Step in Line: A Beginner’s Journey into the World of Line Dancing
By Kayla Bowens
Many people have misconceptions about line dancing due to stereotypes, both negative and positive. Some examples include this idea that line dancing is all about doing repetitive moves to cheesy songs about heartbreak and drinking, being labeled as simple or outdated, and simply facing cultural criticism. The truth is that line dancing is much more complex than people think and actually challenges social norms in the sense that it represents community and jubilation. Some overall benefits of line dancing include cardiovascular health improvements due to continuous movement, social interactions allowing for the potential of making connections with new people, and improved cognitive function from learning and remembering steps. So whether you are just starting your line dancing journey, exploring the suggestion of line dancing, or just want to know more about places to dance with friends, I am here to provide clubs in and out of Los Angeles for dancing.
Eastwood LA
Location: 611 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, California 90005
Bar, restaurant, and amusement with a country flare. There is a photo booth, arcade games, line dancing, and more. General hours of operation are Wednesday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursdays 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Fridays/Saturdays 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Line dancing lessons Fridays 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Age restrictions depend on the event.
2. Desert 5 Spot
Location: 6516 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Rooftop bar featuring live performances, weekend DJs, and old-fashioned jukeboxes playing country hits all night. Line dancing lessons Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.; additionally, you must RSVP online. They serve food and drinks and good vibes. There is a cowboy dress code, clothes available to buy, and various weekly events like karaoke and taco Tuesday.
3. The Canyon-Augora Hills
Location: 28912 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
This location is hosted by Borderline Country Nights every Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. It is 18+, and your physical ID must be presented at the door for entry. $10 cash or $12 card for cover, but you can say a promoter’s name for a discount. The promoters are advertised on their Instagram every week, @borderlinebar. The DJs vary night to night, but they are all good for the most part. The night includes line dancing music and two-stepping, and they will on occasion play club music! There are two lessons every night at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. This is definitely one of my favorite locations, as there is more of a college crowd and lots of opportunity to meet amazing people. Definitely recommend, plus there is a bar and a mechanical bull!
4. Stampede-Temecula
Location: 28721 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
This venue is massive, although a little far and more pricey, definitely worth it. I have only gone to this location once, but I had the best time. Huge dance floor, little arcade area with pool tables, gift shop, mechanical bull, but 21+. There are separate events like line dancing and costume competitions. More info on these events can be found on their website. Regular line dancing nights are usually on Thursdays at 7pm with around a $20 cover charge. There is a decent amount of seating areas and a bar both inside and outside. Line dancing will sometimes be interrupted for some club music but eventually resumes.
5. Red Engine Brewing Co., Fillmore
Location: 803 Ventura St, Fillmore, CA 93015
These events are free for all ages and usually happen on certain Fridays that are announced on the Red Engine Brewing Company website and Instagram. From 7 p.m.-10 p.m. They also have a sponsorship with a custom cowboy hat crafting company on site. Birthday parties and other private events can be hosted here. Line dancing lessons are available throughout the night, which the DJ usually announces at that time. The parking lot is not very big, but other parking lots nearby are available for use.
6. Tarantula Hill-Thousand Oaks
Location: 244 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Once again hosted by Borderline Country Nights, once a month they host in Thousand Oaks at Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. This event is 18+, but usually there is an older crowd at this event, which I personally really enjoy. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there are lessons at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There is a lot of space to converse, sit down and get water from their cold water stations, and plenty of space to practice line dances and two stepping moves. This is a Brewing company so there is a restaurant and bar inside to eat and drink when you are not dancing. $10 cash/$12 card for cover charge. Follow @borderlinebar to see updates on their events!
