Line dancing is back

By Michael Butler

What was a 1990s country music club sensation is making a comeback. Line dancing is a thing again at the Tallassee Recreation Center.

A quick Wikipedia search of what has become associated with songs like the "Achy Breaky Heart" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie" goes back beyond Billy Ray Cyrus or Brooks and Dunn. Its origins apparently began well before the "Electric Slide' and "Hustle" as well.

The forms of people lining up to dance in sequence could be hundreds of years old. Regardless, it is still a way to get people on the dance floor at parties. In addition, it is good exercise, a reason why Tallassee Recreation Department director Eric Phillips added it as a new program.

"Maria Johnston from Red Hill is teaching it," said Phillips. "They're not just diving into it. They go through all the moves. Red Hill has that dancing Friday nights at the school. Several people from up there showed up. Several from Tallassee showed up."

This is a new offering from the Recreation Center. The group has been meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays for just a few weeks.

"We're trying to get the word out," said Phillips. "It's good to get your blood moving and have a good time."

Memberships are available through the rec center. There is a deal for seniors, $25 annually for individuals and $40 per year for couples.

For more information, contact Phillips at 334-283-4726.