Do you agree with my observation??

[Richard1366]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

[redwitch]

You saying folks can't dance in a line or line dancing isn't dancing? Remember, lines don't have to be straight -- diagonal lines work, too. Course, line dancing is not my cup of tea but it is dancing.

[rubicon]

Line dancing/dancers take up far too much space on dance floors.
To Me it is as the OP described an oxymoron

[Warren Kiefer]

Line dancing/dancers take up far too much space on dance floors.
To Me it is as the OP described an oxymoron

I recently attended a dance, the music was by a duo and was dedicated to the 60's and was very enjoyable.... Two 60's songs and of course some of that good old slow dancing. Following the two songs there was 20 minutes of line dancing lessons. Probably 20 ladies and 3 gentlemen participating in the lessons. 75 people sitting out the lessons. two more 60's songs, almost everyone on the floor. Then another 20 minutes of line dancing lessons. I don't know what happened after that, we and half the crowd left.

[skyguy79]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...Today I don't think that line dancing is an oxymoron and hasn't been for a number of decades back to when this activity began. Prior to that it could be considered an oxymoron as it was incongruous, but not so anymore as dancing lines is no longer unusual and pretty much accepted as normal! Today's young generation may well one day return it to being an oxymoron if dancing norms shift toward individual expression rather than in lines or in pairs as we now know it!

[njbchbum]

Check out some you tube videos on the conga line dance and the samba and you might see line dancing in a different contest!

[BarryRX]

folks having fun on the dance floor, body movement that is rhythmic and is done to music, and is a form of social interaction. It's dancing!

[DougB]

You saying folks can't dance in a line or line dancing isn't dancing? Remember, lines don't have to be straight -- diagonal lines work, too. Course, line dancing is not my cup of tea but it is dancing.

Even diagonal lines are straight. Just not sure if the dancers are. Lots of posts on TOTV lately about marijuana

[graciegirl]

Lots of posts on TOTV lately about marijuana


Ain't that just the truth? Makes me want to drink.:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[Halle]

I associate line dancing more with an aerobic exercise class or a Zombie apocalypse than dancing. :evil6:


:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[KathieI]

Check out some you tube videos on the conga line dance and the samba and you might see line dancing in a different contest!

What about the stroll? That was a line dance.

I have a problem doing line dancing these days. The side to side repetitive steps hurt my knees and hips too much. Boy, am I getting old...

[Madelaine Amee]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

It's a great work out for both the body and the brain. Try following a run through with an instructor and when you get to the end she says "OK, how does this dance start?" and maybe a handful of people in the class will know!

[kstew43]

:pepper2:when I don't have a partner, I feel uncomfortable dancing alone, I feel silly, and lonely, .....:laugh: but with line dancing you don't need a partner, Thats why I love it do much......

[njbchbum]

What about the stroll? That was a line dance.

I have a problem doing line dancing these days. The side to side repetitive steps hurt my knees and hips too much. Boy, am I getting old...


If you remember the stroll - you are not old - but you are a good trivia player! ;)

[ssmith]

kstew43 I agree with you...and I think thqt is probably why it is so popular....ok to dance without a partner.

[CFrance]

I first encountered non-professional line dancing at our nephew's bar mitzvah in 1990. It was done by all the teenagers. I was fascinated.

Lots of dancing takes place in a line. You wouldn't call what the Rockettes do line dancing?

[2BNTV]

It's popular in T v because it get a lot of people out on the dance floor. If one dance with some energy, it's a good aerobic workout.

Like the good book say, "use it or lose it".

Dancing forms have changed many times thru the years. From the thirties with ballroom dancing, to the big band era type dancing, Rockn - roll, to the "do your own thing" era, street dancing, and now line dancing. It is what it is.

A know several people who love dancing when you had a partner in your arms, like in the Fred and Ginger days. We will never see they're likes again.

