Click on the publication above to view the full original format.

Each 2 months and exactly 30 years ago to the day, we re-publish the original Country Goss' Line Dance & Country Music News Magazine and supplement it here with additional photos, videos and stories that may not have been readily available at the time. A veritable "time capsule" of line dancing! There's more to read in the original magazine above, in the meantime here is a look at what the Editor had to say back in September 1996, plus a little more!

We've got an absolute monster "Bumper Birthday Issue" for you as we move into our 3rd year of publication with over 94 pages of news, views, photos, music reviews, videos and line dance holidays galore including the exciting Rockscootin' at Ayers Rock with Tom Glover, Cindy Truelove and USA's Bill Bader plus Bootscootin' the Whitsunday Passage with Cowboy Culture's John Bishop & Craig Barry. Full details in the "What's On" section. We also feature Part 2 of Australia's Bootscoot Origins with "BOOTSCOOT" - Australia's First Line Dance Manual. Authored by Maxcy Moon from Seattle, USA and introduced into Australia in 1986 by Mr Geoff Perkins of Lilyfield in Sydney for the Paddington Green Dancers, it's a great read.

And with 2 major CWDI Events planned for Australia this year - The CWDI Down Under National Titles at the Petersham Town Hall, Sydney in September and the Sandgroper Stomp at the Ern Halliday Recreational Camp at Hillarys Beach, Perth WA in November, a host of international line dance celebrities will soon be on our shores. These include Knox Rhine, Charlotte Skeeters, Hillbilly Rick, Lois and Vern Black. Further details ahead. Lots more to read so let's get started!

First off, here is a fun video clip (below) from Channel Nine's new lifestyle show "Time out for Serious Fun". The clip features one of Australia's favourite instructors and DJ Kelvin Dale along with Samantha Dixon, Allan & Louise Kenny, Julie Talbot plus Canberra's Kim and Katherine Webster. Filmed at the Wentworthville Leagues Club in Sydney, NSW.

This is the first issue since the Country Goss' team returned from Nashville and what a fabulous time was had by all. To visit Nashville along with Fan Fair is certainly a memorable experience for any country music fan. Seeing Alan Jackson arrive in his own private helicopter and perform to the cheers of thousands of fans and then fly out again waving to the sea of bodies below sends chills down your spine.

To see Brooks & Dunn sing hit after hit, to see LeaAnn Rimes as large as life belt out the haunting "Blue" is to experience the true essence of why country music in America has survived for so long. The fans love their country music and more over, the country music stars in the USA love their fans. That's Fan Fair for you!

Back in Australia, Country Goss' picked up an Industry Award presented on behalf of the 1996 Spirit of Tamworth Country Music Awards at Homebush in NSW. The Award was accepted by the management team of Marcia Ferris and Vanessa Napier and stands as a tribute to the countless hours of dedication and hard work put in by all. However, it is you, the reader, that makes it all worthwhile.

Whilst in the USA, the Country Goss' team paid a visit to Lynchburg Tennessee to see what many here in Australia would know as the home of the Jack Daniels Distillery.

Did you know that those same old fellas you see in the old pickups and sitting around the distillery, playing chess, waiting for the bourbon to mature, really do exist just like in the TV advert above. One word of warning though, if you are thinking of heading to Lynchburg to grab a bourbon and coke or two, make sure you BYO - alcohol is illegal to buy or sell!

Julie Talbot and family enjoyed an afternoon at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth Texas following their recent visit to Fan Fair in Nashville.

Country Goss' profiles Australia's new National Teachers Association (NTA) Zone Director, David Cheshire (above) of Perth, WA, whilst Carol Fritchie (USA NTA President) continues her series of articles on the NTA on Page 13. The NTA is a non-profit organisation with over 3,000 members worldwide. The NTA promotes line dancing, develops teacher training programs, establishes communication amongst line dance teachers and promotes meetings of its teacher membership internationally. NTA will be holding their European Zone Meeting as part of the 8th Annual British Country Western Dance Championships in Devon, England from 28th November - 1st December 1996.

