How to do the watermelon crawl line dance
HotLinerz's Dance-Log New Dance: The New Watermelon Crawl
Jennifer Choo Sue Chin| March 21, 2020
Description: 70 count 2 wall country style line dance
Music: Watermelon Crawl by Tracy Byrd
Copperknob Stepsheet: https://www.copperknob.co.uk/stepsheets/the-new-watermelon-crawl-ID140621.aspx
Linedancerweb: https://www.linedancerweb.com/dance.php?id=63692
I normally don’t choreograph to music that already has a dance to it. However, someone really dear requested me to choreograph to it to keep up with the group of (modern) dancers who prefer to dance to music phrases. I agreed as other dances were set in unphrased for beginners. This dance is intermediate, phrased and with tags. Part A is danced to the verses and has 38 counts while Part B is danced to the chorus and has 32 counts. The tag is really simple with just a grapevine to the right and another to the left.
I actually used the lyrics of the 4th verse as the basis of my choreography. “She rocked back on her heels dropped down to her knees
Crawled across the floor then she jumped back on her feet.” So part A was just that, Rocking back, Do some heel & footwork, Hitch the knee (no way majority of line dancers would drop down to their precious knees and crawl across the floor!) Jazz Box and jumping back… I try to hit the crescendo with a flick etc. Do dance it with the music and you’ll know what I mean 🙂 Hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.
Try to learn it and dance at home in the global pandemic. I know classes and events have stopped but I’ve decided to release the dance anyway to keep you guys dancing at home. I’ve done a step by step teach video while I was in Mumbai India. Quite unplanned but there was a lovely dance studio at the Clubhouse where we stayed so I made use of it to do a teach video. Also taught my 2 nephews and boy, were they good in picking up the steps!
Anyway, I hope we all stay healthy! Stay at home and hope this pandemic will soon pass and we could all go back to our classes and dance events and NORMAL LIFE.
Demo Video:
Teach Video:
Video by Angeline:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0CreqEnsRA
Demo & Teach by Pony Chen:
How to Line Dance | Beginner’s Guide for 2023
Learning how to line dance is a fun endeavor for you and a friend or group of friends.
According to Stanford University, “the health benefits of dancing include stress reduction, increased cognitive acuity and the ability to ward off the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.” Along with lifting moods, easing anxiety and improving balance and flexibility, it’s just plain fun! You don’t even need a partner.
Movies like Sweet Home Alabama, Cool Runnings, Thelma and Louise and even Shrek Forever After feature the fun of learning how to line dance. Who wouldn’t want to get in on this social and energetic dance movement?
So what is line dancing and how do beginners get started? From stepping left to turning right, to staying in your own row, learning how to line dance can appear to be an intimidating concept to master. We’ve compiled an introduction to learning how to line dance that includes its basic steps and what it's all about to help you get on the right foot (pun intended)!
Jump to Section
- Line Dancing Lessons
- What is Line Dancing?
- Five Basic Line Dance Steps
- Popular Line Dances
- Line Dance Songs
Line Dancing Lessons
Dance Classes
Line dancing for beginners is easy when you book classes with professional dancers.
With dance classes in NYC, dance classes Las Vegas or dance classes in Colorado Springs, you can join a group of like-minded beginners for a fun and energetic evening as you learn how to line dance.
Not ready to show off your skills? You can also sign up for online dance classes to attend from the comfort of your own living room. Check out dance classes near you to find the perfect class to learn how to line dance at your own comfort level.
Social Settings
Another way to learn how to line dance is to jump right in there — figuratively and literally! Bars, dance clubs and group gathering places across the country are one of the best ways to learn how to line dance. Line dancing is even done at weddings. While Texas and Tennessee offer a plethora of dance halls, you’ll find places all over the U.S. to learn how to line dance. Here are a few:
- Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee
- The Grizzly Rose in Denver, Colorado
- Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas
- Ponderosa Lounge and Grill in Portland, Oregon
- Robert’s Western World in Nashville, Tennessee
- Cowboy Country Saloon in Long Beach, California
- The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Pop’s Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland
- Gilley’s Saloon in Las Vegas, Nevada (Sound familiar? The original Gilley’s was in Pasadena, Texas and the film site for Urban Cowboy.