:bigbow:

[jhrc4]

If only they would " DISCO " oh yea " Disco Inferno Burn baby Burn , Bee Gees, Barry White, instead of looking at there feet all of the time...let's get with it people who Line Dance gear it up to....DISCO... Kool and the Gang , Earth Wind and Fire, and so many others,,,live it up get Down On It....

[cherylncliff]

I think line dancing is great for those that enjoy it. So that others can also enjoy the dance floor, I wish they would show a little more dance floor etiquette and stay to the inside middle of the floor so that progressing dancers could use the outside. Then we could all enjoy the music and have fun.

[travelguy]

as an avid line dancer i am here to defend us. our line dancing is co-ordinated, specific movements choreographed to particular music. it takes a lot of concentration and practice to achieve what we do. very good brain exercises.

[asianthree]

for some its easy dance same think over and over and over

[DougB]

for some its easy dance same think over and over and over

Same think as well as same thing over and over.

[manaboutown]

I don't knock it. I met one of my hottest LTRs line dancing. I was at the back and could not see the instructor so I moved to a vacant spot next to a very hot lady. She admired my ostrich leather boots and it went on from there...

[ladylilly]

As a non line dancer, but an avid observer, if the zombies would only smile, laugh, or even pretend they enjoy line dancing, one could tolerate the music that line dancing is done to.

[Ooper]

:agree: I see nothing wrong with line dancing: good exercise, promotes mental acuteness, etc. But nobody looks happy. No interaction between participants. No smiles. Just going through the motions. IMO Whatever floats your boat. I think it's great if that's your thing.

[kittygilchrist]

Let's see, there's square dance done in squares, round dance in circles, partner dance with a partner, contra in lines facing each other...
I think line dancing is a pretty good description of folks more or less lined up. It's not lines straight enough for marching tho some great bands DO dance when they march,
the difference between marching and dancing is pretty easy to spot.

[CFrance]

Even diagonal lines are straight. Just not sure if the dancers are. Lots of posts on TOTV lately about marijuana
Or it could be the alcohol causing the kinks in the lines.:a20:

[CFrance]

As a non line dancer, but an avid observer, if the zombies would only smile, laugh, or even pretend they enjoy line dancing, one could tolerate the music that line dancing is done to.
It's exercise, as well. Have you ever seen a runner who's smiling or looking like he's having fun?

When I line dance, my expression indicates the fact that I'm trying to keep the steps accurate and not run into anybody. It's still fun to me, though.

[Golfingnut]

I enjoy watching anyone having fun in any dance.

[jhrc4]

I agree with the person who posted the original, however I will go one or two steps further...Why on earth do Line Dancers constantly watch there feet, or look at there feet, they hog the Town Squares, music is limited.

I am really surprised that " Disco " isn't very popular here, " Hey " Kool and the Gang, Bee Gees, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, to name a few. Get with it people, Ditch Line Dancing and get going on ....." DISCO BABY DISCO "....Oh Yea....

[jhrc4]

Let's see, there's square dance done in squares, round dance in circles, partner dance with a partner, contra in lines facing each other...
I think line dancing is a pretty good description of folks more or less lined up. It's not lines straight enough for marching tho some great bands DO dance when they march,
the difference between marching and dancing is pretty easy to spot.

It's actually pretty boring watching it, and the look on the faces of the individuals Line Dancing they all look like they lost there best friend or worse yet about to face 20yrs to life. I just shake my head

I feel bad for the entertainers who have to watch and agree to there requests. Although I will say this when Lenny Wilson is playing The Line Dance crew hit the road and find somewhere else to annoy people.

[jhrc4]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

I agree 100%....... read my posts.

[CFrance]

Those entertainers are making a living entertaining the line dancers.

I'm only a very occasional line dancer, but I think it's fun to watch. You don't have to watch it if you find it boring. Others are up and exercising and using their brains and keeping themselves active. That's a main reason we moved to a place with so much action available.