With many instructors enquiring about the types of Public Performance Licences needed to legally conduct classes and socials, as well as the costs involved, we delve into the area of Copyright (below), courtesy of LDIAA (Linedancing Instructors' Association of Australasia). In our next issue we explore the minefield of "dubbing" and how you can legally prepare your own cassettes for use in class without fear of being fined.

The Sydney Region Line Dance Association will be holding their Championships at the Greyhound Social Club, Yagoona, NSW on Saturday 14th September 1996. Details Tina Salvestro (02) 744 0742 and David Flint (02) 609 6096.

Australia Post has been announced as the official sponsor of the 1997 Australian Line Dance Championships and Longest Line under the banner of "Australia Post's Bootscooting Stampede". Nominations are now open for the Championships which will be staged at the Calrossy Auditorium in Tamworth from the 21st - 24th January 1997. Both The Arthritis Foundation and Apex charities will benefit from your participation.

Championships in summary:

• 19 Sections to choose from;

• Heats will be held each day with the Finals at night;

• Daytime admission will be $4.00 (9am - 6pm) and Finals $6.00 (7pm - 11pm);

• Dancers receive free passes for their Heats;

• All dancers receive the judges score sheet after each session;

• Section Winners receive a Championships Gold Medal withe team receiving the coveted Tamworth Boot;

• Closing dates for nominations is the 10th December 1996; 

• The Championships Dance Program will be mailed prior to Xmas; and

• Entry Form available (flyer) in this issue of Country Goss'.

Further details in upcoming issues or contact Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

All nominations for the Championships will be eligible for a very unique prize. On Friday 24th January 1997, one lucky dance group will win $1000 of Odyssey clothing courtesy of Smart Western Wear and Country Goss'. The winning ticket will be drawn on the Friday night by the 1996 Australian Country Line Dancer of the Year - Bessie Pearce.

With so much discussion on the judging criteria at this year's (1996) event, we asked Joe MacManamon about the "ethics" behind the Championships? Joe tells Country Goss', "The Championships welcome dancers of all levels and from all corners of the continent".

"Dancers can aim as high as they like"

"A major feature of the scoring system will be the "Degree of Difficulty" mark, which from an 'ethics' perspective allows dancers to select a dance they feel confident with so as to enjoy the thrill of competing at a national level. Dancers can aim as high as they like and take home the score sheets with their own stories to tell".

Now to this year's Longest Line debacle. The Guiness Book of Records recently informed John Chapman of Silver Spurs Line Dancers in Tamworth that it had recognised 3,138 line dancers in the 1996 event as an Australian Record for the "largest" group of line dancers in action at the same time.

"many had not registered"

John has told Country Goss' "The world record was probably broken but it was difficult to properly count the participants as many had not registered however a proper system will be used in 1997 to officially count participants in the event". For any further information on the Stampede contact Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107, John Chapman on 067 609232 or Rod Preston (Aust Post) on 02 9202 696.

Line dancers have long supported the Arthritis Foundation, notably through the Australian Line Dance Championships, this year dancers can once again support the organisation by taking part in the Grandparent of the Year Award 1996. You can nominate yourself or nominate your own grandparents. There are no entry fees, simply sell a few raffle tickets in the Mazda 121 raffle to qualify for the judging day.

Arthritis costs Australia billions in dollar terms each year and at any time 20% of the population suffer from any one of the 200 forms of the disease. One in every 1,500 children are victims and one in every 2,000 women suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Further details in the magazine or contact Joe and Kath MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Hottest Dances in Queensland this month: Baby Once I Get You, Dancing Hearts, Bow Leggin', Clock Tower Stomp, Tripples, MT Shuffle, Black Dresses, Canadian Sunset, 3/4 Cha Cha & Tequila Heartache.

We continue our series on

with Maxcy Moon's

In our last issue, Trevor Smith recounted Australia's Bootscoot Origins 1986 - 1996 and made reference to a book of dances titled BOOTSCOOT, introduced into Australia in 1986 by line dance pioneer Geoff Perkins of Sydney.

