The clicking of boots on the ground, clapping hands and country music have echoed from the Clarke Elementary School gymnasium on Sunday mornings as of late.
About two dozen made their way to the school this Sunday morning for a line dancing class, getting some exercise in before a wave of wintry weather hits. Attendees formed lines around the gym as teacher Amanda Edmunds taught them choreographed routines for a number of country hits.
At first, Edmunds shouted out each move until participants learned the order of the steps. After some practice, the group went through the routine with the music playing and without direction from Edmunds.
By the end of the hour-long class, everyone was synchronized and on beat, down to the final clap. Each song featured its own specialized routine of steps.
“It’s such a good workout for them,” said Edmunds. “It allows them to get sweaty, grow their brain and body skills, have fun and make friends.”
Edmunds teaches other types of dance classes at Studio 21 as well. One of her students there is a daughter of Swampscott Recreation Department Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia, which is how the partnership formed.
“Today was the first day where I could really see some improvements from everybody,” said Edmunds. “There have been some regulars who have come since the first day and it’s very obvious to tell they are growing their skills and getting better at it.”
Teaching classes in Swampscott has “been a blast” so, said Edmunds, who has been line dancing for more than three years.
“Everyone here is so wholesome,” she said. “Everybody comes up to me after class and they are so grateful. They love it. It’s just been an amazing experience for me.”
Edmunds said her favorite part of teaching is helping people get up and get active. She emphasized the importance of keeping bodies moving.
As dancers continue to learn how to connect their body with their feet, Edmunds said, classes will grow more exciting and she can introduce new challenges.
Line dancing will continue in March with classes on the 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, as participants look to keep improving their skills.
