Line Dancing Resurfaces in Chattanooga
East Chattanooga Embraces Line Dancing
The City of Chattanooga is witnessing a significant cultural revival. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, one can discern the sound of the hit record “Come Get to This” by L.J. Reynolds echoing from the East Chattanooga Recreation Center. A peek into the premises reveals 12 individuals, all above the age of 50, flawlessly moving in tandem to the music under the expert tutelage of Yolanda Cox, the founder of Soul Aerobic.
A High-spirited Practice
Dressed in athletic shoes, these folks pivot and twirl to the music, their synchronised movements punctuated by the occasional pop of their black folding fans. Influenced by a dance troupe from Huntsville Alabama that performed at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Minority Health Fair, Cox uses “Good Good” by 21 Savage, Summer Walker, and Usher as the backing track for this exhilarating routine.
About the Instructor
Known by her moniker “LaLa,” Cox has been dedicated to teaching line dancing since 2012. Her passion for the dance form remained unswayed, even when Covid-19 restrictions led to the closure of recreation centres in 2020. Urged by enthusiasts to keep the tradition alive, LaLa relocated the classes to alternative spaces, thus preserving not just a cultural art form but also the community’s physical and mental well-being.
The Journey Thus Far
What began as a pastime has metamorphosed into authentic entertainment. Soul Aerobic has been the anxiety-alleviating curtain-raiser at a variety of events, such as music festivals, birthday parties, health fairs, and city-wide celebrations. The group has also proudly represented Chattanooga at out-of-town ‘showcases’ or competitions.
Vital Role of Men
Jerome Brewer, often the only male dancer in their performances, has witnessed the growth of the troupe since its inception in 2012. Known for his remarkable “line coach” skills, Jerome strives to motivate more men to join the line dancing routine, one beat at a time.
Class Schedule and Upcoming Events
Beginners’ classes are organised on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. at Shepherd Community Center. Intermediate and advanced learners can join in from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at East Chattanooga Rec. The troupe is all set to show off their line dancing prowess at upcoming events such as Rock the Riverfront, Line Dance Day Party at Shepherd Community Center, and Chattanooga Seafood Bash at Coolidge Park.
The Cultural Revival
The resurgence of line dancing has redefined community engagement and fitness in Chattanooga. This booming cultural revival embodies not just the rhythms, the moves, and the joy of community bonding, but it also stands as a testament to human tenacity and determination to preserve traditional art forms amidst a fast-changing world.