"affectionately known as the Bootscooters Bible" 

It was the first book strictly referring to line dancing in Australia and became affectionately known as the "Bootscooters Bible" amongst the Paddington Green Hotel dancers. It was authored by Maxcy Moon (above) of the USA.

BOOTSCOOT contained a Dedication Page, an Introduction, a General Index, a Glossary of Terms and 17 Line Dances. 

The dances included Slap Leather, Tahoe Kick, Oregan Four, The Frieze, Texas Eight Corners, Montana's Frieze, Continental Hustle, Oklahoma Slip, Cotton Eye Joe, San Antonio Stroll, Ten Step, Twenty Two Step, Cowboy Hustle, San Diego, Mustang, Tulsa Time & Texas Backstep. Trevor donated the original BOOTSCOOT to Country Goss' to share with readers which Line Dance History Australia (LDHA) has now painstakingly restored for your enjoyment.

Whilst the manual explained all of the terminology and step descriptions for the dance routines, it did not reference the choreographer or the choreographer's choice of song to the dance.

"we know some of the music selections used at the time"

However, from notes scribbled across various pages by the Paddington Green Instructors, we know some of the music selections used at the time. For example, the music selected by the Paddington Green Dancers for Tahoe Kick was Diamond Creek by The Flying Emus. The music selected for Slap Leather was City Of New Orleans by Willie Nelson. We've included both music videos for you to dance to!

Diamond Creek by The Flying Emus for the dance Tahoe Kick

City of New Orleans by Willie Nelson for the dance Slap Leather

Further notes on the inside jacket of BOOTSCOOT (see Index above) suggest more dances were in the pipeline from the USA. These included Touche (Tush) Push, Butt Stop, Elvira, Flying Aces, Reggae Cowboy, Circle Jerk, Roll Back The Rug, Walk, Mule, Outlaw Rustler and Tumbleweed.

Partner dances featured prominently in the early years, and the dance Butt Stop is one such dance, albeit just 16 beats but very graceful. The song used by the Paddington Green Instructors for Butt Stop was Out of the Blue by Anne Kirkpatrick. Listen to the track above.

"you can now view the meticulous re-construct of BOOTSCOOT in full"

Whilst the original BOOTSCOOT was in some disrepair, you can now view the meticulous re-construct of BOOTSCOOT in full by clicking HERE for all the dances, music and fabulous videos such as this one below of Lesley Gore singing It's My Party which was the Paddington Green Dancers alternate track for Tahoe Kick.

Hottest Dances in Victoria this month: Fly Like A Bird, Bronco Rock, Standing On A Rock, Smokey Places, Mary Lou, Rock Around The Clock, Out Of Control, Haunted Heart, Coastin' West & Country Hot.

It's been dubbed "The Kangaroos and Leprechauns Tour 1996" and the Irish won't know what's hit them when 15 Australian's arrive for a history making charity concert tour later this month. Organised by Joe MacManamon, the entourage includes country music celebrities Rob Breese, Ian Betteridge, John Vaughan and others.

The concert in Dunblane, Ireland will be broadcast live in Tamworth and will feature a performance by 100 local Irish line dancers.

The Australian part of the tour kicks off at Sydney's Vinegar Hill Woolshed with a dance and music extravaganza before heading off to Tasmania for a goodwill concert in support of the Port Arthur Trust Fund. It's then back to Sydney's Bankstown Trotting Club where Yvonne Hammond and the Peninsula Bootscooters perform in a farewell dance show. The group then fly out to Dublin where they will be greeted by the organisers of the Irish Country Line Dancing Championships Robert and Regina Padden. Further details on Page 34.

Line dancers get behind many charitable projects, some we have a direct association with, others we support because we might know someone who may directly benefit by the good work of that organisation. In this issue we examine the relationship between line dancing and Psoriasis, a non-contagious, though often chronic and mentally debilitating skin disorder that affects over half a million Australians.

"The physical relationship with line dancing is not a good one"

As many line dancers who suffer the condition would know, the physical relationship with line dancing is not a good one. Beginning on Page 28 we talk with John McFarlane, President of the Psoriasis Association of NSW and look at how sufferers can best manage the triggers, the treatments and the importance of line dancing as a social activity for remission and recovery. We hope you find the article of benefit.

