Tropic Star RV Resort hosted the third annual Rio Grande Valley Line Dance Bash on January 25 where over 140 dancers danced for four hours. This year’s event was Penguin Party, so the hall was full of black and white decorations. Tables were decorated with black and white tablecloths with penguin footprints on the tables and entry doors. Attendees enjoyed the event so much, they want to do this once a month and include dance demos for each dance.
Organizers for the event, Pat Yoder and Julie Johnson, were right to anticipate a larger crowd this year. Last year’s event attracted about 120 participants. The event also had seven instructors, one more than last year, and was an afternoon full of fun, stompin’, snacks, and prizes.
The event was open to beginners to high level beginners – it was not a teaching event. There was an open dancing period with instructors walking through dance steps prior to putting on the music. The instructors at the event included Yoder, Johnson, Mo Laplante, JoAnne Sullivan, Donna Hucker, Noreen Friesen, and Bob McFarlane. Instructors had a wide range of experience from teaching back home and in the Valley. Experience ranged from six to 30 years. Dancers from about 10 parks made it out to dance the afternoon away.
There were 48 dances with a DJ and Yoder announcing dance names and the music before each dance. They made it easier for dancers to focus on their dance level versions, but providing an area for beginners, and high levels.
The dance playlist consisted of ultra beginner level to improve dances. The dances were selected from those danced in the Valley, that are commonly danced at the musician entertainer events and with instructor input.
Yoder said, in the RGV, the musicians and dancers share what their favorites are and support each other at their events.
There were new favorites this year as well. Stars on the Waters, Day of the Dead, I Was on a Boat, A Bar Song, and Strait Down in MIA were a few of those favorites.
Unique to this event, was that all dancers participated in the Grand March and Sasha as “ice breakers.” Another new feature was dancing Contras, which were new to many dancers. This type of dance consists of parallel rows of dancers facing each other, all the same dance steps and a pass through between the rows as the music plays.
Yoder said most of the dancers danced the entire time. She hopes each person left with new friends, accomplishments and a smile on their face.
If you are interested in learning more, Pat Yoder can be found at Pharr South, Johnson is at Tropic Star. And be sure to watch the calendar next year for when the event will be held.
Photo Captions
Line dancers from all over the Valley gathered for a group photo at the Line Dance Bash. Courtesy photo.
Several line dance instructors were at the Line Dash Bash. Courtesy photo.
