By Sadie Hunter
Melissa Lawson learned country line dancing little more than a year ago. Now, the Noblesville resident is teaching the skill to the community for fun and exercise.
Each Thursday at the Noblesville Event Center, 2350 Conner St., Noblesville, housed in the Carolyn’s Consignment building, a group gathers at 7 p.m. for “Hip Country,” where they learn new steps to energetic songs.
“Carolyn (Harlow Deines, owner of Carolyn’s Consignments) had reached out to me and asked if I knew anyone who could teach country line dancing, and I kind of half-jokingly said that I could, and she jumped on it,” Lawson said.
When she started the class, Lawson said she wanted it to be different than what some people might expect with line dancing.
“A lot of times, what I didn’t like about it was the dancers would look so bored. Sometimes they’re just moving their feet with their hands in their pockets,” she said. “That’s why this is ‘Hip Country.’ It has flare. I want to do something with my arms, too, and my whole body. It’s great exercise. You’re consistently moving. It’s cardio the whole time.”
Lawson only recently picked up the hobby after being invited by a friend to go to Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall in Castleton.
“I had been going to Saddle Up, and to tell you the truth, country music has never been my strong suit. I’ve never really liked country that much,” she said. “But about a year ago, I felt like I needed another outlet, and I love to dance. I go to the YMCA. I’ve done Zumba, hip hop, anything in between. I’m the kind of person that just likes to learn new things. I got invited to Saddle Up, and the people there were so nice. They teach three different dances each night, and I try to go at least once a week.”
Lawson said she’s been trying to teach a lot of the same dances that Saddle Up teaches because once dancers reach a certain point, the group takes a field trip to Saddle Up.
“I try to pick different dances and songs that I know are repeated all the time. That way, (students) will feel like they can go out somewhere and actually utilize what they’re learning here,” Lawson said. “What’s nice about country line dancing is it kind of feels like a community. People are there to help you, and when others see that you’re trying to learn, they really want to help out.”
One appeal of the class is, members don’t need experience of any kind to take part. The class is open to anyone age 16 or older, male or female, young and old.
“Everybody just moves at their pace,” Lawson said. “I teach at different levels, and each person does whatever they feel their body can handle.”
New or returning students can come to the class 15 minutes early at 6:45 p.m. to brush up on what was taught at the previous week’s class.
No special materials or equipment is required, but Lawson does suggest wearing a shoe with a smooth sole for easy movement. Some students dance barefoot. All classes are $6 each. Punch cards are available, offering six classes for $30. To learn more, contact Lawson at 317-667-8266.
MORE AT THE NOBLESVILLE EVENT CENTER
In addition to “Hip Country,” the recently remodeled Noblesville Event Center, part of the Carolyn’s Consignments building at 2350 Conner St. in Noblesville, offers the following classes:
- Yoga for Everyone
- Intro to Flow Yoga
- Beginning Yoga
- Yoga Level 2
The event center also hosts several special events, like June 24th’s Sassy Summer Saturday by The Traveling Diva Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get tickets or more information, visit bit.ly/2sl44ld, or call 317-773-7655. The Noblesville Event Center also can be rented for private events.
MEET MELISSA LAWSON
Melissa Lawson is a stay-at-home mom and works as a photographer in addition to teaching “Hip Country.” She stays active in local dance classes and has taught various dance workshops. She lives in Noblesville with her husband, Greg, and their three children, daughter McKatelyn and sons Riley and Jakub.
