Step up your line dancing skills with some extra lessons at no cost.
Every Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Aloha Line Dancers Association teaches popular line dancing techniques to all ages and abilities from beginner to advanced at Windward Mall’s Center Court. Representatives say the weekly event occurs unless otherwise specified and excludes major holidays.
“We taught Santa Claus how to do a line dance, so anybody can learn. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been good or bad,” said longtime dancer and instructor Bev Braun with a laugh.
Braun told ASD that she was first introduced to line dancing through the group back in 1996, also at Windward Mall, and today, there are a handful of teachers involved. She describes the organization’s structure as “loose,” with a few leads and members, or dancers, from all over the island, who all pitch in to help. There is no membership fee.
“We even have one instructor who is 91,” Braun said. “In the old days, you’d learn a dance on the Mainland, scribble it down on a piece of paper, come back to teach it to everybody. When I first started, ladies wore dresses and guys were in jeans and boots. We don’t have any strict dance code. Mostly, it’ll be T-shirts and good shoes nowadays.
“We used to dance strictly to country music, but now it’s more diverse: country, pop and international music,” she continued.
Braun learned to line dance from in-person lessons, step sheets and videos on the internet. Since retiring a decade ago, she personally teaches classes five days a week, she said.
“Teaching gives me an opportunity to share what I enjoy. Plus, the activity is good for me. … I enjoy dancing, the music, meeting new people and building friendships,” she added.
At the mall, line dancing is predominantly entertainment for the shoppers and a chance to get the whole family to participate, Braun said.
“The Aloha Line Dancers Association is more than just a group; they are a vibrant part of our Windward Mall ʻohana. They bring a strong sense of community and fun, and their presence is a wonderful reminder of what it means to be a true gathering place for the Heʻeia community,” said Cesar Topacio, general manager of Windward Mall, in an emailed statement to ASD. “Watching our kūpuna light up with joy as they connect with people of all ages through line dancing is one of the greatest highlights for us. We don’t just love being a place for people to gather — we are proud to be home to the Aloha Line Dancers who bring joyful and meaningful connection every week.”
Other venues for line dancing
On Oʻahu, thereʻs more than just Whiskey Dix' Saloon in ʻAiea and The District in Ala Moana. According to Braun, line dancing is happening all over the Islands.
“Palama Settlement has an extensive program and Honolulu Parks and Rec’s Summer Fun offers free lessons at various parks,” she said. “I know of classes taking place in Mānoa and Mililani to Pearl City and Kailua/Kāne‘ohe.”
“Sometimes we dance at Mango Street Grill, but it’s been hard to find a venue big enough to support events. We bring our own speakers and music, the ideal space just needs hardwood floors and to be able to hold 300 people."
For more information, reach out to Braun at 808-228-0390.
She says The Aloha Line Dancers Association is gearing up for the Hawai’i Line Dance Festival on Kaua’i in September and next year’s Hawai’i Senior Line Dance Roundup.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
