Nelson Bay will turn into the line dancing capital of NSW this June long weekend with hundreds of hat and cowboy boot-wearing visitors descending on the holiday hotspot for a long overdue catch up.
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It is the first time in two years that line dancing clubs from across NSW have been able to get together for a series of socials, workshops and fun in Nelson Bay - something that was a well attended and looked forward to annual event prior to COVID-19.
Mel Smith, president of host club the Bay Bootscooters, said members were "quite excited" to welcome everyone back.
"We'll have 12 clubs attending this year," she said. "Numbers are down from last time, in 2019, but that's to be expected. We're excited for the weekend. It's be a long two years."
Members of the Port's other major line dancing club, the Blue Water Line Dancers, will join the Bay Bootscooters in welcoming clubs from Sydney, Coffs Harbour, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and West Lakes across the weekend.
Line dancing was a major component of the now defunct Blue Water Country Music Festival, which was held for many years in Nelson Bay annually across the June long weekend. The last festival was held in 2019.
The Bay Bootscooters have organised the events scheduled for this weekend, with most being staged at their home club of Wests Nelson Bay Diggers.
Ms Smith said the club has been "very supportive" of the event, even hiring special flooring for the dancing.
The line dancing long weekend kicked off on Thursday night with a karaoke and dancing meet and greet at Wests.
A line dance social with DJ Chris Jones will be held in the Wests auditorium from 7pm to 10pm on Friday, June 10. The cost to attend, paid at the door is $10. The theme of the night is country, and participants are encouraged to dress up in theme.
There will be a line dance social hosted by the Bay and Coastal Bootscooters at Wests from 11am-4pm on Saturday, June 11. Chris Jones and Bev Sandiford will DJ. The cost to attend is $10. The theme is white.
On Sunday, June 12 there will be a line dance social and workshop with Josh Talbot at Wests from 11am-4pm. The cost to attend is $15 and the theme is denim and lace.
As was tradition during the Blue Water festival, line dancers will wrap up the long weekend with the longest line at d'Albora Marina on Monday, June 13 from 11am, weather permitting.
This event will see most, if not all, of the line dancers gather at the marina in Nelson Bay to perform a line dance together. The public is encouraged to join in.
Booking are essential to attend all socials. Contact Ms Smith on 0409 265 135 or email beckysatshoalbay@hotmail.com.
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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.