For the better description of dances from the Choreographers Sheets, you can't go past K. COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE BOOKS. 13 Volumes with Index, Line & Mix, 6 Instructional Videos. Contact Country Stompers, Caboolture, QLD on Ph/Fax 074 957 881.

KNOX RHINE & GORDON ELLIOTT - ADELAIDE 9th NOVEMBER 1996

Dylan Boekelman just 10 years old from Perth in Western Australia has just returned from Reno Nevada as the youngest ever, to win a CWDI title. Dylan represented Australia in the Pre-Teen Event stunning the Americans with his dazzling dance routines.

Dances performed by Dylan included Berlin Boogie, Jungle Jam, Metamorphisised and Midnight Waltz. Dylan qualified for the Reno event after competing in the 1995 CWDI Sandgroper Stomp. So, who is this young fella? Well, he is none other than the son of LDIAA Line Dancing Instructor of the Year - Cindy Truelove! Read more on Dylan and Cindy on Page 23.

Hottest Dances in the Northern Territory this month: Honky Tonk Twist, Falling Off The Log, Ghost Rider, Gypsy Lady, Bow Legged Boogaloo, Haunted Heart, Brinsons Request, Travelling Cowboy, Neon Cowboy & Amazing Grace.

Also, in Reno Nevada for the June 1996 CWDI Championships were Sydney dancers Kristine Lowe-Volkman and Brett Kelly who competed in the Couple Dancing Categories. Pitted against strong competition from couples out of Japan, Ireland, Germany, USA, Canada and the UK, Kristine and Brett finished the weekend with wins in all 3 categories they contested - West Coast Swing, Waltz and Two Step. More details on Kristine and Brett's experience in Reno on Page 23.

Butterfly Promotions - The Entertainment Specialists. Country & Linedancing Music, Country Talent Quests, Country Karaoke with the largest range of discs in Australia, Country Jukebox & Party Hire, All the Hits direct from Nashville. Phone 042 297 293.

We're excited to give you a peak at the latest Aussie movie to feature line dancing. Race The Sun, a comedy drama based loosely on the true story of Konawaena (Hawaiian) High School Solar Car Team in their pursuit of first place in a solar powered car across Australia.

The film stars Halle Berry and James Belushi from the USA and contains a fabulous bar room dance scene featuring many familiar Aussie's dancing including Michael Vera Lobos, Noel Bradey, Julie Talbot, Jenny and Tiffany Hill along with Halle and James to Troy Cassar-Daley's Dream Out Loud. Video from the movie below!

Results (above) of the All Australian Choreographed Line Dances held at the Tenterfield Memorial Hall in May 1996 in support of the "Make A Wish" Foundation. The organisers have now put together Workbooks covering all of the dances from the May 1996 Competition plus those from 1995. You will find the details below.

Hottest Dances in Tasmania this month: On A Good Night, Crazy Legs, Wildest Dreams, Ghost Rider, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Too Much Fun, The J Walk, Mary Lou, The Fugitive & Cruisin'.

Don't forget about the Hervey Bay & District National Line Dancing Festival to be held on the 1st - 3rd November this year. With trophies and prize money in excess of $5,000, this is one you shouldn't miss. Details 071 284 519.

Golden Spurs Line Dancers (South Australia) organised a 12hour marathon in aid of the Royal Society for the Blind in South Australia just recently in what can only be described as a great success not only for the money raised, but also as a flying tribute to the community mindedness that is forever present amongst line dancers everywhere.

Sydney Line Dance Promotions. The very best in line dancing in Sydney's west including West Ryde, Baulkham Hills, Wentworthville, Northmead, St Mary's, Pitt Town, Dharruk, Richmond and Penrith. Phone Lance Pritchard on 02 896 8662.

Our regular contributors Yvette Flynne and June Johns aka the Hootin' Nanny Grannies are back with more tales from their line dance travels around Australia. Yvette and June have been in Bowen, QLD since May, carrying out a fundraising project for the Bowen District Hospital. They leave this month to head back to Brisbane. Check out the rest of their amazing story on Page 45.

