Line dancing has been a popular pastime in the country music scene for decades. Many classic country songs have inspired choreographed line dances that are still danced in bars and dance halls today. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic and enduring country line dances.
The History of Country Line Dancing
Line dancing has its origins in folk dancing traditions that were brought to the United States by European immigrants in the 19th century. These folk dances often involved people lining up and performing a sequence of steps in unison.
In the 1970s, modern western line dancing began to develop and gain popularity in country-western bars and dance halls, especially in Texas. Dances were often improvised and set to popular country music songs. Instructors began choreographing specific dances and teaching them to patrons. Some dances were created for specific songs, while others could be performed to various songs in the same time signature.
As country music continued to grow in popularity through the 1980s and 1990s, line dancing saw a surge of interest across the United States and even globally. Country nightclubs and bars held line dancing nights and lessons, appealing to a new generation of fans. Choreographers began releasing instructional videos and DVDs to teach official line dances. Regional styles emerged in different parts of the U.S. and world.
Line dancing’s popularity continues today, with dances choreographed to both old and new country hits. Enthusiasts attend line dance events and gatherings to learn new dances and practice classic steps. It remains an accessible social activity and a lively part of country music culture.
“Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
One of the first massively popular line dances was set to the 1992 Billy Ray Cyrus smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart.” The dance was simple and approached novelty status as the song itself blew up internationally. It involved a basic four-wall pattern of grapevines, heel struts, and pivots.
Part of the appeal was that “Achy Breaky Heart” was relatively easy to learn compared to other line dances at the time. Even those with little to no experience could join in. The song spent five weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, further fueling interest in the accompanying dance. To this day, it remains a go-to line dance for teaching beginners.
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
When Brooks & Dunn released “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” in 1991, it became an immediate line dance sensation. Choreographer Barry Durand created a 32-count dance for the song that incorporated elements of the traditional “Tush Push” line dance.
Some of the signature moves include heel struts, scuffs, and the boot scoot – where dancers mimic a cowboy boot scooting across a floor. The energetic dance matched the song’s blend of country swing and a rock & roll beat. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” spent 25 weeks at number one on the Billboard country chart, helping solidify line dancing’s popularity in the ’90s.
“Watermelon Crawl” by Tracy Byrd
Tracy Byrd’s lighthearted 1995 hit “Watermelon Crawl” is widely considered to be one of the most iconic country line dances of all time. The dance was choreographed by Jo Thompson, Vince Barstow, and Terry Cavanagh.
It is a 32-count, 4-wall dance with fun moves like the watermelon roll, grapevine, and double heel hooks. Dancers crawl on the floor as they perform it, adding to the song’s imagery. The combination of beginner-friendly steps with lively music made “Watermelon Crawl” an instant hit in dance halls. It remains popular today as both a novelty dance and a staple for teaching newcomers.
“Chattahoochee” by Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson’s ode to a Southern river baptism, “Chattahoochee”, was his breakthrough hit in 1993. The accompanying line dance was choreographed by Michele Burton and is danced to a remix of the song.
The 32-count, 4-wall dance features cowboy boots kicks, jazz squares, and heel and toe switches. While not overly complicated, it provides an energetic country line dance experience. “Chattahoochee” spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart. Its longevity speaks to the song’s ability to get people out on the dance floor decades later.
“Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn deliver a romantic ballad with “Neon Moon”, a 1992 single. The song inspired an emotional line dance choreographed by Max Perry that is still danced today. It is a 32-count, 2-wall dance performed in a slow, graceful style.
Signature moves include on-the-spot grapevines, heel lifts, and jazz squares. Dancers act out the melancholy lyrics through flowing arm movements and angled body poses. While slower paced, it provides a nice change of tempo from faster line dances.
Electric Slide
No discussion of line dancing is complete without mentioning the Electric Slide. Technically an R&B song, the 1987 hit “Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths took on a life of its own in country line dancing.
The Electric Slide is choreographed to the song’s funky rhythm. It became a sensation in country-western bars and clubs in the ’80s as a group participation dance. Easy to learn and fun to perform, the Electric Slide is now standard at any country line dancing event. Newcomers are practically guaranteed to attempt this classic dance.
The Future of Country Line Dancing
Even with declines in mainstream popularity, line dancing remains an integral part of country music culture. A loyal base of enthusiasts keeps the activity alive by choreographing new dances and attending events. Bars, dance halls, and community centers continue to hold lessons and social dances.
Younger generations are still exposed to line dancing through popular media and live concerts. Many classic dances are preserved through online instructional videos as well. Country music fans can now learn iconic dances whenever they please.
Line dancing is ultimately about having fun and being part of an energetic community. As long as people enjoy moving together to fiddle and steel guitar sounds, country line dancing will have a place on the dance floor. Its legacy is filled with good times, vivid memories, and plenty of fancy footwork.
| Song | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Achy Breaky Heart | Billy Ray Cyrus | 1992 |
| Boot Scootin’ Boogie | Brooks & Dunn | 1991 |
| Watermelon Crawl | Tracy Byrd | 1995 |
| Chattahoochee | Alan Jackson | 1993 |
| Neon Moon | Brooks & Dunn | 1992 |
| Electric Boogie | Marcia Griffiths | 1987 |