Line Dance News announces Austin Peay State University Eclectic Line Dance Class

September 22, 2014, is the start of the APSU Beginner Eclectic Line Dance Course/Class. This will be a 6 week course that is designed to fit with the University setting. The course/class is not just to teach a person line dances but to teach an absolutely Beginner how to dance. Of course, it is always great to review those basics so everyone is welcome to participate.

 

Class will be Mondays, 9/22 – 10/27 except 10/6, 6:30 – 8:20pm and this class is open to the public. Registration will be open till Noon on 9/22/2014 for this first session. There will be another 6 week session starting on 11/3-12/8. The class will be held Dunn Center, third floor annex on the east.

 

Students will learn the basic dance steps used in all dances. Proper Execution of steps, understanding of weight changes, how to recognize different rhythms, timing of steps and how to count music.  Each week class will focus on a particular dance rhythm.

 

The 6 week course/class will focus on Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, Polka, West Coast and Nightclub 2step rhythms.  Each week the class will focus on the particular characteristics that make that week’s rhythm unique. The line dance(s) taught each week will focus on the particular steps that demonstrate the week’s rhythm.

 

The University is hopeful that the Beginner class will be a success and if so will be looking to expand the program to an Intermediate Class as well as an ongoing Beginner Class. Don’t miss out on some great dances set up for this class. Register now by going to http://signmeup.apsu.edu/

 

The 6 week Course/Class and the “Line Dance Fitness” class will be instructed by Larry B. Larry has been Line Dancing for over 15 years and an Instructor for 10 years. For More information on the above course, Larry B and other great dance opportunities in the Middle Tennessee area go to www.linedancenews.com

 

The benefits of dancing: Strengthening bones and muscles, tone your entire body, improve posture and balance, reduce stress and tension, boost memory, improve flexibility, weight loss, increase energy and increase mental capacity. Dance class is also a great social event to meet new friends.

 

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

National Line Dance Week September 8-13

Yes, there is a week for a passion of mine, Line Dancing. So in honor of next week, I thought it best to do a sort of a repost of an earlier article on Line Dancing and also do a shameless plug for my current activities...

I am currently the resident Instructor at a great family place, Murph’s Country Music Barn in Cedar Hill, TN. This is a great location and right about midway between Nashville and Clarksville.  The Barn has a Saturday Night Dance with live band and Dance class from 6:30 to 7:30 pm then review of the class during the first band break.

Starting September 22, 2014; Austin Peay State University (APSU) will include a beginner class in their Adult Education program open to the community and students. I am fortunate to be a part of this start up program and the plan is to move it through the initial six week program so we can expand to having a beginner and Intermediate program. So spread the word to all you know in the Clarksville, TN area especially those who have said they always wanted to learn how to dance…

I have also started a Line Dance Fitness class for the APSU Recreation Department at their Foy Fitness Center. This class is a low impact, cardio workout class. We have just kicked it off for this semester and we are seeing great interest as we will build upon our dances and making it a full hour of dance. This class is open to students, faculty and those with memberships at the FOY.

You mention Line Dancing and the first thing people say is they don't like Country Western Music or they just don't get into line dancing.  Well, once they see that we dance to everything from Country to Gospel, they tend to think a little differently.

A Line Dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Line dancers are not in physical contact with each other. The earliest folk dances in many cultures were line dances, originating before social proprieties allowed men and women to dance together in couple dances. In early forms men and women often danced in separate lines, but the same dances are often done today in mixed lines.

Although line dancing is associated with country-western music and dance, it has similarities to folk dancing. Many folk dances are danced in unison in a single, nonlinear "line", and often with a connection between dancers. The absence of a physical connection between dancers is, however, a distinguishing feature of country western line dance.

Line dances have accompanied many popular music styles since the early 1970s including pop, swing, rock and roll, disco, Latin, gospel, waltz, polka and Jazz just to name a few styles.

Thanks to choreographers, like Bill Bader, Max Perry, Jo Thompson, Scott Blevins and others, that began to use ballroom rhythms and technique to take line dancing to the next level. Today, you can find line dancing groups all over the world and line dance competition and workshops as well.  

This is partly due the great Choreographers/Instructors such as Jamie Marshall, John Robinson, Guyton Mundy, Rachael McEnaney, Rob Fowler, Rona Kaye, Stella Cabeca, Jo Kisner and Ira Weisburd just to name a few of the great people that promote and spread the joy of dancing to the local and world-wide masses.