We also welcome Australia's hottest country DJ Grizzly Adams to Country Goss' bringing you all the chatter from around the venues..... look out, he wants to know your secrets!

To split the dance floor or not split the dance floor? An avid reader tells us they were with a group at a line dance venue recently when a song came on that had 2 dances to it. The majority did one dance whilst a small group did another. The response by the instructor caught everyone off guard. Head over to What's Been Happening on Page 19 to find out what really DID happen!

We get lots of letters at Country Goss', many informative, some constructive, some funny, some abusive, some outright outrageous and some that should not be printed. In this issue of Bushwire we have a bit of all of that - 5 pages worth in fact, beginning on Page 37.

The CWDI Down Under National Titles take place in Sydney on the 16th & 17th November 1996 at the Petersham Town Hall with special guests from the USA - Knox Rhine, Vern Black & wife Lois, Charlotte Skeeters and Hillbilly Rick. The titles incorporate both line and couples dancing. Full details below.

Would you like to utilise the Country Goss' jacket as your own Club Magazine just like Marie & Bill Larson from Gold Coast Bootscootin' below? Contact Country Goss' for details.

Hottest dances in Western Australia this month: Feeling Better, Black Dresses, Say Yes, Cowboy Stomp, Plum Crazy, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Standing On A Rock, Falling Walls, Kettles & Haunted Heart.

Hottest Dances in Canberra this month: Latin Express, Paralysed, Fly Like A Bird, Smokey Places, Black Dresses, Mary Lou, On A Good Night, Mustang Sally, Bayou City Twister & Kettles.

Back by popular demand is the moustache twirling, late night web surfer and latte sipping hipster - the Computer Chip Cowboy who poses the dilemma "Should beginners just be around other beginners in class or should experienced dancers be on the floor beside them? What do you think? Read more on Page 27.

The Line Dancing Instructors Association of Australia (incorporating ACPA - Australasian Country Music Presenters Association) has for a long time been championing the causes of dancers, teachers and country music addicts alike. The association offers many services including Copyright Licenses, Musical System & CD Insurance, Reduction on Telephone Bills, Reduced Instructors Insurance and access to Teachers Workshops nationally. For further details contact Greg North on 02 624 3129.

Joining the Country Goss' team this issue is the Lone Stranger. Filling that dark void at the end of the magazine where no man has gone before, the Lone Stranger will offer up lots of weird and wonderful line dance treats such as this "Is it true or just a rumour that moves are afoot to include bootscootin' as a demonstration sport at Sydney's Olympics in the Year 2000? Find out on Page 51.

Vera Storey of the Bundaberg City Oz Style Country Line Dance Club via Bundaberg in Queensland, sends a big thank you to her Instructors Wayne and Caroline, a lovely couple who are very patient and good teachers. The group also held a very successful line dance marathon in Bundaberg recently raising money for the Heart Foundation.

Popular NSW Central Coast Line Dance Band - BANDOLIN, featuring LD instructors Lyn & Clive McKenzie (centre) have just released a terrific line dancing CD with 13 tracks of popular dance music including Every Little Thing, The Bug, Chatahoochie and Blue Bayou to name just a few. Lyn currently presents her own country music program each week on 2CCC FM. Further details on Bandolin on Page 25. CLICK HERE for the Central Coast Country Music Association website.

Country Goss' has just received a promotional copy of Sony's latest bootscootin' release "Australia's Favourite Line Dances Volume 4". What makes this CD all the more special is that it contains two popular dance tracks that could not be purchased anywhere as they had been deleted by the respective record companies. Know which ones? Read on....

The first is Como Se Dice by Sweethearts of the Rodeo for the dance Cowgirl Connection, choregraphed by Jim Lucas of the USA. The second treat is the heart pumper He Thinks He's James Dean by Karen Staley for the dance Tush Push (fast version), choregraphed by Jim Ferrazzano of the USA. We've got both tracks here for you to listen to and view.

