What is the Country Line Dancing?

Choreographed, partnerless country/western line dancing—unison step sequences performed in lines—distinct from country/western partner dances.

Where did the Country Line Dancing originate?

The Country Line Dancing originated in United States in the 1970s.

What time signature is the Country Line Dancing danced in?

The Country Line Dancing is danced in Country / pop-country.

What tempo is the Country Line Dancing danced at?

The Country Line Dancing is typically danced at Social tempos.

What is the character of the Country Line Dancing?

The Country Line Dancing is characterized as upbeat, communal, repetitive.

Dance History›Regional Folk Traditions›Country Line Dancing

Regional Folk TraditionsRFK-CLD

Country Line Dancing

Also known as: Country line dance, Line dancing (country/western)

OriginUnited States

Era1970–Present

RhythmCountry / pop-country

TempoSocial tempos

CharacterUpbeat, communal, repetitive

History & Cultural Context

Country line dancing is the choreographed, partnerless line-dance culture of country and western music, which surged in popularity in the 1990s. Dancers perform set sequences of steps in unison, arranged in lines and facing a 'wall,' rotating quarter- or half-turns as the dance repeats. Well-known examples include the Tush Push, Boot Scootin' Boogie, and the Electric Slide family. It is distinct from country/western partner dances such as two-step.

Cultural Significance

A widespread social-dance culture of country bars, clubs, and classes.

Characteristic Movement & Technique

Repeating choreographed step sequences danced in unison, facing a wall, with rotating turns.

Partnering Dynamics

Partnerless; group/line.

Competitive Context

Social dancing plus line-dance competitions and conventions.

Regional Variations

Many named dances and regional favorites.

Common Misconceptions

Country line dancing is partnerless and choreographed, separate from country/western partner dances; not all line dances are country (line dancing exists across many genres).

Dance Lineage

Evolved from:Line Dance

Country Line DancingMusic & Tempo

Drawn from 15 Country Line Dancing tracks in the LODance music library.

Typically danced around131 BPM· most tracks fall between 85–155 BPMBPM = beats per minute.

Example tracks at practice tempo

Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? — Shania Twain132 BPM
Man! I Feel Like a Woman! — Shania Twain125 BPM
Boot Scootin' Boogie — Brooks & Dunn131 BPM
Good Time — Alan Jackson132 BPM
Achy Breaky Heart — Billy Ray Cyrus122 BPM
Wagon Wheel — Darius Rucker148 BPM

Browse & play all 15 Country Line Dancingtracks in the Music Library →

Sources & Further Reading

Cultural & Historical Context

Country Line Dancing emerged from United States during the 1970s—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.

Primary Source Documents

The Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.

Last reviewed: August 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.

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Line Dance(S-CW)

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