Line dancing heats up
Line dancing is drawing crowds in a variety of spaces
BY CELESTE TURNER
Contributing writer
Line dancing is having a genuine revival, particularly in recent years. Classes and events are popping up in community centers, fitness programs and venues across the New Orleans area, with growing participation among younger adults and LGBTQ+ communities.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have introduced line dancing to new audiences through viral videos and dance trends.
Instructor Haley Rowe-Kadow has seen the resurgence firsthand at the regular events and practices she hosts at dance studios, parks, bars and other locations. She has found new dancers primarily through her Instagram account, @stompshack, since 2025.
“It’s a combination of the uptick in popularity of country music and the visibility line dancing now has with social media apps,” Rowe-Kadow said. “It looks fun when you’re watching videos online.”
The resurgence also coincides with the growing popularity of country music and Western culture, as seen in fashion trends and artists such as Beyoncé, who brought the Americana sound to new listeners with “Cowboy Carter ” And after the COVID-19 pandemic, more people started seeking out in-person activities, making line dancing an appealing option that combines exercise, community and low-pressure socializing.
Studio Shakti owner Karla Marie “Karlita” Cochran, a dance instructor since 2007, has been offering classes at the Faubourg Marigny studio since it opened in February 2025 and noted that line dancing has gained popularity on TikTok and Instagram.
“Yes, Beyoncé’s ‘Boots on the Ground’ was a genuine
cultural flashpoint,” Cochran said. “It introduced line dancing to a whole new audience.”
Beyoncé toured in support of her country album
“Cowboy Carter” between April and July 2025, and included a routine for “Boots on the Ground” by 803Fresh, Douglas Furtick, that sparked interest in line dancing among many Cochran, a member of the Krewe of Dolly and an Egyptian belly dance instructor, said the routine sparked her krewe’s interest in line dancing.
“For me personally, it started there,” Cochran said.
“When we heard that song for the first time in the krewe, everyone immediately wanted to learn it.”
Fueled by a strong sense of community, line dancing has grown in popularity and spread to local festivals.
Darri Thomas, known as “Lady D,” is an attorney by trade who now works full-time as a line dance instructor and organizes the annual four-day NOLA Line Dance Fest at the Astor Crowne Plaza, scheduled for June 25-28.
“I am celebrating my 15th anniversary of teaching
line dancing,” said Thomas, who travels internationally to teach and currently leads line dance classes twice a month at Stonebridge Country Club. “Anyone can come. We have vendors, instructional workshops, fitness classes, health chats, and a health and wellness expo. All ethnicities participate.”
With 650 attendees already registered for the NOLA Line Dance Fest, Thomas expects a large crowd ranging in age from 18 to 80.
“If you can walk, you can dance,” Thomas said. ‘I’m not a good dancer’
With no partner required, line dancing is an approachable option for beginners and solo participants. Dancers perform synchronized routines based on repeating step patterns.
Rowe-Kadow teaches beginner and intermediate classes at Dance Quarter Studio on Toledano Street and offers a free Sunday session at 2 p.m. in Woldenberg Park, City Park, and other locations.
STAFF PHOTO BY ENAN CHEDIAK
Susan ‘Susie Q’ Bailey, left, leads a line dancing class at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center in Luling on June 3
Line dancers kick up their boots to ‘High Horse’ by Kacey Musgraves at Boot Scootin Rodeo on Bourbon Street during a Stomp Shack party
PHOTO BY CHELSEA SHANNON
PHOTO BY CHELSEA SHANNON
Margaret Branson dances at Boot Scootin Rodeo on Bourbon Street during a Stomp Shack party.
Traci Howerton
HEARTWORM
It only takes one bite.
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that heartworms are transmitted only one way: through the bite of an infected mosquito.
That’s it. One bite is all it takes Because mosquitoes spread the disease, both dogs and cats are at risk
And before anyone says, “My pet stays inside,” let’s be honest mosquitoes don’t exactly respect closed doors. They find their way into homes, garages and vehicles all the time.