Other favourites on the CD include Smokey Places, Haunted Heart, I Love A Rainy Night, Take It Away, Fast Lane Dreamer, Elvira and more. Instructional CD also included. Available through your favourite record shop or on-line dealer!

Live bands and line dancing - it's such a HOT TOPIC, but this one will leave you staggered! A very popular Club had booked a live band to perform on a night that was in effect a line dance night supplemented with a DJ to play requests during the band's breaks.

"Please sir, can I have your set list"

Prior to the night beginning the dance instructor called in on the band to organise a copy of the set list so as to co-ordinate the dances for the night and not double up against the DJ (as has been the practice at this Club for many years) only to be told by members of the band - a flat out "NO YOU CAN'T". A couple of the band members then left the room, made their way to the stage area tuning up their guitars so loudly over the DJ's music that the dancers had to leave the floor. Who was the band and what happened next? Head to What's Been Happening on Page 15 to find out.

The Broken Hill Country Music Festival Club is hosting its inaugural "Silver Boots Award" Line Dancing Competition over 3 days - 10th, 11th, & 12th October 1996. The event promises to be amazing in this historic city. Plenty of accommodation available. For further details contact Alison Robinson on 080 88 1151 or Jeneane on 080 87 8324.

Breakaway Bootscooters - Line Dancing Excellence in Sydney's West and Winners of 5 Categories of the Australian Country Line Dancing Championships Tamworth 1996. Instructors Tiffany, Jenny & Raymond invite you to join them for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced classes at Penrith, St Mary's, Asquith, Blue Mountains & Dural. Also available for Private Functions and Demonstrations. Phone 047 36 3515 or 015 072 626.

Would you like to utilise the Country Goss' jacket as your own Club Magazine just like Gavin and Matt from the Yallah Woolshed? Contact Country Goss' for details.

14th September 1996: The Sydney Region Line Dance Association will be holding their Championships at the Greyhound Club in Yagoona. Details Tina Salvestro on 02 744 0742 or David Flint on 02 609 6096.

21st September 1996: Bootscoot Gallop at the Embassy Ballroom, Carlisle, Perth. Fundraiser Dance Night. Details 09 361 3515.

15th - 22nd September 1996: The Norfolk Island Line Dance Festival presented by the Norfolk Island Country Music Association. This year there will be a strong emphasis on involvement to ensure everyone enjoys the line dance activities along with the history, culture and scenery of Norfolk Island. Contact Norfolk Island Experts on 03 9654 4000 for more information.

21st September 1996: Apple Tree Creek Hall, Childers QLD. Line Dance Stampede. No Bookings necessary, just drop in!

22nd September 1996: Get ready for the Great Line Dance Challenge. In conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the MS Society, the 10th Birthday of Line Dancing in Australia and fully supported by Country Goss' - Australia's National Line Dance Magazine. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. Your support will help those with the disease.

Taking place in the Exhibition Centre, Hall 3 at Darling Harbour from 1.00pm - 3.00pm. Lots of giveaways and prizes including 5 nights for two at the 1997 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Be a part of the MS Line Dance Challenge, an attempt at the largest line dance ever at one venue. For further information contact the Information Line on 1800 251 477

27th - 29th September 1996: Merimbula Country Music Festival. Loads of Line Dancing and entertainment. Details 064 956 115

27th - 29th September 1996: Drovers Line Dancers & Goodna RSL Services Club will present the 1996 Ipswich Regional Masters Games. Further details Vivienne Stanbury 07 3818 3691, Lorraine Salisbury 07 3375 5750 or Gary Lenehan 07 3281 6802.

Tom T Hall, Kate Cebrano & John Williamson performing at the Illawarra's Yallah Woolshed throughout September, October & November this year.

28th September 1996: 3rd Annual Golden Gate Classic. CWDI International Championship Qualifying Event. Radisson Hotel, Union City, California, USA. For additional information write or call: The Golden Gate Classic, PO Box 3151 Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-3151 or Tel/Fax: (415) 726-3494.

28th September 1996: Kate Cerbrano at the Yallah Woolshed. Dancing and Dining.