) - Coyote Joe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina
via Canva
What is Line Dancing?
Line dancing involves synchronized movements done in unison to choreographed steps. Dancers line up in rows facing in the same direction (though it can also be done facing each other). Each movement (whether it’s a step, hip movement or a wobble) is timed to the music.
Line Dancing History
Line dancing may seem like a fairly new dance, but it goes back to the 1920s with the Shim Sham. In fact, African, Native American and European cultures have histories of dance styles like line dancing. New generations add movements, steps, songs and style to add on to the genre, making learning how to line dance an ever-evolving sport.
Country Line Dancing
The style became more mainstream and widely popular in 1992 with Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart.” Everybody and their brother wanted to learn how to line dance to country music! The song filled up country line dance saloons and bars with cowboy hat, boot and denim-wearing dancers of all ages.
This is probably the scene most visualize when they think of line dancing. And, while it has evolved from traditional country line dances like square, round and folk, the wonderful thing about the genre is that anybody can learn how to line dance.
Line dancing has millions of combinations of steps, combined with walls, so this is one dance where you can grow skills and movements the more you practice learning how to line dance.
Steps and Touches
As you get started learning how to line dance, the most important aspect is figuring out steps. A step is when you change your weight. A touch is when you don’t change the weight (this is mainly used to change directions).
Put basically, there’s a step for each beat in 4/4 time (four steps over four music beats). To time your steps, count from one to eight or do a count of 1, 2, 3, 4 – 1, 2, 3, 4.
Walls
When learning how to line dance, keep in mind that formations have either one, two or four walls.
A wall refers to the direction that the dancers are facing (think of it like they’re forming a wall/barrier). With one and two wall versions, dancers are always facing the front and back walls.
One-wall means everyone faces the same direction when performing steps. Two-wall is when, at the end of each dance sequence, everyone turns 180 degrees. Then, they begin again facing the back.
Four-wall is the most difficult, especially when you’re just beginning to learn how to line dance. At the end of the steps, everyone turns 90 degrees and proceeds facing one of the side walls.
Throughout the dance, dancers finish and start again by facing a new wall. When you’re first learning how to line dance, it’s best to stick to the basics and add on as you get accustomed.
via CanvaFive Basic Line Dance Steps
While it’s seen as a group effort, you can learn how to line dance alone, which makes it terrific for line dancing for beginners to practice right at home.
You just have to learn some basic counting, combined with the steps and you’re ready to go. Accurate timing and the proper foot placement are the key things to remember when you learn how to line dance.
So, what are the five basic steps in line dancing and how do you do them? By becoming familiar with the five basic line dance step names listed below, you'll have a great headstart for your first official line dancing lesson.
1. Grapevine
The grapevine is a continuous traveling step that goes to the side with crossing behind and/or in front. It involves a three count move to either side. On the fourth count, you have the option of a brush, kick or scoot.
2. Weave
A weave is the same as a grapevine but with four counts.
3. Scoot
A scoot, as the name implies, is a slide of the weighted foot in a forward, backward or sideways motion. The opposite leg is raised with a bent knee.
A scoot can also be done with weight on both feet.
4. Brush
A brush is when the free leg swings forward or back as the sole of the foot brushes the floor.
5. Kick
A kick is a leg lift movement in any direction. Don’t completely straighten the knee.
via CanvaPopular Line Dances
When it comes to learning how to line dance as a beginner, it is best to start with some of the easiest line dances. You may be familiar with popular dances, such as the Cupid Shuffle or the Electric Slide, which often play at weddings or other dance events. You can learn how to line dance these hit numbers in no time!
The Cupid Shuffle
The Cupid Shuffle is one of the easiest line dances for beginners learning how to line dance for the first time. The song tells you just what to do! “To the right, to the right, to the right…to the left, to the left, to the left...“
- Take eight side steps to the right (last step is a touch step)
- Next take eight counts to the left
- Then eight heel steps in place
- Last, do eight counts of stepping in place and turn ¼ to the left
- You’ll now be facing a different wall and you’ll then repeat the same steps
Cowboy Boogie
- Take a grapevine step (step to the side, step behind, step to the side) to the right
- Do a hitch (knee up) move at the end
- Repeat this same step and hitch to the left
- Next, a step forward with a hitch
- Another step forward and hitch
- Step back for three counts with a hitch at the end
- Then “boogie” with hips (this means to do a small hip movement forward and back)
- Then turn ¼ to face new wall
- Repeat steps facing the new wall
Line Dance Songs
There are a variety of different choreographed songs within the line dancing genre.
