Tips for line dancing socials

Not everyone wants to go to line dancing socials and that’s fine. But if you want to start going and haven’t already, then here’s some tips on making that first leap.

What are line dancing socials?

For some people, in particular in the US, socials or ‘bar’ line dancing are what they’re used to. The main draw is turning up at a bar which plays music all night to dance to, and they may have instructors providing lessons through the evening. The UK have started seeing more of these popping up in western style bars, or by dancers and instructors like Honky Tonk Highway.

For the rest of the line dancing world, chances are you’re attending line dance classes which are set up specifically for lessons in halls or community centres etc. Socials are run separately, maybe in other venues. Maybe run by your teacher, or maybe elsewhere.

A line dancing social is a night (or afternoon) of dancing to music (either DJ or a singer/band). They might take dance requests. But if you know the dance being played you get up and dance. For some beginners dances, there might be a quick run through, but generally you either need to know the dances, or be quick at picking them up/having a go. 

Some socials you can go and just watch, others it’s just for those dancing.  

It’s always worth checking out whether a social is advance tickets or booking only, because many venues have limited space or are really popular. After all, if teachers run a monthly social and they run nearly daily classes, everyone from those classes might descend on the one social, as well as visitors.

I’ve been going to line dance socials run by my teacher for a year, and love them. Although I’ve not managed to get to any run by others. We do have a teacher nearby who always runs them with live music which in the past at modern jive freestyles I’ve not enjoyed as much. But I really should try and get to experience some other venues.

Benefits of going to socials

As with any social dancing whether partner or solo, the more dancing you do, the faster you’ll improve. 

With line dancing, because the dances are named, you’ll get to practice dances you know. 

You’ll get to see and potentially try out new dances (your to learn list will grow faster than you can probably learn them!)

There’s plenty of chances to socialise with other people who’ve got the same hobby as you.

You’ll get to experience a more relaxed environment than just classes.

It’s always good to get inspiration from other people, see how they dance, and take away learnings for your own dance improvement.

If you’re looking to make the leap and start going to line dance socials, then here’s some tips.

Tips for getting started at line dancing socials

Just start going. As a beginner, you’ll get inspired and learn to take the leap. Keep going and you’ll find you’re picking up new dances faster as well as remembering the dances you do know.

Start with your own teacher’s socials, because you’ll know the dances that you’ve learnt will more likely be played.

Go with a friend, or find out if others from your venue will be there.

Find out what the floor is like/what the dress code is in particular for shoe options. If you’ve only got suede sole dance shoes you don’t want to ruin those on a sticky floor. Take dance socks in case you need some extra spin.

Some socials have raffles (so take along a prize or 2 – they’re a great way to get rid of unwanted gifts), with money going to charity.

Check if there’s food. Some socials have an American Buffet (pot luck, take a dish along) at their Christmas/special occasion socials, others have one each social.

Check what the drink situation is – if there’s a bar, then don’t take your own drinks.

Don’t panic if you don’t know many dances. You can sit and watch, just join in the ones you know. 

Go over songs you like and dances you know beforehand, but give dances you don’t know a chance – ask people you know which are easy dances that are coming up. Sometimes beginners dances are walked through on one wall to help beginners get up and dance.

Join a dance at the back starting a new row, or join the end of a row if it’s already started.

Watch out when walking drinks around the dance floor.

Do put forward dance requests – most places just have paper to write requests down and hand in. Some use online DJ feeds where you can see what else has been requested. Ask someone sitting near you how it works soon after arriving.

Keep a watch out for where people are dancing – some dances have partner dancing options, so they’ll dance round the outside of the line dancers.

Listen out for split floors. Some songs mean having a split floor with 2 or more dances going on to the same music. So keep a listen out a) for the name of the dance, but b) also if they’re splitting the floor and so what the second dance is. This is where knowing who choreographed the dance you know helps!

Enjoy it.

If you’re experienced at socials what tips would you add? Or if you want to start what questions do you have about them?