Even dogs that spend most of their lives indoors still need to go outside for walks, potty breaks and exercise. In south Louisiana, where mosquitoes can remain active nearly yearround, exposure is difficult to avoid
The good news is that heartworms cannot spread directly from pet to pet. An infected dog cannot give heartworms to another dog, cat or person. Mosquitoes are the required middleman. Early infection often has no symptoms
One reason heartworm disease is so dangerous is that infected pets can appear perfectly healthy for months.
After a mosquito transmits heartworm larvae, it takes several months for the parasites to mature into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs and surrounding blood vessels.
As the disease progresses, many dogs develop a persistent cough. They may tire more easily during walks, become reluctant to exercise or simply seem less energetic than usual. In advanced cases, dogs can experience weight loss, breathing difficulties, fainting episodes and fluid accumulation. Left untreated, heartworm disease is often fatal. This is why annual heartworm tests are so important, even for pets on prevention.
Treatment is much harder than prevention
Heartworm treatment for dogs isn’t easy, and it isn’t cheap. It involves a series of costly injections designed to kill the adult worms. As those worms die, they break apart inside the body The fragments can block blood vessels and create serious complications.
Because of this risk, dogs undergoing treatment must be kept extremely calm, and their activity must be restricted for weeks, sometimes months. For a young, energetic dog, that can be one of the hardest parts of the process.
I’ve known several dogs that have gone through treatment, and the recovery period can be challenging for both the pet and the owner For cats, the outlook is not great, as there is currently no approved drug treatment that eliminates heartworms in cats the way there is for dogs. Veterinary care
DANCING
“A lot of people come alone at first, but quickly make friends through the group,” Rowe-Kadow said. “As a group made up largely of queer women, it’s nice to have a style of dance that doesn’t rely on partnering.”
Rowe-Kadow also hosts events at bars and other venues, using alcohol as a low-effort way to encourage people to try line dancing in a relaxed setting.
Susan “Susie Q” Bailey has taught line dancing classes for more than 20 years Between March and August, Bailey’s biweekly classes rotate among St. James, St. John the Baptist and St Charles parishes, drawing dancers from across the river parishes and fostering community connections.
“Yes,” Bailey said. “Since I teach in three different parishes, participants meet people from various backgrounds and generations, often developing lasting friendships along the way.”
Fun is what keeps Brandi Wallenberg, a St. Charles Parish resident, returning to Bailey’s line dancing classes at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center gymnasium for the past three years. With record attendance at the St. Charles Parish Recreation Department’s summer classes, Wallenberg said she looks forward to revisiting favorite routines and
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focuses on managing symptoms and complications, making prevention especially important for our feline friends
The good news is that protecting pets from heartworms is simple. Preventatives come in several forms, including monthly chewable tablets, topical medications and long-lasting injections administered by a veterinarian.
Many products also protect against additional parasites, including intestinal worms and other pests, providing multiple layers of protection in a single medication. If unsure which option is best for a pet, a veterinarian can help
learning new dances.
“I’m not a good dancer,” said Wallenberg, who works from home in Luling. “I’m left-handed, so I mess up a lot But I love it because it’s close to my house, you meet good people, and you get some exercise.”
Shuffling through genres and generations
Because you can step in and follow along without formal training, line dancing appeals to all ages and fitness levels
“Right now, most of our regular dancers are in their late 20s and 30s, but we’re open to all ages,” Rowe-Kadow said. “It’s definitely great exercise. People are always shocked by how much they sweat after a couple dances.”
Bailey, whose classes draw roughly 80 to 200 participants from ages 18 to 80, said line dancing is for everyone, regardless of rhythm or experience.
“Beginners are always welcome,” said Bailey, who plans to retire in October to teach line dance full-time. “At the start of each session, I explain the basics and provide wall signs to help dancers navigate turns and directional changes. It’s a fun way to stay active and move.”
Line dancing has also gained traction in other parts of the city, including Life on Its Side Studio in Harahan. Owner Susan Lee said the studio’s monthly summer classes are easy to follow and feature a
choose the right product based on age, lifestyle and health history
Do pets really need prevention during winter?
