Line dancing is the newest phenomena taking over clubs in many cities; however, it is really hot in Chicago. If there is steppin’ going on, you will almost always find line dancing. In line dancing, a group of people (usually women) dance in one or more lines on the dance floor moving to the same beat. While it may seem routine and boring, dancers can add life to the dances by adding their own flava.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of line dancing. First, partners are not needed. As the name suggests, dancers find a space in one of the rows on the dance floor (or create one), and get to moving. Second, there is always an opportunity to meet new people. Third, participants are guaranteed to burn calories. Lastly, the beats are so great that the body automatically moves to the rhythm – if you don’t like the song – sometimes.

According to my research, line dancing began in the 1970s. This dance phase increased in popularity with The Bus Stop, one of the first line dances that did not have a country-western feeling. The Electric Slide, created by Ric Silver, filled dance floors in the late 70s. Thereafter, the line dance craze exploded. The Macarena (mid to late 90s), Cha-Cha Slide (2000), Cleveland Shuffle (2002), Mississippi Slide (2006), and Cupid Slide (2007) are just some of the more familiar beats that continue to lure people to dance floors. I estimate that there are at least one hundred line dances that are being enjoyed by audiences of all ages these days, and more are being created every day.

Who’s teaching these dances? Let me introduce you to some of the instructors on the south side of Chicago and in the south suburbs.

Ms. Loretta Martin - Mr. G's in Chicago

Ms. Loretta Martin – classes are held at Mr. G’s located at 1547 W. 87th Street (87th & Ashland) in Chicago
Contact Ms. Loretta: (773) 445-2020 or (773) 520-6072

Intermediate – Monday – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Cost: $5.00
Beginners – Tuesday – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Cost: $5.00
Beginners and Stepping – Friday – Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Mz. Georgia - Mz. Georgia's Plaze in Chicago

Mz. Georgia’s Plaze – classes are held at Seniors/Sustahz on the MOVE – 7949 S. South Chicago in Chicago
Contact: Mz. Georgia at (773) 632-6272 (c) or (773) 221-9840 (biz)
Michelle Carter (secretary) – (773) 556-3053

Mz. Georgia has a very extensive schedule. Since she has different levels of classes, it would be best if you spoke with someone directly about your interests and skill levels. I would suggest any of her baby level classes if you are new to line dancing. All of her classes are $4.00 per class.

Stacy Wright - Studio One Dance Theater in Chicago & other south suburban locations

Stacy Wright – classes are held at various locations in the south suburbs and Chicago
Contact Stacy at (708) 528-0260 or swright313@yahoo.com

I am going to mention two of her classes, but you’ll have to contact her for her full schedule.

Tuesday – Sweet Georgia Brown’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge - 4167 W. 183rd Street (183rd & Pulaski), Hertiage Plaza in Country Club Hills, IL – FREE lessons from 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. / Open dance from 10:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Note: There is a 2 drink minimum with water and juice available as options

Wednesday – Studio One Dance Theater – 1849 W. 95th Street in Chicago
Intermediate/Advanced – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – cost: $5.00
Beginning/Intermediate – 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – cost: $5.00

Velma Austin - Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church

Ms. Velma Austin – Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church – 600 E. 35th Street – (312) 225-5300
Thursday – Beginners – 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Cost $3.00
Note: Enter through the parking lot

Graham - Woodlawn Organization in Chicago

James Graham – Woodlawn Organization – 65th & Blackstone in Chicago
Thursday – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Cost $5.00
Tuesday – Graham assists Ms. Loretta Martin at Mr. G’s

When Chicago Public Schools are in session, Graham teaches at Chicago Vocational Achievement Academy on 2100 E. 87th Street in Chicago. Classes are held from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Cost $5.00.

Thomas Twins - Eve's in Riverdale, IL

Thomas Twins – Eve’s Jazz & Steppin’ Club – 202 W. 144th St. in Riverdale, IL – (708) 841-3693
Wednesday – All levels – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Cost $5.00

Michelle Carroll - Club Suave in Chicago Heights

Michelle Caroll – Club Suave – 79 W. Joe Orr Road, Olympia Plaza in Chicago Heights, IL
Tuesday – Lessons from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Freestyle from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – FREE Classes

Maria - Assistant to Everyone

Maria says that she is the assistant to everyone, so you may see her anywhere at anytime.

Val Wilhoite - Lawrence O’Toole Church in Matteson, IL

Val Wilhoite – St. Lawrence O’Toole Church – 4101 St. Lawrence Ave in Matteson, IL – (708) 748-6090
Every first Friday from 7:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. – $5.00.

Rakim Muhammad & Latonya - Dorchester Center, Dolton, IL

Rakim Muhammad’s has a full dance schedule, too. He can be reached at 708-473-7553 or rakim151@comcast.net.

Monday
On Monday, he “floats from class to class helping my sisters out with their classes.” He is looking for a location on the west side of Chicago. Contact him if you know of one.

Tuesday
Posch Lounge – 4415 W. 5th Ave in Gary, IN – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – $5.00

Wednesday
The Dorchester – 1515 E. 154th Street in Dolton, IL – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. – $5.00

Thursday
The Dorchester – 1515 E. 154th Street in Dolton, IL – Call Rakim for more information

Friday
Brunswick Zone Sports Bar (Inside the bowling alley) – 3043 W.183rd Street in Homewood, IL -
9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – FREE
Note: This is a dance only event, no instruction

And where can you go to show your stuff after you take these classes?

Black Mary hosts Monthly Line Dance Parties

Black Mary holds monthly Line Dance Extravaganzas every 4th Sunday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mr. G’s Supper Club, 1547 W. 87th Street in Chicago. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Food served / Cash bar only. Contact Black Mary at 773.715.7039 for tickets or additional information.

July 26
August 23
September 27
October 25
November 22
December 27

I just provided an introduction of Chicago’s line dancing scene. If you know of other instructors and classes, please share. Just know that you saw this first on As NOT Seen on TV.