Kickstart your year with line dancing: fun, fitness, and community

As the new year unfolds, many are setting resolutions to improve their health and well-being. If you're looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun, line dancing might be the perfect fit.

Line dancing is more than just a pastime-it's a vibrant community activity that offers physical, mental, and social benefits. Sharon Lamb, a passionate line dancer and experienced instructor, shares, “Dance has been shown to be one of the best exercises for your brain and longevity. And it's not just country music-line dancing incorporates all kinds of music, so there's something for everyone.”

For those in the area, Lamb teaches beginner-friendly classes at the Salem Senior Center every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “You don't have to be a senior or a member to join,” she says. “It's open to anyone about 12 years old and up, though some younger participants have joined, too.” Classes are structured to start with easy dances and build up to more complex moves, making them accessible to new and seasoned dancers alike. For more information about the Salem classes, call (812) 620-1776.

On Thursdays, Lamb also teaches at the Washington County YMCA from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. YMCA members can join for free, while non-members pay a nominal fee-$12 to $15 for a month of lessons. These classes follow a similar format, focusing on basic steps and gradually advancing. For details, contact the YMCA at (812) 883-9622 or reach Sharon Lamb directly at sharooni71@hotmail.com.

For those near Scottsburg, Light's Dance Barn on Mount Zion Road is another excellent venue. It offers intermediate classes on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. And beginner-friendly sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes cost $5 per session, and during January and early February, Lamb fills in as the instructor. Light's Dance Barn, owned by Cindy Light, was awarded “Best Dance Venue in Kentuckiana” and boasts a fabulous wood floor. Cindy Light can be contacted through Light's Dance Barn's Facebook page.

Lamb has been line dancing since the early 1990s and teaching for the past 25 years. She's also a choreographer and a member of the local dance group Sparkles and Spurs, which supports the WHAS Crusade for Children. “Much of the money I earn from dancing goes to this effort,” she says proudly.

Why try line dancing? “It's a great way to lift your mood, stay active, and connect with amazing people,” Lamb explains. “If you're new, I always say there are no mistakes, only variations. Give it at least four weeks before deciding if it's for you.”

For beginners wondering what to wear, Lamb recommends comfortable clothing and footwear. “Cowboy boots aren't a requirement. We discuss footwear during the first or second class.”

So, why not make line dancing part of your New Year's resolutions? It's a fun, accessible way to improve your health, learn new skills, and make lasting memories.