Line dancing never went away, it just moved to Wasaga Beach.
by Trent Gow // photo by Trent Gow
Line dancing is a synchronized group dance, performed repetitively and enthusiastically with participants facing the same direction. It turns out, the Cowboy Hustle is a big hit in Wasaga Beach, where line dancing is pushing the Macarena and the Electric Slide off the dance floor.
“Line dancing has made a positive difference in my life over the past eight years and it’s satisfying to instill that reward in others,” says dance instructor Kelly Borg.
Weekly beginner sessions for adults 55 and over at the RecPlex are consistently busy, and pay-as-you-go evening sessions at the Wasaga Stars Arena for residents of all ages are usually filled to 200-person capacity.
This past summer, line dancing accounted for more than 30 percent of the visits to the programs at the town’s Seniors Active Living Centre.
“It exercises both the mind and body” says Lynn Arra, a regular participant since the activity’s inception in 2022.
A wide variety of scientific studies confirm that dancing can improve cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility while also reducing stress and anxiety. Line dancing offers a low-impact way to reap all of those benefits.
“Accessible recreation options across the age spectrum are an overarching goal for the town,” says Chris Roos, Wasaga Beach’s director of recreation and facilities. “This year, there are more than 100 programs available to Wasaga Beach residents seeking recreation, sport and leisure opportunities, and we are always looking for more.”
Judith Illidge is the manager of the Seniors Active Living Centre’s many programs, and she credits much of line dancing’s runaway success to Borg, who is the program’s founder and primary instructor.
“Kelly has a compelling mix of skill and passion. I particularly admire the sensitive way that she brings out the best in each participant,” says Illidge.