Not all songs are performed to the same steps, which may make it more difficult, but certainly gives it a unique advantage and lots of fun steps to learn.
Steps are usually choreographed to a specific song, which then becomes the name of that routine. Some popular ones include: The Stroll, the Cowboy Boogie, the Electric Slide, the Achy Breaky Heart, the Macarena, the Cha-Cha Slide, the Cupid Shuffle and the Wobble.
When learning how to line dance for beginners, try “Two-Step” (by Laura Bell Bundy featuring Colt Ford). This is not to be confused with the two-step partner dance.
The Electric Slide and Cowboy Hustle (done to Vince Gill’s “What the Cowgirls Do”) are beginner line dances to try. “Watermelon Crawl” (Tracy Byrd), “My Maria” (Brooks & Dunn), “Cha Cha Caliente” (Jennifer Lopez) and "Rockin’ the Wagon Wheel" (Darius Rucker) are more on the beginner-moving-into-immediate side.
Popular Line Dance Songs
- “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” (Brooks & Dunn)
- “Achy Breaky Heart” (Billy Ray Cyrus)
- “Watermelon Crawl” (Tracy Byrd)
- “Any Man of Mine” (Shania Twain)
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (Shania Twain)
- “Macarena” (Los Del Rio)
- “The Loco-Motion” (Little Eva)
- “Gangnam Style” (PSI)
- “Old Town Road” (Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus)
- “Cupid Shuffle” (Cupid)
- Electric Slide (done to the song “Electric Boogie” by Bunny Wailer)
- “Hoedown Throwdown” (Miley Cyrus)
When it comes to learning how to line dance, the best piece of advice is to just have a good time.
You don’t even have to be a country music fan with all the pop, salsa and jazz-inspired line dances out there! Once you’ve gotten the steps down, you can put your own spin on what you do in between. Add some funky hip, torso or hand movements to shake it up!
Whether you’re learning how to line dance by taking line dancing lessons or joining a dance at a club, party, wedding reception or other event, you’ll be among like-minded dance enthusiasts as you learn how to line dance. You’ll be line dancing like a pro in no time!
For even more creative ideas and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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Safe Dance Lab | GES-2
Theory and practice of street dances for everyone.
Safe Dance Lab is a dance class for beginners developed in collaboration with Battle Project production company. During 10 meetings, participants will get acquainted with five choreographic styles: krump, popping, hip-hop, breaking and locking. The organizers and teachers sought to create a comfortable and safe space where dance becomes a way to explore their own internal states and feelings, during which the participant will find an opportunity to escape from pressing problems and express themselves. nine0005
The program will end with a lecture by dancer Denis Bubnov about the history of street styles, after which everyone will be able to support the teachers at a dance jam - an organic and spontaneous format of the event, where music is constantly played, the audience gathers in circles and takes turns dancing in the center to share their knowledge and skill.
* We invite participants from 16 years old.
Classes consist of lecture and practical parts and will be held twice a week for two hours. nine0004
Program
Kramp
Where: Gallery
When: 16, 18, 14: 00–16: 00
Registration
Kramp (KrUMP) - a variety of street dance, which originated in the southern neighborhoods of Los Angeles in the 1990s and is characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated and very energetic movements. During its inception, dancers sought to escape from a life of crime and "express raw emotions in a powerful but non-violent way." However, over time, krump has become a separate subculture with its own pronounced philosophy, music and slang. nine0005
Presenter
Lena Shibalova
Dancing since 2012, krump since 2013.
Operates under the alias One Shot . He has been teaching for over four years. She gave master classes in Germany, Latvia, Estonia, England, Japan and other countries.
Papping
Where: Gallery
When: 23, 24, 14: 00–16: 00
Registration
Papping ( Popping ) - dance style, growing from earlier forms called boogaloo (boogaloo) and originated in California. The peculiarity of the style lies in the process of muscle contraction, which creates the effect of a sharp flinch in the dancer's body - pop (from English pop - "clap") or hit (from English hit - "hit"). The movement is carried out continuously in the rhythm of the music in combination with various movements and postures.
