Line dance

A line dance is a formation dance in which a group of people dance in one or more lines (British English, "rows"), executing the same movements. Certain line dances may be considered variations of circle dances, where people are joined by hands in chain, e.g., the Dabke dance of the Middle East. In fact, most circle dances may be danced in a line formation, rather than in a circle; this is most common when only a small number of dancers are available.

In a small group there may be only one line, but usually there are several parallel lines, one behind the other. In this parallel line formation, the dancers dance in a synchronized manner, but independently of each other. There are usually no moves that require any interaction between the dancers, other than they execute the maneuvers at the same time.

Although line dances can be fairly simple, as with the 18 count 4 wall beginner "Electric Slide," increasing complexity can be created through several means. In general, higher-count sequences are more difficult. (One "count" corresponds to one musical beat.) The inclusion of unusual or unfamiliar sequences of steps also makes a dance more challenging. Body movements other than steps, such as hand gestures, can add complexity. "Phrased" line dances are written to go with specific versions of songs. Tags, bridges, and skipping over, or repeating portions of the dance, are all devices that are used to follow the phrasing in the music. These phrased dances require dancers to be more conscious of the music and not simply repeat the same sequence of steps for an entire song.

There are several variations to the parallel lines set-up. There may, for example, be two sets of lines where the dancers face in directly towards each other. In larger groups these will become several sets of in-facing parallel lines. In these "contra" line dances, the dancers will dance with the others in the facing lines. The dancers often weave in and out, exchanging places, or dance up to each other, and make momentary contact, such as a hand clap, or a swing, or take hold in Promenade position for a few counts, and then move on. This has it roots in Square or Round Dancing.

These contact maneuvers are more likely in the variation where line dancing takes place in two concentric rings with dancers facing either down the line of dance, such as Cotton-Eye Joe or El Paso or each other, such as a Barn Dance or Indian Outlaw. The Barn Dance exemplifies the mixer type of dance, where after each iteration of the routine, each dancer moves one partner to the left or right before beginning again.

In some paired line dances, such as the El Paso or the couple's version of the Cowboy Cha-cha, the lead and follow stand in sweetheart or cape position, each of the lead's hands holding the follow's corresponding hands, with his right arm over her shoulder.