Line Dancing in the Latrobe Valley

By Linda Pink

Line Dancing is going from strength to strength in the Valley. Since COVID, as for many, hit us hard and gradually we had to build up our classes and socials again. It was so nice that in 2023, not only did we see some normality back in our group, but ended up having an amazing year. Early in the year, L.V Country Line Dancers, along with Rebel Bootscooters, Yarragon and Ramblin' Rose, Ringwood were announced Australian Line Dance Group of the year. This award is given for the work the groups put into Line Dancing and into their community. Since 2018, these three groups have worked hard to raise much needed funds in support of Depression/Suicide for Lifeline Gippsland.

This last year we manage to raise over $20,500, which is such a wonderful effort and one of which we are proud. Events have already been organised to continue this support into 2024. Then, for myself, to win Australian Line Dancer of the year was something I never dreamed of, but am extremely proud of. This is not a reflection of myself, but of my wonderful classes and the work they all do. This last year, we were also able to assist Oferya Kicheni-Parr - Days of Hope and her team’s incredible work of sending aid to her hometown in Zimbabwe. This is the sixth year we have been able to assist Oferya and it certainly was our biggest. The number of items we collected this year was staggering and with money raised and donated we were able to purchase a huge number of items for the school. We are just so please that our Line Dancers could once again lend a helping hand. Line Dancing is so much more than most people expect.

Besides the exercise, which sometimes is only a small part of it, Line Dancing is a safe environment for people to socialise in. You do not need a partner and you dance at whatever level you feel comfortable. The benefits from dancing are endless and all this happens while you are laughing, dancing and having fun. What can be better than dancing (regardless of two left feet), listening to all genres of music (which is great for the soul) and socialising and creating new friendships within a wonderful group. For more information on Line Dancing in the Latrobe Valley visit our website. www.lvbootscooters.com and to see just how much we have in classes/socials and trips visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LVCountryLineDancers/ New Beginners. Courses commenced the first week in February in both Newborough and Heyfield. For more information on these visit our website.