Host
Ruslan Petrov
Works under the pseudonym Twist .
Dancing experience - 15 years, teaching - 7. Participant in the show "Dancing" on TNT. nine0027
hip-hop
Where: Gallery
When: November 30, Dec 2, 14: 00–16: 00
Registration
hip-hop-one of the most “free” street styles , which became popular due to the development of the musical genre of the same name. The dance incorporated the techniques of breakdancing, locking, popping. The basis of the movements is the groove - a rhythmic sensation that makes the body move to the beat of the music.
Master
Egor Sokolov
Works under the pseudonym EGO . Founder of Studio P.L.U.R. DC. Choreographer of the show "Dancing" on TNT (seasons 2-4). Resident of the dance center "PRODANCES". Teaching experience - 17 years.
Breaking This style requires great strength, stretching and body control, because a significant part of the dance takes place in the stalls - on the floor. nine0005
Host
Slav Dimov
Works under the pseudonym Bolgarin. He started his dancing career in 2002 in Bulgaria. Breaking teacher at Leader Sport and Tauras-Fitness fitness centers, dance schools Right Dance and Effort . Participated in performances and theatrical performances. He gave master classes in Russia and Europe.
Locking
Where: Galleries
When: 14, 16 Dec, 14:00-16:00
Registration
Locking (from English lock - “lock”) is a combination of fast movements and fading in improvisational positions for a short time, after which the dance continues at the same speed.
This style is based on quick and sharp hand gestures and more relaxed movements of the hips and legs.
Host
Vladimir Gudym
Works under the pseudonym Vovan Gudym. Choreographer of the "Dances" project and curator of the "New Dances" project on TNT. Movement Leader Locking4life Russia and project team ID Crew. Competition Winner Juste Debout 2017 .
Lecture on the history of street styles from Denis Bubnov
Where: Gallery
When: 21 Dec, 14: 00–16: 30
Registration
The program will end with a lecture by Denis Bubnov on the history of street styles, where participants will be able to reinforce their knowledge about already studied choreographic directions with new facts. nine0005
Host
Denis Bubnov
Dancer (experience - 17 years), teacher, musician.
As part of his master classes, he regularly lectures on the history of hip-hop culture. She is the author of theoretical and practical educational online materials for dancers.
Dance Jam
Where: Galleries
When: 21 Dec, 17:30–19:30
and take turns going to the center to show their knowledge and skills or just share their dance. nine0005
Within the framework of our laboratory, jam was invented so that participants could open up even more, get to know each other, exchange energy and experience gained in the classroom. Those who wish can come and support the dancers along with the teachers.
Authors
Battle Project
A dance production company that has been organizing various events from local intensives and jams to international gatherings and large-scale events on the New Stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater for more than 12 years.
nine0005
Curators
Anton Pashulya
One of the founders of the krump movement in the former CIS. Dance experience - 18 years, 17 of them in krump. Choreographer of the show "Dancing" on TNT and the opening of "Formula 1" in Saudi Arabia.
Nastya Skvirya
Dancer (over 14 years of experience) and teacher (over 11 years). The main direction is hip-hop.
Dance school in Krasnogorsk, how to learn to dance
Philosophy of dance art
Dancing is the art of speaking the language of movement. The dance school invites everyone to sign up for lessons in areas of interest and plunge into the atmosphere of parallel life together with leading choreographers.
Why is it worth dancing?
Dance is not just a hobby or work on the stage, it is a whole life brought together from miniature productions, elements, movements.
- A beautiful body is the trend of the 21st century. Many strive for the perfect figure and be able to wear different looks in their wardrobe. This applies to both girls and boys. The dance school is ready to offer effective workouts for losing weight and increasing the inner core through productive classes on the floor under the strict guidance of a choreographer. The studio is open daily, hurry up to sign up at the address Krasnogorsk, Dachnaya St., 11a (TC Park Avenue), 4th floor. Contact phone number +7 495 127-03-77. Call us, we are always glad to meet new people! Thanks to active dance classes, the body gradually gets used to the loads and becomes more attractive. In the process of training, all muscle groups are involved, which has a positive effect on weight loss and body shaping. With the help of assertive classes in the dance studio, you can become a sculptor of your body and model the perfect body.