[DougB]

I agree with the person who posted the original, however I will go one or two steps further...Why on earth do Line Dancers constantly watch there feet, or look at there feet, they hog the Town Squares, music is limited.

I am really surprised that " Disco " isn't very popular here, " Hey " Kool and the Gang, Bee Gees, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, to name a few. Get with it people, Ditch Line Dancing and get going on ....." DISCO BABY DISCO "....Oh Yea....

Do the line dancers get in the way of you showing off your John Travolta moves?

[jhrc4]

Do the line dancers get in the way of you showing off your John Travolta moves?

Depends on which square. Spanish Springs is Heaven for the Line Dancers or I call it " Zombie Dancing ", they all look like they have had Facelift sort of like a combination of Barry Manilow and Joan Rivers, afraid to show any emotion perhaps for fear of their facelift coming apart...At the seams.

I will say this after a Disco number that my wife and I danced to. The DJ happened to be Scooter, afterwards, a number came on Stephanie Mills " I Never Knew Love Like This Before " and a young visitor came over and asked me to dance, I said sure...She could dance believe me...We got applauded by the audience when the song ended ...Let me tell you We felt Great !!!..My Wife, The Visitor, and Me...Beats ( Line ) Zombie Dancing, any day. That happened about 3 yrs. ago we had a good laugh.

[Sporty13]

We have just as much right to be out there dancing, as you :rant-rave:, we only take up half the dance floor, you can have the other half :girlneener:.

[graciegirl]

We tried to start a twerking class but so far it isn't working.:girlneener:

[SantaClaus]

Oh boy, where did I put that brain bleach?

[TheVillageChicken]

Line dancing is fine when talented folks do it to a certain kind of county music.

When you take a bunch of folks who can't seem to find the beat and have them line dance to Motown music....yikes.

[kwtoman]

I'd rather look like a fool and have fun learning something new, than be an expert and look bored.

[Villages PL]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

For those who stay in line, it's line dancing. Some may not be in line but they usually intend to be and it's the intention that counts. Plus they would be conforming to the same basic steps as the others. So, one way or another, it's still "line dancing."

A rose by any other name is still a rose. - Shakespeare

[Golfingnut]

For those who stay in line, it's line dancing. Some may not be in line but they usually intend to be and it's the intention that counts. Plus they would be conforming to the same basic steps as the others. So, one way or another, it's still "line dancing."

A rose by any other name is still a rose. - Shakespeare

Agree, and they all have so much fun while doing it. I have seen empty squares fill up at the onset of a line dance tune.

:beer3:

[Parker]

Line dancing is just a Villages way of keeping each other upright.

[justjim]

I figured seven or eight years ago that line dancing was just a fad and would fade away into the sunset like disco. Appears I was wrong----at least in TV.

I believe it's still popular here in TV because a number of men my age don't dance and never did. This leaves the ladies without Dance partners and add the singles to that and you continue to have line dancing in TV.

Line dancing certainly isn't a bad thing but I would like to see more couples dancing. Nothing more enjoyable than to see a couple who can really dance. And line dancers you could smile more often!

To answer OP's question----I give it a "maybe could be"!

[another Linda]

We tried to start a twerking class but so far it isn't working.:girlneener:

Too funny, GG!

[2newyorkers]

Do you remember the Madison? That was a form of line dancing.

[Villages PL]

Agree, and they all have so much fun while doing it. I have seen empty squares fill up at the onset of a line dance tune.

:beer3:

Yes, and it's fun to watch someone who is really good at it. One night I saw a woman who was absolutely amazing. Instead of just turning around, she would spin around. I can't imaging how anyone could do that. She appeared to really love it, and I loved watching. :icon_wink:.....:)

[Carl in Tampa]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

The caption to this original post was: Do you agree with my observation?

The obvious, and correct, answer is No.

Given that dance is generally rhythmic movement, usually to the accompaniment of music, the question becomes whether or not the description "line" can be applied to it.

