About Dance The Line

One night in 2019, I attended a charity fundraiser event, there was a band and a group of folks dancing the same dance, together, in a line...sort of.  I had flash backs of my high school days dancing the Electric Slide.  I had flip flops on, but that didn't stop me, I jumped onto the dance floor and attempted to follow along! 

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In January 2020, I headed to JK Shuffles, in New Milford, CT and attended my first Beginner Line Dance class with Jill Weiss.  After 2 hours of pure joy, I was hooked.  Flash forward to March 2020...COVID hit, then a family loss, my line dance journey was stalled.  After a while, I got back into the studio and began to learn more and more, soon I was able to "move up" to Improver classes, then I attended an open dance and actually knew some of the dances! Small Steps...literally, thanks Ed!

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As time went on, I learned more steps and more dances, I eventually attended a "line dance weekend" at the Line Dance Marathon in Raleigh, NC.  I had NO IDEA what I had become a part of, this line dancing thing is a "thing".  I came home with new friends, learned many new dances and a new world that I was now a part of.  I wanted to do this every day all day, but I work FT as an HR Professional so I dance whenever I can.  Over the while, I am learning to balance family, work and the obsession of Line Dancing - yes it is, an obsession just ask one of my line dance friends...or my family.  I attended more dance weekends such as; Mishnock & Friends Country Dance Weekend, NYSOL (NY State of Line), Floor Filler, Fort Wayne Dance For All, Sunshine in Line, Fun In The Sun, Diamond State.  Then there was H.O.T. (Heart of Texas) what an experience...I was able to participate in the dinner show, which was so much fun despite the minor mishap when I accidentally got punched in the face! (yes there is a video). ​​​

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Soon thereafter, a group of friends wanted to learn how to Line Dance but did not have any classes in their area.  I offered to teach them a few dances for fun, they wanted more!  We found a local dance studio in Norwalk, CT., I got some guidance from both Jill Weiss of JK Shuffles, New Milford, CT and Joanne Kallipolites of JMK Line Dancing, Naugatuck, CT...who threw me the mic at her studio for my first official teach of "Rockin the Wagon Wheel".  My first class was on October 30th with 17 attendees!  In December 2023 we had our first Saturday night Open Dance Party and celebrated birthdays, holidays and the official kick off of Dance the Line, LLC, thanks to the support of Monica and my Lovely Line Dance Ladies.

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Throughout 2024 I decided to get my NTA certification, choreographed 2 dances (with help from Pat my "Dance Sister" and Jill Weiss) that I competed, and I got to teach them at JK Shuffles.  Pat and I co-created a mini dance show to a Grease medley, at the NELDS Showstopper competition with a group of newfound dance friends.  I have also been able to teach line dancing at work; as part of our wellness strategy, at sales meetings and other special events! 

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In the last 4 years I have not only danced many dances, attended many events, bought a variety of T-shirts and dance shoes, but I have made many new friends.  The Line Dance community is full of wonderful people who love to share the joy of music and movement through dance.  Thank you mostly to my family for allowing me to explore my newfound passion and to those of you who help me along the way in my direction.  It is amazing to feel the energy in the room when we are all moving together and fully enjoying every moment.  As I am still navigating through the management of my time between family, work, teaching and dancing myself please have patience with me as I continue to develop my catalog of classes!! 

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I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor enjoying the music and the movement!​

Martha

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