Boots have been polished and belts shined in readiness for the big program of line dancing events set to be held in the Bay on the long weekend.
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Up to 400 line dancers are expected to descend on the Tomaree Peninsula between Friday and Monday to enjoy the socials and dances organised as part of the Blue Water country music weekend in Port Stephens.
“We look forward to this weekend,” Mel Smith from the Bay Bootscooters said. “It’s always a highlight of the year for us.”
The country music weekend has been scaled back this year.
Tomaree Business Chamber said it had inadequate resources to organise and fund this year’s event, but said it would support venues that booked acts under the Blue Water country music weekend brand.
The Port’s line dancing groups, the Bay Bootscooters and Blue Water Line Dancers, have not let this affect their plans for the weekend.
It will be business as usual when it comes to the line dancing program.
“We’ve put in a lot of hard work and preparation for this weekend,” Ms Smith said.
“We always get good feedback about our socials and dances.
“There’s still a lot happening this year. We’re confident lots of people are still going to come.”
About 180 people turned out to the Bay Bootscooters’ line dance social at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers last year and 150 to Blue Water Line Dancers’ social at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.
In addition to the socials, which are meet and greet events, dance workshops and showcases are held by the two Port dance groups plus Kickin’ Country from Newcastle across the long weekend.
“We’ve been preparing for the dance showcase [on Saturday],” Ms Smith said. “Different groups do performances for it and we put on a couple of acts.
“It’s not strictly competitive but it is judged on participation and costume. It’s just a bit of fun.”
The Bootscooters’ meet and greet at Diggers on Thursday from 7pm will be the first line dancing event for the weekend, which will be followed by a public demonstration at Salamander Bay Square from 11am on Friday.
Line dance socials will be held at Diggers and Soldiers Point Bowling Club from 2pm until late on Friday.
Socials and classes will be held at Diggers on Saturday and Sunday, which are open to the general public to attend.
The weekend will wrap up with the longest line dance at d’Albora Marina on Monday.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
