Line dancing, although generally associated with the American Midwest, has spread globally throughout the decades. The roots of line dancing extend prior to the 1900s, drawing from European folk dance traditions like polka and waltz. The form became especially popular sometime after the 1950s, branching out during the disco era. Today, line dancing is generally associated with country music, cowboy hats, and pointed boots.
Now in 2020, it’s common to see line dances in practically any single nation. Here, a group of Korean women perform a playful, well-choreographed line dance. A simple Google translation (Korean to English) of the video associated with their act reads, “Let’s fall for the charm of a comfortable work country song that is good for beginners.”
“When You Smile” by Rune Rudberg, a Scandinavian artist, drapes the airwaves – a catchy country song with a simple structure and catchy chorus. It’s pretty infectious and perfect for a beginner’s line dance. The lyrics are incredibly positive:
“Cause when you smile
It’s like I’ve never been away
For a while, it could be yesterday
Yeah when you smile
You wash away the rainy days
Every time
Baby when you smile.”
Our dancers ready themselves. The bright dance room features spotlights and a gleaming disco ball on the ceiling. Within a matter of moments, the dancers and their radiant red shoes kick things into gear essentially in tandem with the entrance of the vocals. Their faces are filled with excitement and joy.
Their moves aren’t exactly expert-tier, but they’re not supposed to be. Information at the beginning of the performance explicitly states that this particular rendition is beginner level. The production is choreographed by José Miguel Belloque Vane and Roy Verdonk.
The ladies continue their routine, performing a myriad of side-steps and changes of direction with cheery body language, throughout.
Added flare seeps into the performance as time goes by. The dancers start incorporating more complicated choreography and finger snaps.
Shoutout to the giant stuffed teddy bear hanging out in the back, acting as a solo audience. It really ties the whole room together.
The dancers continue their performance, cycling through a handful of modestly choreographed maneuvers, complete with some Michael Jackson-esque flare. The performers are fleet-footed and generally precise.
Their ruby-red dance shoes look like something out of the Wizard of Oz, adding a charming little touch to the performance. Dorthy would be proud. Our performers change direction and point their toes towards the ceiling.
They continue their escapade, changing directions every few seconds before the music comes to a quick conclusion, signaling a simple finale. All the while, the teddy bear just chills in the back.
This performance demonstrates the international power of the line dance – a now global phenomenon enjoyed by regular, working people in all nations. The dancers are South Korean while the music comes from a Norwegian artist, featuring the same type of country twang and swag found in the American South and Midwest.
Although they aren’t experts by any means, judging by the smiles on their faces and the cheery body language, the dancers seem to genuinely enjoy their time spent dancing. Dancing (and art, in general) isn’t necessarily about expertise or perfection, especially to those casually dabbling in a form. Sometimes, the joy comes from the work, itself, or the process of growth. Others just like to move.
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