dance floor, you can always grab a drink at the bar, order some food, and relax at a table or booth. The energy at The Canyon is always fantastic, and one of the best parts is seeing familiar faces each week and making new friends. I always look forward to Tuesday nights!
Essential Tips for Your Line Dancing Journey
Over the past couple of months of line dancing, I’ve picked up some helpful tips that can make your experience even better. If you’re thinking about making line dancing classes a regular part of your routine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Stay Hydrated: Line dancing is a surprisingly active workout, and you’ll find yourself getting thirsty quickly. Bring a large water bottle or several smaller ones to stay hydrated throughout the class or dance session.
Prepare to Sweat: You’re definitely getting a workout! Expect to sweat a bit. Comfort is key when it comes to clothing. Wear whatever feels good to you – gym clothes, casual wear, a flowy dress, or even full country western attire. Some people even come straight from work in their office clothes or jeans and a t-shirt.
Choose the Right Footwear: While many line dancers sport cowboy boots, they aren’t mandatory. I alternate between my running shoes and my boots depending on the day. I’ve seen everything from sneakers and moccasins to ballet flats and decorative cowboy boots on the dance floor. However, please avoid sandals or flip-flops for safety reasons; you could easily trip or get stepped on.
Practice Makes Perfect: I can’t emphasize enough how crucial practice is for memorizing the dance steps. It’s the only way to improve and open up space in your mind to learn even more dances. I usually dedicate 30 minutes to an hour each day to practice using YouTube tutorials. I’ve created custom playlists on YouTube and Spotify with songs I’ve learned or want to learn, making practice sessions easy and accessible.
Socialize and Make Friends: One of the great things about line dancing is the social aspect. You’ll often see the same friendly faces returning each week, creating a welcoming community. I’ve already met so many fun and down-to-earth people who have introduced me to other line dancing venues like Whiskey River in Norco, The Ranch in Anaheim, and Brandin’ Iron in San Bernardino.
Group of friends celebrating birthday after line dancing class
Ready to Line Dance?
Line dancing is more than just a series of steps; it’s a fun, social, and energizing activity that’s accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking for a new way to exercise, expand your social circle, or simply learn some cool new moves, exploring line dancing classes is a fantastic option.
So, are you ready to kick up your heels and join the fun? I hope to see you on the dance floor soon!