Folk dancing over the years has included dancing in circles (hora), squares (Square dancing) and lines (clogging) with all kinds of variations, many already discussed in this thread, such as conga lines, etc. Disco was mentioned. I don't think I saw a reference to The Twist or to Hula.

But line dancing is an authentic dance form, and since an oxymoron is a figure of speech that juxtaposes apparently contradictory elements, the term line dancing is not an oxymoron.

:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[CFrance]

You are very bright and good, Carl.

[Carl in Tampa]

You are very bright and good, Carl.

Humble and Lovable....... Oh wait. That was Shoeshine Boy.

Otherwise known as ......UNDERDOG!

[CFrance]

Humble and Lovable....... Oh wait. That was Shoeshine Boy.

Otherwise known as ......UNDERDOG!
I think he was a line dancer, too.

[Barefoot]

If only they would " DISCO " oh yea " Disco Inferno Burn baby Burn , Bee Gees, Barry White, instead of looking at there feet all of the time...let's get with it people who Line Dance gear it up to....DISCO... Kool and the Gang , Earth Wind and Fire, and so many others,,,live it up get Down On It....

I am really surprised that " Disco " isn't very popular here, " Hey " Kool and the Gang, Bee Gees, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, to name a few. Get with it people, Ditch Line Dancing and get going on ....." DISCO BABY DISCO "....Oh Yea....

Somebody really loves Disco!!! :pepper2:

In defence of line dancers:

Line dancers are having fun and getting exercise. Leave them alone.
I flunked out of Line Dancing 101, so I know it takes concentration.
Who cares what kind of dance they do or if they look at their feet?
It's a good thing to watch people dancing and having fun.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I agree with the person who posted the original, however I will go one or two steps further...Why on earth do Line Dancers constantly watch there feet, or look at there feet, they hog the Town Squares, music is limited.

I am really surprised that " Disco " isn't very popular here, " Hey " Kool and the Gang, Bee Gees, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, to name a few. Get with it people, Ditch Line Dancing and get going on ....." DISCO BABY DISCO "....Oh Yea....

I'm not surprised that it's not popular here, but I thank God every day that it's not. What is surprising is that that soulless noise is popular anywhere.

[rubicon]

Folks seem to want to intellectualize the heck out of this thread but the simple fact is that all the town squares are over run with line dancers who crowd out couples who desire to dance.

It would be wiser for town squares to limit the time for when line dancing is allowed. I have been to the town square and watched as line dancers crowded the dance area the entire night.

As one poster said he noticed how half the crowd got bored and went home

I like many enjoy dancing and I dance well but even I need more than a 1x1 inch square in order to move around.

Dancing is a good exercise but only if you have the opportunity to dance.

And yes I love disco and any music with a good beat. I am working on perfecting my moon walk:wave:

[DandyGirl]

As a non line dancer, but an avid observer, if the zombies would only smile, laugh, or even pretend they enjoy line dancing, one could tolerate the music that line dancing is done to.

Gotta agree with that. It takes a lot of concentration but should still be joyful and fun!

[bandsdavis]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

Dancing comes in many forms, from individuals moving by themselves to the music being played, to couples doing intricate (or simple) moves together, to groups of people doing similar or precise movement. Take in a ballet or Broadway musical and you'll see all three types and more. Line dancing is just another way for a group to dance together, not really all that differently from the way a dance troupe might move on stage, at least conceptually. Simpler maybe (although not always) but the same idea.

[2BNTV]

After some consideration I have come to the conclusion that "line dancing" is an oxymoron...

I respectfully agreee to disagree.

Anything that gets one up and moving, is a good thing rather than sitting on one's butt. IMHO

[Lauren Sweeny]

As a trained former ballet,modern dance person I think that line dancing is really synchronized movement to music. There seems to be little personal variations just robotic like movement. To me dance has always been a means of interpretation , style and passion. We may not smile or show emotion as we dance in the ballet corp or modern chorus line but the movements themselves express the dancers creativity . I do not see this in line dancing.