INTERVIEW WITH LINE DANCING'S VALERIE FOWLER

 

Featured Interview: Valerie's Line Dancing

For this week's blog we're featuring Braybrooke resident and village fête organiser (amongst many other guises), Valerie Fowler of Valerie's Line Dancing. We caught up with Valerie to talk all things line dancing—from growing up with it in America to why it's taking off across the UK, and why absolutely anyone can give it a go.

Tickets are available to purchase here

Taproom: Was line dancing a big part of where you grew up in the USA?

Valerie: Yes, it was! We learned line dancing in school and at church dances. In my late teens and twenties, we'd go line dancing socially most weekends. It was just part of life.

Taproom: What do you love most about line dancing?

Valerie: I love that it's easy, it challenges you, but not in a hard way. I love that it brings laughter, and it's a great way to move your body.

Taproom: How would you describe line dancing to someone who's never tried it?

Valerie: It's a way of dancing that anyone can do, t's just moving your feet in different ways. It's for socialising, so there's no pressure.

Taproom: Is line dancing easier to learn than people think?

Valerie: Yes! It's much easier than people think. If you enjoy moving to music and having a go, you can line dance!

Taproom: What advice would you give to complete beginners?

Valerie: Keep coming. We repeat the dances every few weeks, and once you learn them, it's even more fun!

Taproom: What kind of music can people expect on a Wednesday night?

Valerie: American country music from the '90s right through to modern day.

Taproom: Are there any dances that always get the crowd going?

Valerie: Everyone loves Footloose, even though it's a tricky one! And Cotton Eye Joe is always a favourite too.

Taproom: What's the atmosphere like at the Taproom events?

Valerie: I love the atmosphere. It feels like everyone knows each other, even when they don't. It's relaxed, outdoors, and a real feel-good community.

Taproom: What surprises people most when they try line dancing for the first time?

Valerie: How much they love it!

Taproom: Have you noticed line dancing becoming more popular in the UK?

Valerie: Yes! I'm so excited about that. After 20 years of living abroad, country music is finally making its way here.

Taproom: What's the biggest misconception people have about line dancing?

Valerie: That it's hard, or that they "hate" country music. Until they don't! Haha!

Taproom: Can line dancing count as exercise?

Valerie: Yes! We average around 10,000 steps each session. The hops and turns are especially good for women over 40.

Taproom: What's your top tip for anyone feeling nervous about joining in?

Valerie: Just come along. I'll give you an American welcome! We have ladies and men coming on their own, and all ages from 8 to 80. You belong here.

Taproom: Do you have a favourite country artist or song to dance to?

Valerie: I love the originals, like Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks & Dunn. It reminds me of some great times in life. That's what music does for us—it's a gift.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have never stepped onto a dance floor before, Valerie's enthusiasm is infectious. So next time the music starts at the Taproom, why not give line dancing a try? As Valerie says, anyone can learn line dancing, and there's a place for everyone on the dance floor.

 Email: taproom@braybrookebeer.co for more info or book tickets here