Cowboy Boots and Community: How Black Line Dancers Are Spreading Joy

 This beloved tradition in Black communities has thrived for decades, bringing joy to weddings, family reunions, and spontaneous backyard gatherings.

Quinton Dais, left, and Ny’Sean Isaac line dance at S Bar in Columbia, S.C., on Jan. 30.

Feb. 8, 2025, 6:00 PM GMT+6

When Tamia stumbled upon a YouTube video of people line dancing to her 2006 hit song “Can’t Get Enough of You,” she and her husband, NBA legend Grant Hill, decided to join in on the fun. Embracing the moment, they learned the dance together.

In 2022, their daughter recorded the couple as they celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary by performing the dance. Tamia shared the video of what has now become known as the “Tamia Line Dance,” and it quickly gained traction, putting a fresh spotlight on line dancing. This beloved tradition, deeply rooted in Black communities, has long been a highlight at weddings, family reunions, and casual backyard gatherings.

“We were just having fun, and it turned into something bigger,” Tamia said, describing herself as a “very amateur” line dancer. “There’s joy in learning line dances. Once you get the steps, there’s joy in doing it together. Bringing joy to others is an artist’s dream, but in turn, I’ve also received joy.” The popularity of line dancing has surged, fueled by social media, where new routines and songs quickly gain traction. Videos of dancers of all ages performing in settings ranging from dimly lit clubs to wide-open fields frequently go viral.

April Berry, a former principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and now a master dance instructor in Pittsburgh, emphasizes the joy found in dancing.

“That sense of togetherness and moving in unison is where the joy comes from,” Berry said. “Black joy is about motivation, about lifting oneself out of hard times. That’s why people come together to dance.”

She added, “The unity of moving in sync, no matter the dance, fosters a sense of holistic well-being. Dancing together strengthens our bonds.”

Aaisha Peterson, a certified nutritionist, discovered the therapeutic power of line dancing after the loss of her mother, a well-known dance instructor in Cleveland, in May 2023.

“I wanted to line dance at least once a week to honor her,” said Peterson, 32. “It reignited a joy in me. It became my therapy.”

One evening, she invited Devin J. Butler, a fitness trainer and former professional dancer, to join her.

“He was dancing with the same enthusiasm as me, and I knew he was my person,” Peterson said.

Now, the couple teaches line dancing through their program, Line Dance Is My Therapy, encouraging participants to “dance loud, as long as you are enjoying yourself.” Their business has flourished, thanks to viral videos of dances like “Boots on the Ground” and Peterson’s favorite, “Some Enchanted Evening,” inspired by a Temptations song. Butler favors “Cupid Flex” and “Chicago Style.”

In addition to calling out steps, they incorporate hand-held fans into their performances.

“The fans add an extra layer of fun and energy,” said Peterson.

Some dancers personalize their fans with lights, glitter, or their names, snapping them open in time with the beat.

“You’ll even see people sitting and eating, but when the right song comes on, they’ll hit their fans while eating their chicken,” Butler, 35, laughed. “It’s just part of the culture.”

The TruKuntry Steppas in Dalzell, South Carolina, embrace a Western-influenced style of line dancing, inspired by founder Donna Dawson’s experience at a saddle club trail ride and dance event.

“We started with about 15 people, and now we have around 70 members,” Dawson said.

With such a large group, they sometimes dance outside when indoor venues are too small.

“My church has a big field, so sometimes we dance there. Other times, we gather at my house,” said Dawson, 54. “On Thursdays, we go to the S Bar in Columbia, S.C.”

She coordinates with around 80 other line dancing groups across the South, from North Carolina and Virginia to Georgia, Alabama, and Texas. Each group has its own logo and clothing, with some even composing original music and choreography. They share dances online and occasionally visit one another.

“The line dances we do now are far beyond the old ‘Electric Slide,’” Dawson joked.

She also appreciates the mental benefits of dancing.

“Line dancing is a stress reliever. It brings peace of mind and offers an escape. When you start dancing, nothing else matters.”

Dawson’s son, Deonte Wilson, was initially skeptical of his mother’s passion for line dancing.

“I used to act tough,” Wilson, 25, admitted. “But I went to my first event and had the time of my life. Everyone was so welcoming. Even when I didn’t know the dances, they pulled me aside and taught me.”

Now, he appreciates the sense of community — and the food.

“There’s no drama, no fights,” he said. “It’s just one big family.”

Since sharing his experiences on social media, Wilson has inspired his friends to join him at line dancing events.

Nikki Echols, co-owner of 196 Events in Hampton Roads, Virginia, notes that line dances are a staple at weddings.

“Make sure you and your guests are familiar with the dance before the big day,” she advised. “Learning on the spot can disrupt the flow and dampen the energy. Also, avoid back-to-back line dances — even the most enthusiastic dancers need a break.”

For Kennedy and Don Mitchell, line dancing was a must for their wedding.

“My mom is from the South, and line dancing has always been part of our family reunions and gatherings,” Kennedy said.

To prepare, she and her mother watched YouTube tutorials to master the Tamia dance.

“I wanted to be ready because I knew when that song played, everyone would rush to the dance floor,” she said.