- Youth. Dancing slows down the natural aging process.
When a person dances, there is a renewal of tone in the muscles, the muscles are strengthened. As a result, the body looks toned, slender, there is no flabbiness of the skin and excess fat deposits in the form of an orange peel on the buttocks, abdomen, and arms. If you strive to stay in the prime of life and youth, we suggest enrolling in a dance school and trying yourself as an artist. We assure you that already after the first lesson, adults and children will be able to feel the powerful energy, recharge with positive emotions and look at life with completely different eyes. nine0250 - Dance is anti-stress for the body. The life of a modern person is oversaturated with stressful situations, which often lead to a complete loss of control over their behavior, cause apathy and dull the taste for everything that happens. In order to somehow cheer up and gain positive emotions, throw out the negative and breathe deeply, we recommend signing up for dance lessons. Applications are accepted by phone.
Choreography will help to cope with life's troubles and helps to reboot the brain. Productive dance choreography lessons serve as a real antidepressant and help to rehabilitate in a short time. nine0250 - Life in society. Sometimes a person does not know how to show himself in society, declare himself and become useful. Dance is a great tool for interacting with society. If you are ready to discover your talent and get one step closer to your dream, we suggest enrolling in a dance school in Moscow. Here you will find hard work together with the choreographer and the result is a reflection of the inner self.
- Dance is a memory trainer. It would seem that there is something in common between dance ligaments and memory? According to psychologists and experts, dance has a positive effect on brain function and helps develop memory. Agree, a good memory in combination with an attractive figure, a spectacular gait will not interfere with anyone in life. nine0250
How to overcome insecurity and learn to dance?
For many of us, uncertainty becomes an obstacle to achieving our goals and just ordinary life among employees, colleagues, students. Constrained movements, constraint makes it difficult to breathe deeply and causes bewilderment of others. Both girls and men face such an awkward feeling.
The fear of appearing ridiculous, absurd in society fetters a person and, in a sense, paralyzes, because fear overcomes from head to toe. In such a tense state, a person is unable to feel confident in society and constantly withdraws into himself. We bring to your attention a recipe for getting rid of uncertainty - dancing classes in the leading choreographic studio of Krasnogorsk. Dance without complexes and looking back at someone else's opinion, just be yourself, do not forget - you are a person and have the right to do whatever your heart desires! nine0005
The first awkward step on the parquet floor will be remembered by you as an adjacent border between the future and the present.
Already after the first movements on the floor, a member of the dance group will be able to feel the powerful energy and immerse himself in the relaxing process. All attention will be riveted to the study of the technique and mastery of dance art together with the teacher.
The dance school is ready to break outdated stereotypes about the insecurity of men and women, adults and children and give a ticket to a brighter future with a tempered character and opinion. The sports school occupies a leading place in the ring among similar institutions in Russia. Dance has a great effect not only on the physical preparation of a group member, but also on internal self-esteem, psychology, philosophy and, ultimately, peace of mind. nine0005
Dance is able to reveal the inner potential of the artist, with the help of ligaments you can express emotions, mood, tell the audience your story and share your feelings. The dance school accepts both kids and adults in the park, come, you can become a real story for yourself and grow a personality from a child.
For example, among people, a person often tries to withdraw himself so as not to attract attention to himself. People call them "gray mice", which are faceless, emotionless and quiet. Sooner or later, such a position will get bored and you will want to change something in your life. We suggest enrolling in a dance school and gradually go beyond the usual. nine0005
Dance is a limitless possibility of creation and development of one's own culture. Do not be afraid to be yourself, open up to the public and showcase your talent. Parquet educates, tempers the personality, teaches to survive and how not to break under the weights of life. A talented person causes delight in others and the desire for self-development.
The dance school became a leading institution and was able to produce big-time stars. The great history of the students of the dance studio has become an example for many newcomers, an engine for making important decisions. Choreographers use the most non-standard teaching methods in their work, which help to quickly master the material and demonstrate an impressive result in front of the audience.