There are now groups forming that promote line dancing as a way to help decrease cholesterol, high blood pressure as well as weight control. Dancing in any form has far reaching benefits such as strengthening bones and muscles, tone your entire body, improve posture and balance, boost memory, improve flexibility, increase energy, reduce stress and tension and increase mental capacity. Plus dance classes are a great social event to meet new friends.

So you see Line Dancing is not the good ole country steppin you thought it was, there are moves to keep your heart rate up and it’s a great way to meet new friends. Get out there and get those feet and hips moving to the groove.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Austin Peay State University offering Eclectic Line Dance Class

Starting September 22, 2014, Austin Peay State University (APSU) will be offering a great Beginner Line Dance Course/Class. This will be a 6 week course that is designed to fit with the University setting. The course/class is not just to teach a person line dances but to teach an absolutely Beginner how to dance. Of course, it is always great to review those basics so everyone is welcome to participate.

Students will learn the basic dance steps used in all dances. Proper Execution of steps, understanding of weight changes, how to recognize different rhythms, timing of steps and how to count music.  Each week class will focus on a particular dance rhythm.

The 6 week course/class will focus on Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, Polka, West Coast and Nightclub 2step rhythms.  Each week the class will focus on the particular characteristics that make that week’s rhythm unique. The line dance(s) taught each week will focus on the particular steps that demonstrate the week’s rhythm.

The University is hopeful that the Beginner class will be a success and if so will be looking to expand the program to an Intermediate Class as well as an ongoing Beginner Class. The APSU Recreation Department is currently looking at a possible “Line Dance for Fitness” class to add to their program at the Recreation Facility.

The 6 week Course/Class and the potential “Line Dance to Fitness” class via the University Recreation Department will be taught by Larry B. Larry has been Line Dancing for over 15 years and an Instructor of 10 years. For More information on the above course, Larry B and other great dance opportunities in the Middle Tennessee area go to www.linedancenews.com

The benefits of dancing: Strengthening bones and muscles, tone your entire body, improve posture and balance, reduce stress and tension, boost memory, improve flexibility, weight loss, increase energy and increase mental capacity.

 

Follow me to Murph’s!

Dancing is the best exercise! Well you would expect a Line Dance Instructor to make such a statement so that is out of the way. I have been teaching for many years now and dancing is my exercise of choice.  Dancing offers great benefits such as improving posture and balance, strengthening bones and muscles, reduces stress and tension, Increase in stamina and flexibility, and builds confidence. Dancing also provides social interaction with a great group of people.

I have been in Tennessee for two years now and have tried several venues to establish a class in the area. It would seem that the class was catching on then all of sudden attendance would drop and then I would be working harder to get interest built back up. So it should not be a surprise that once I decided to put my teaching on hold and concentrate on doing something for myself by taking ballroom dance classes, that is when the opportunity was presented by one of my instructors to be the instructor for Murph at Murph’s Country Barn, 3336 Winters Road, Cedar Hill, TN 37032.

Murph’s is a family friendly Saturday Night Country Dance location that is a diamond in the rough. Murph’s Country Barn is an unknown that is just waiting to blossom into a great Dance location for Middle Tennessee. Murph’s has a live band every Saturday evening from 7:30 pm to 10:30; it possesses a great dance floor and sound system.  They offer a limited menu at the bar along with beer, soft drinks, coffee and water. Murph’s has video games, pool table and a quiet room for small children.  I teach every Saturday evening at 6:30 till the band starts, then a refresher of the class when the band breaks.

Coming May 10, 2014 Murph’s will host its first Line Dance Workshop with Jamie Marshall, 6 time World Line Dance Super Star Champion, Award  Winning Choreographer & Personality as our Guest Instructor for the day.  So get your Registration form at http://www.linedancenews.com/larry-b/classes-events/

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet Jamie Marshall and enjoy a great day of dancing.

Murph has offered a great location for my classes and the Barn is a great place for a Saturday night out with friends and family.  So join me on Saturday evening for some good music, great dancing, good times and a great nigh out.  Book Mark  www.linedancenews.com  to keep up on Larry  B’s Dance class schedule. Also more events and class schedules to be add to site soon. 

See You at Murph’s!

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Vacationing at Home

I decided to take a week off from work but this time there were no plans made as to what I/We would do for the week. We had discussed renting a cabin on the lake, going to Missouri, but decided to just stay home. The first day, I actually, did not know what to do with myself. I had nothing on my calendar! No place to be, no computer, no phone and no schedule. To say, I was bored is an understatement.