In many parts of the country, pet owners may think about mosquitoes only during the warmer months. Louisiana is not one of those places.
Our mild winters allow mosquitoes to remain active far longer than in colder climates That’s why veterinarians recommend year-round heartworm prevention. Skipping a few months may seem harmless, but it only takes one infected mosquito to create a serious problem
What about adopting a heartworm-positive dog?
LAB
variety of musical genres. She noted that the largest turnout is from active adults ages 50 and older
“We have two instructors who use a mix of everything,” Lee said. “In this city, people are going to dance no matter where you go. And line dancing is so simple, using basic steps and a steady beat.”
While line dancing is traditionally associated with country-western music, it has expanded to include routines set to pop, rock, Latin, hiphop and dance tracks.
“Our primary focus is country line dancing, but we dance to pop, hip-hop and Americana. Anything we like,” Rowe-Kadow said.
Some of the dances the Stomp Shack group enjoys pair with songs by artists such as Kasey Musgraves, Pitbull, Rihanna, TPain, JaneDear Girls and Chappell Roan.
As line dancing gains momentum across the city and into the River Parishes, Bailey has a simple message for anyone considering joining in: “You don’t have to be a great dancer You just have to be willing to take that first step.”
Characterized by grapevines, shuffles, heel digs, toe taps and turns, line dancing has also become part of the summer programming at several library branches. Adult sessions are scheduled for June 10 at Belle Terre Library, June 30 at the River Ridge branch, and July 9 at the Lafitte Library Additional dates and details are available on the Jefferson Parish Library website.
A heartworm diagnosis should never discourage someone from adopting a shelter dog. Heartworm-positive dogs are common throughout Louisiana, especially among stray and abandoned animals that have gone without preventive care.
Many shelters and rescue groups work with adopters to ensure treatment is completed after adoption. Some organizations even include treatment costs as part of the adoption process. One of my dogs, Ponyboy, was heartworm-positive when I rescued him. He successfully completed treatment and went on to live a happy, healthy life for 12 years afterward. His story proves that heartworm disease is treatable and survivable when caught and managed properly Heartworm prevention is one of
the simplest and most important investments we can make in our pets’ long-term health.
Events
June 14: PetSmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon-4 p.m. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.
PHOTO Jemma is a lovely 4-year-old lady with impeccable manners, stunning golden eyes and a heart full of sweetness. To learn more, email adoptionteam@ animalrescueneworleans.org or submit an application at https:// animalrescueneworleans.org/ adoptfoster/.
STEAM
HarryHurst’s Advanced STEAMLab Prepares Students forReal
WorldCareers
At HarryHurst Middle School,studentsare gaininghands-on experience in engineering,broadcasting, journalism, and technology throughthe school’sAdvanced STEAMLab.Theydesignprojects likecircuitboards and mechanicaldeviceswhile alsoproducing news broadcasts,podcasts,videos,and theschool newspaper
Principal Sean Dwyercreditsthe lab’ssuccess to communitysupport, includingfunding from Shell. “Whatour studentsdoisamazing,” Dwyersaid. “Shell askedhow it could help, encouraged us to think bigger when we answered, and that support transformed our STEAMclassroom intoaninnovative Advanced STEAMLab.”
Throughthese uniquelearning opportunities, studentsare discoveringnew passions and preparing forfuture success.Shell’sinvestment is helping open doorsfor thenextgeneration of engineers, creators,and innovators
“I see studentsproblem solving andaccepting tasks they neverthought they could do.Theyare growingasleadersand taking riskslikespeaking in front of theentire school or interviewing our principal.”