5th - 6th October 1996: Bootscoot-a-thon at the Embassy Ballroom in Carlisle, Perth. 24 hour non-stop dancing. Details 09 249 9993

10th - 12th October 1996: Broken Hill Country Music Club's "Silver Boots Awards" Line Dancing Competition. Further details Alison Robinson on 080 88 1151 or Jeneane on 080 87 8324.

11th October 1996: Tom T. Hall at the Yallah Woolshed. Dancing and Dining.

12th October 1996: Seaside Championships and Socials, Pittwater RSL in Warriewood, Sydney. Fifteen sections to choose from. Contact Yvonne Hammond on 015 659 786.

19th October 1996: Boots 7th Birthday Ball "Back to the Wild West" theme. Police Boys Club, Broadmeadow, Newcastle. Special guest DJ Grizzly Adams. Adults $15.00 Children $10.00. Entry fee includes dinner and dancing. Bookings 049 567 190.

1st November to 25th December 1996: Bootscoot for Heart this Xmas! The Heart Foundation is calling on all line dancers to give a gift from the heart at the end of this year. Make a difference and put on a charity dance night to help raise lifesaving funds. To participate, contact Louise Hennesy on 02 9219 2411 or Sharon Whiting on 02 9219 2412.

1st - 3rd November 1996: Hervey Bay & District National Line Dancing Festival. Prize money and trophies in excess of $5,000. Further details Ph: 07 129 8200.

1st - 3rd November 1996: Cindy Truelove is hosting the 2nd Annual Sandgroper Stomp in Perth with special guests Charlotte Skeeters and Hillbilly Rick. The 3 day event will include CWDI Competition, Workshops, Parties and Dance Nights. One lucky participant will win a 6 day holiday on Long Island Resort in North Queensland. Details and Tickets, phone Cindy on 09 371 1110.

1st - 3rd November 1996: CWDI Big Sky Dance Festival. Billings, Montana, USA. Hosted by High Plains Dancers. Further Details Kathy Inglett Ph: 1800 814 2347.

2nd November 1996: Blue Mountains Bootscooters Ball and Workshop. Union Theatre in Lithgow, NSW. Details Kerry Farrant 018 268 848.

3rd November 1996: Western Sydney Festival. Line Dancing and Choreography Championships at the Parramatta RSL Club. Details Dion on 0418 262 881.

9th November 1996: Chris Black (VIC) will be heading a LDIAA Teachers Workshop at the Parramatta Masonic Centre prior to the Sydney CWDI Competition. Followed by a Down Under Dance Party with Greg North. Details Greg on 02 624 3129.

9th November 1996: Step'n Style Line Dancing South Australia present a Workshop and Social at The Levels Campus in Adelaide with Knox Rhine and special guest Gordon Elliott. Call Cajun Jeonn for further information on 08 8258 9270.

9th November 1996: Girls Night Out at Parramatta Masonic Club. All female line dance instructors including Tiffany Hill, Yvonne Hammond, Lynette Frier, Kristine Lowe-Volkman, Jenny Hill, Wendy Hughes and prominent DJ Barbara Morrison. 7.30 - Late. Tickets 02 9584 9748.

9th November 1996: Coonamble Country Music Festival NSW in conunction with the Coonamble Outlaws Line Dancers. Includes Line Dance Competition. Details 068 221 440.

9th & 10th November 1996: Stetsons Texas Line Dancing South Australia present line dancing workshops and socials with Terry Hogan. All inclusive, meals and accommodation $65pp. Contact Barb or Michael in Adelaide on 019 670 618.

11th - 15th November 1996: The Knox Rhine Show Sydney at the following locations -

Riverwood Legion Club - 11th November at 7.30pm

Pittwater RSL Club - 13th November at 7pm

Cronulla Leagues Club - 14th November at 7pm

Parramatta Masonic Club - 15th November at 7pm

All tickets $10.00 Kids $5.00. Contact Downunder Promotions on 02 9584 9748.