I finally realized it was vacation mode that I needed to wrap my mind around to fully enjoy this week. So I got busy there were things that I wanted to do that are difficult to arrange when you are tied to a desk during the week. I started with researching, and making appointments to obtain my backyard project estimates. That in process, it was time to get my work station in my cave cleaned up and re-organize the rolling shelves.

I have reviewed the types of Christmas lawn blow ups we have on hand and which ones will be necessary for this year’s lawn theme. What will be the front yard center piece and the back yard theme? There is a new Blowup calling my name so my plan may change by Thanksgiving.

The new Dance Gig is starting in a week and I have reviewed my first set of dances to teach. I have developed my plan of action to succeed with this new venture at Murph's Country Music Barn. Since Murph's has a live band that rotates through different styles of country, my goal is to always be teaching a dance per week that the dancers will hear from the band. I can then add newer dances to songs that can be played during the band breaks increasing the number of opportunities for the Line Dancers to get up and shake their money makers.

I knew I had achieved vacation mode when I felt at ease with sitting on the deck reading. I have completed two books and closing in on number three. I am shooting for 5 this week.  Reading for me relaxes me to the point of dosing and is my favorite vacation relaxation activity and this week there has been just enough chill in the air to sit on the deck, coffee steaming and lose myself in pleasure reading.

Today, we took a drive to Paducah to spend some time visiting our extended family the Henry's. It was a great visit and lunch with Sarah, Melissa, Megan, Brian and Santa Butch. Thanks for a great day.

To top off the week, Paul and I are going to a Halloween theme party on Saturday. This year's theme is Super Heroes. The Flash and Green Lantern are planning to attend.  I am sure it will prove to be an interesting evening; this is our introduction activity with a new group we just joined.  What better way to meet a whole group of new people but dressed up as Super Heroes...

Paul has started his Christmas Embroidery project and has been sequestered in his cave most of the week. It has been a great relaxing week, even if it took me a day or so to get into that vacation frame of mind. Vacationing at home is an art not to do too much around house and achieve that vacation frame of mind.

Keep dancin' Larry B

When You Least Expect it!

As many know I have struggled to establish a Line Dance Class since moving to Tennessee. I was able to do a gig at the Clarksville Athletic Club for a fund raiser for Breast Cancer that ran for four months in 2012.

Then I was blessed to meet Luke Henry, who put in a good word for me with City of Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department. I was contracted for a 6 month gig for them at the Crowe Community Center.

I had decided after Luke passed to get back to dancing. I found the Clarksville Dance Club and started taking classes for myself in September 2013. I put starting my own class on the back burner. I just was not in the right frame of mind to market myself or the leg work to locate an establishment to host classes. I just wanted to dance and take classes for myself.

On October 3, 2013, which was the second month anniversary of Luke's passing, Patricia, my Thursday night Dance Instructor, asked me for my Line Dance Business card. She said she wanted to pass it on to the owners of Murph's Country Music Barn. I had just heard about Murph's through the dance club as a great place to dance.

On October 4, Patricia called and told me that she had passed my information to Murph and his wife. She stated I should expect a call about starting a Line Dance Class. The next day, we gathered and paid honor to our friend Luke at Morton's Outlook in the Smokey Mountains and I updated my friend on things while sitting on his favorite outcropping.

The following Monday, I got a call from Murph and when I returned the call I spoke to his lovely wife, B. We had a great chat and they wanted to meet me to discuss how we could benefit each other. They were looking to bring more people in on their Saturday night dance and would like to offer their facility for a beginner class if we got a good response on Saturday nights.

I met Murph and B on Saturday, October 12 and they are the nicest people you would ever meet. The facility is huge but is warm and welcoming as you enter. This venture is their retirement activity. They hold weddings, special dinners, weekly auctions, and weekly dances. Murph's is a great family place to sit back listen to some good music and dance your night away on Saturday night.

We have agreed that I will start teaching a class at the Saturday night Dance on November 2, 2013. I have gathered information on the songs done at Murph's and working on putting a Dance Lesson together.  Working with Murph and B to bring more clientele to Murph's Country Music Barn is going to be an exciting new adventure and a new avenue for establishing a class.

I could not have asked for a more accommodating couple to work with as Murph and B. I know my new guardian angel is watching over me and ensuring I get back to teaching.

Keep dancin' Larry B.

 

2013 Year of Dance

2013 is going to be my Year of Dance and I am so excited.  I have signed the contract with the City of Clarksville which is through August of this year then we will look at extending contract to a yearly basis. Of course, that will all depend on the success I have at establishing a great ongoing class program.