LINDSAY MAXIE STEAMCoordinator HarryHurst Middle School
PROVIDED
Preparing graduates for college, food demonstrations and more
under Louisiana and federal law
Sheila M. Wilkinson, attorney, social worker educator and empowerment coach, will discuss “Five Legal Documents Every Parent Needs for Their Graduating Senior (before they go off to college)” at 7 p.m. June 15 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This event is free and open to the public. The seminar will provide parents with an overview of the five most important legal documents they should know understand, and have in place before their graduate heads off to college. It will offer practical information on these documents, enabling parents to apply it immediately At this session, parents should leave with the following information:
1. Know and have a basic understanding of each of the top five categories of legal documents available
2. Be able to explain the main characteristics of each of these legal documents
3. Have a solid starting point for making informed decisions and assisting their graduating seniors. Wilkinson earned her bachelor’s degree from UNO, her master’s degree from Tulane and her law degree from Loyola. She teaches at several universities, is heavily involved in community development, and is the founder of SMWPLC, an indigenous woman-owned, minority women-run hybrid firm that provides services across the globe.
Food and cocktail demos
The next food and cocktail demo occurs at 6:30 p.m. June 11 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The speakers are Nora Wetzel and Elizabeth Pearce. Wetzel, a certified chef and food consultant, will discuss what soldiers ate 250 years ago, such as ash cakes with molasses and beans with salt pork. Elizabeth Pearce, a local mix-
ologist and owner of “Drink and Learn,” will talk about the drinks consumed at the time, including rum, and will demonstrate a contemporary rum-based cocktail — the Hurricane.
Other Jefferson Parish events
Chatty the Mime
11 a.m. June 10 — Westwego Library, 635 Fourth Street, Westwego.
11 a.m. June 10 — Gretna Library, 102 Willow Drive, Gretna.
11 a.m. June 11 Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie.
2 p.m. June 11 — River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.
11 a.m. June 13 — Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero.
2 p.m. June 13 — Terrytown Library, Terrytown. Frank & Tammy’s Magic Show
11 a.m. June 12 — East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Magician Winston Helling Jr
11 a.m. June 12 — North Ken-
Willow School senior wins car for perfect attendance
Benjamin Vu, a recent graduate of The Willow School, was the winner of the 20th Stay in School Car Giveaway, sponsored by NOLA Public Schools and Premier Automotive Group, who awarded a 2026 Toyota Corolla LE. Vu will study electrical engineering at LSU. He was one of 49 NOLA-PS students with perfect attendance in their senior year of high school and was selected at random in a raffle. The 49 finalists with perfect attendance were eligible for monetary donations and swag bags, including $100 gift cards provided by Troy Duhon, president of Premier Automotive, along with in-kind donations to upgrade vehicle features, courtesy
PROVIDED PHOTO
of All-Star Electric and Mobile-One Auto Sound. In addition, the school board contributed $3,105 to help cover the vehicle giveaway’s taxes and registration fees, as well as the first year of car insurance.
ner Library, 630 West Esplanade, Metairie.
2 p.m. June 12 — Lakeshore Library, 1000 West Esplanade, Metairie. Stories with Miss Vee
11 a.m., Monday June 15 River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge.
2 p.m. June 15 — Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie.
11 a.m. June 16 — Harahan Library, 219 Soniat Avenue, Harahan.
2 p.m. June 16 — Live Oak Library, 125 Acadia Drive, Waggaman. Reptile Krewe
1 p.m. June 17 Terrytown Library, 680 Heritage Avenue, Terrytown.
2 p.m. June 23 — Lafitte Library, 4917 City Park Drive, Lafitte.
Author Madi Hannan
10:30 a.m. — Tuesday, June 16 — Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie.
11 a.m. June 17 — East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
10 a.m. June 18 — Belle Terre Library 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero. Bollywood Dancing
2 p.m. June 11 — Rosedale Library, 4036 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson.
2 p.m. June 13 — Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie.
2 p.m. June 18 — Gretna Library, 102 Willow Drive, Gretna. Line Dancing 6 p.m. June 10 — Belle Terre Library 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero. 10:30 a.m. June 11 Avondale Library, 558
CornerstonehasbeenacommunitypartnerinWaggamanand JeffersonParishforover70years.AtCornerstoneEnergyPark, weinvestincollaborativecommunityprogramstochampion educationandempowerthelocalscience,technology,engineering, andmathematics(STEM)workforceofthefuture We’recommittedtoourcommunity.Togetherwithourcommunity partners,wearehelpingbridgethegapbetweeneducationand opportunitytoinspirelearning,locally.