14th & 15th November 1996: CWDI Judges Course with Charlotte Skeeters at the Riverwood Legion Club. Cost $75.00. Reservations 02 9584 9748

16th & 17th November 1996: The CWDI Down Under National Titles take place in Sydney at the Petersham Town Hall in Sydney with special guests from the USA - Knox Rhine, Lois & Vern Black, Charlotte Skeeters and Hillbilly Rick along with Cindy Truelove, Julie Talbot, Tiffany Hill, Kristine Lowe-Volkman and Jenny Cryer from the ACT. The titles incorporate Australia's only Full Category One Competition with both Line and Couples Dancing. Further details in the mag.

22nd/23rd November 1996: John Williamson at the Yallah Woolshed. Dancing and Dining.

23rd November 1996: Enjoy a great night social dancing at the Serbian Cultural Club, Hoxton Park with Kelvin Dale. 7.30pm. Details 0414 795 528.

28th November - 1st December 1996: British Country Western Dance Championship. Torquay, Devon, UK. Incorporating European Zone NTA Meeting. Further information call (804) 642 3158.

21st December 1996: Munno Para Bowling Club, SA. Line dance social 8.00pm - midnight. Details 08 263 2925.

31st December 1996: New Years Eve Line Dance Party. Dublin Institute South Australia. 7.30pm until very late. Details 08 263 2925.

The International Bootscootin' Travel Club will be launching a series of exciting bootscootin' holidays throughout Australia in 1997 including Rockscoot with Tom Glover, Cindy Truelove and Bill Bader along with Bootscootin The Whitsunday Passage with Cowboy Culture's John Bishop & Craig Barry. The Club will be offering dancers and country music fans privileged discounts such as:

• 4 - 20% immediate discounts on all travel purchases via the Club,

• 10% discount on western wear and music CD's,

• Accrue Fly Buys on all travel purchases,

• Savings of up to 70% on your international phone, fax & mobile calls 24hrs a day,

• Membership Card and regular Newsletter.

For more details or a membership form contact the International Bootscootin' Travel Club at PO Box 293 North Essendon, Victoria 3041 or phone the travel office on freecall 1800 654 899. See flyers below.

ROCKSCOOTIN'

BOOTSCOOTIN' THE WHITSUNDAY PASSAGE

Lots of local choreographies this issue beginning on Page 55. With contributions from: Beverley Mackey - Sydney; Stephen Burnett - Darwin; Sharlene Chapman - Blayney; Lindsay Ryan - Sydney; Bill Lancaster - Central Coast; Rosalie Mackay - Sydney; Trish Davies - Cessnock; Kelly Hinds - Armidale; Maree Mulligan - Tamworth; Suzanne Cowan - Sydney; John Parnell - Adelaide; Dion Thomas - Sydney; Adelaide Manly - SA; Rachel & Carmen - TAS; Dianne Joseph - Central Coast; Laraine Spurr - TAS; Stephen Gray - ACT; Lorraine Rutherford - Sydney; Charlotte Skeeters - USA; Country Backbeats - Tenterfield; Lesley Johnston - NSW; Lisa Thunstrom - Armidale; Ron Smart - Wollongong; Michael Mahoney - Sydney.

We have some great giveaways this issue. Garth Brooks has been one of country music's biggest stars with a host of albums to his name. From the 6 albums below, do you know which has been Garth's biggest seller? Tell us the correct one and you've got a chance to win that album. Entry details in Country Goss'.

Just about anyone who professes to be a guitar player has probably been influenced by Chet Atkins. With "Almost Alone" Chet takes a decidedly different approach to his normal contemporary roots inviting you into a personal world where his inspiration and emotions meet in the quiet hours of the afternoon. For your chance to win a copy of "Almost Alone" head to Country Goss' for details.

Like to win a copy of Div's "pocket size" Line Dance Directory? Produced by David Bowers and overseen by Gordon Elliott, this little beauty contains over 100 of the most popular dances in Australia. Never worry about having to ask "How does it start" ever again! Details in Country Goss'.

"WOTS HOT IN OZ & NZ" takes a look at Australia and New Zealand's most popular dances with contributions from Chris Black, Mark & Trevor Smith, Bill Larson, Julie Talbot, