Nights out - what to expect

One of the joys of line dancing is - it's not just an exercise class. If you find you like country music - there's so much more fun to be had!

Did you know, there are local country music clubs, which host live music and dancing, once a month, in local halls? Our local club is called Sundown in Nashville and it's on a Saturday night in Whitminster village hall - just off M5 Junction 13. It's run by Carol and Colin Spiers. I took the picture above last time I was there, just to give you some idea of the venue.

I thought it might encourage you to support the local country music scene, if I told you what to expect from a night out at Sundown in Nashville.

Firstly - Carol posts information on Facebook about the live act - often with a video. I share Carol's posts to our own club Facebook page. (You may need to scroll down a bit to see the latest information - date, time, venue etc is all there.) There's on-site parking (or just park considerately in the village). Door charge is usually £8 and there will be raffle tickets on sale too. There's a bar in the next room (drinks are reasonably priced, there are usually crisps on sale or you are welcome to bring your own snacks.)

Once seated, there's a chance to chat before the act begins at 8pm. There are usually three 45 minute live music "sets" and most acts will play a range of country music - some old classics, some "line dance favourites" and some songs of their own choosing. If the song is a "line dance favourite", the line dancers present will be up on the dance floor - you are welcome to join in if you know the steps or are able to follow along. Sometimes, the line dancers will fit a classic dance to the song being played. (That's why I try to teach you "the dances every line dancer knows" - more on these in a future blog post.) Either way, there's a chance to line dance, to live music. It's just so much fun!

What to wear? Some people like to dress western, with hats, boots, fringed shirts; some just choose a checked shirt and jeans; but anything goes.

There are two breaks in the evening; sometimes Carol will play requests for dancing, there's usually a raffle, and Colin will tell us about other local clubs.

The night usually wraps up about 11pm (you don't have to stay to the end), we generally pitch in to help tidy up and put the tables and chairs away.

I have to be honest - I usually leave on a "high", with my "steps up" and a lot of fun memories made. All this for £8 per person? Bargain!

So if you are finding you like country music, and line dancing, and you feel ready to have a go socially - please do consider supporting our local club. Any questions, please ask!

PS No - I'm not on commission! I just want you to enjoy line dancing!