Am I worried, a little but I have faith that I am a great Instructor and that the students will spread the word that LB’s classes are fun, energetic and a great form of exercise.  I have already prepared a great variety of beginner/intermediate dances that encompass music from country to pop.  I will continue to watch the web for new dances that I feel will fit into this area. The one thing I have learned with teaching at the Clarksville Athletic Club is that Pop and Country are the two favorite genres.  I will see once the classes get going if I need to expand on that area.

I will be doing continued research to provide a great variety of great dances for the students. I will most likely pull what is popular in local clubs. I will continue to check out the most popular dances from the websites and dance classes around the country.  I want my students to be able to jump in at any club or class they happen upon.

I am now in negotiations with the City of Oak Grove, Kentucky to provide an International Line Dance program at their community center.  This would be a great location for a program due to the close proximity to Ft. Campbell Army Post. I feel we could offer a great program for the Military families in the area.  These negotiations are still ongoing at this time. I have proposed a free Introduction to Line Dance class to see what type of response we may be able to get on that side of the county.  I think we can pull students from neighboring towns like Hopkinsville, Guthrie and Pembroke by starting this program.

Yes, 2013 has been dubbed Larry B’s Year of Dance.  I encourage anyone visiting the area to drop in on a class and if you have any friends/family in the area to pass the word along that we are going to have a great year of dance in Clarksville, Tennessee.  See you on the Dance Floor

Keep Dancin’

LB

Line Dance Class Established

I have been in Clarksville, TN for little over a year and marketing myself as a Line Dance Instructor. I have put myself in front of everyone I could to establish a line dance class.  I thought moving to an area 45 minutes from Nashville; I would find lots of classes to take for myself and instructors in the area that would be able to give me advice on how to establish oneself in the area.

This was not the case; I could not find one class being taught in the Clarksville area. Now if you want to take a Zumba class they are everywhere but no dance classes.  I was fortunate to connect with some ladies through my sister’s softball team that assisted in introducing me to the folks at the Clarksville Athletic club. I was able to provide class there for four months with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society.  As they say when one door closes another opens.

I had been to the Parks and Recreational Department numerous times with my flyer, business card and copy of my liability insurance. I was either there at the wrong time of year, wrong time due to a city function or vacation issues.  Finally, I received a call from Melissa at the P & R department. After our first meeting, I was in the door and picking out the room to hold my class.

If not for the encouragement of my mentor, Stella Cabeca, I might have just given up on pursuing my goal of establishing my own class. Stella was instrumental in providing me with how to set up a class, how to approach the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department and how to get a beginner’s class off the ground.

Now I have a new flyer with a location and start date for my new International Line Dance class in Clarksville, TN.  I am moving ahead with developing the first few weeks of classes.  I am busy printing the step sheets and downloading the music.  For the next couple of weeks, I will be hitting the road again to local store owners to request posting my new flyer. I have one store owner that has not only agreed to post in her window but requested flyers to use as stuffers in her customers purchase bags.  That particular shop owner has even got her whole staff interested in taking my class. Now that is what I call local support.

Here is to a great 2013 and a big bear hug/thank you to all those who has supported me.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Homeward Bound

Well it has been a hectic week in South Florida, it was great to see old friends and to be in the office. I always enjoy being in the office and seeing all my fellow co-workers even though I have to admit I get more work done in my own little office in Tennessee. I mean after 20+ years of working alone in my home, the concept of dressing and driving to an office is just so foreign to my mindset.

I got the chance this week to teach some line dancing, and dance with a large number of the field staff. Now that was a fun day and I have the video to use for blackmail if the need ever arises.. Just kidding.. or am I .

I also got to surprise my International Line Dance Instructor, Stella Cabeca. I was able to announce in her Thursday night class that because of her encouragement, support and mentoring; I will be signing a contract with the City of Clarksville, Tennessee to provide an International Line Dance class at the Crow Community Center starting in February, 2013.

Yet as I sit here at the Ft. Lauderdale airport; a calmness has come over me for I know I am heading home. What a difference a year makes in one's life, for over 20 years South Florida was home. Now it is a place where the office is located and long time friends live.  I know I am always welcome down in South Florida but I also know it will never feel the same, it will never be home.

It is simply too busy, too crowded and just too hot for me now. I am a Tennessean now and could not be happier.  The pace of life is slower, people are friendly and a whole lot less of them to deal with than here in South Florida.

So yes it was a good week in South Florida but can they load this plane any faster. My body and soul needs to be back in the hills of Tennessee.  

Keep Dancin'  LB