Line dancing brings people together to enjoy music, community

The best thing about line dancing, dance instructor Nancy Corbige of Lily Lake said, is it brings people together to share the joy of music.

Corbige offers free line dancing lessons at the Elburn Community Center on Wednesday nights to not only instill a love of music and dance in participants, but to raise money for a family impacted by a medical diagnosis.

“People connect with music, and [by line dancing], they can be active,” Corbige said. “Some basic benefits of line dancing are it’s physical activity, but it’s also mental because you have to memorize steps. It’s good for muscles and memory. [Participants] can do as little or as much as they want. If we love music, we feel like we want to dance, but some may not know what to do or how to move. But once they learn, there’s a sense of camaraderie, connection and community.”

The free lessons are from 6 to 7 p.m. and are open to teens and adults. Beginners and senior citizens are welcome. Corbige said she can teach to a wide range of ability and experience.

The first free lesson was Jan. 12, and Corbige said she plans to continue with the lessons for the next two months. She will accept donations from participants that will go to help a family with ties to Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake.

Corbige is a member of the church, and while she doesn’t know the family personally, she said she wants to help others. Class participants are encouraged to leave donations that help offset room-rental costs, and the remainder will be donated to the family, Corbige said.

Corbige, who said she has been teaching line dancing for several years, said another reason she enjoys it is because people don’t need a partner to line dance, and there is always a line dance to match any song.

“‘The Electric Slide’ is one of the first basic line dances. It’s been done for a long time, and it’s done at weddings, festivals, and people recognize it and will join in,” she said. “I start [doing ‘The Electric Slide’] and people join me. You draw people together in a positive way.”

About nine dancers attended the first class, and Corbige said it “went great.”

“There were about nine dancers and a couple other onlookers who came. And they were all enthusiastic, and they’re looking forward to coming again next week,” she said. “I have the space reserved for two months as of now, but if it’s popular, we can keep it going. People can come to any class and any time.”

For information about the classes, visit www.facebook.com/rtdfj.