Weve practiced this one.
Everyone around us is queer; many are in Western wear.
The floor is packed, but everyone seems to have a place.
Pros model the steps on a nearby stage.
Im sweaty, excited, and anxious: I am not an intuitive dancer.
My foray into line dancing had begun five months prior.
(In a way, it occasionally serves that purpose.)
Everyone chose whether they wanted to lead or follow.
Most notably, everyone was kind.
(Many regulars learn the steps via a massive Google Drive of tutorials.)
Fast-forward to today, and Ive come around to certain country songs.
Im in a dedicated group chat, Line Dancing Incorporated, to discuss upcoming events.
Weve even rented out a by-the-hour studio space so we can practice.
Rivkah Reyes, 32, was also skeptical when she began attending Stud Country events with friends in 2023.
Now, shes an instructor at another line dancing series,Buck Wildin Brooklyn.
By contrast, queer line dancing makes her feel safe.
And Im just in the middle, she says.
[Im thinking], This is so cool were all here to line dance.
Reyes first met her now-partner, Jess Davis, 29, through a line dancing event.
They had mutual friends but were regulars at different places.
When they crossed paths, Davis was awestruck by Reyes skill and energy on the dance floor.
Im still processing which song is even playing, Davis recalls.
My head was turned.
I was blown away.
The next day, she texted a friend, Who is that?
Our hope was that people
Would make out, Davis jumps in.
And they did, Reyes says.
Other queer couples have met similarly.
And thats how she slid into my DMs, Jodi says.
Its become a shared hobby.
Its become something we do anywhere and everywhere, Jodi says.
(Cups are often prohibited on the dance floor.)
It was a zero-pressure space.
Its also a great way to find platonic relationships.
Jolie, 25, met her tight-knit group of queer friends through dancing.
Now, they have a weekly burger night and hang out constantly.
I bartend, and they come visit me almost every single time I work, she says.
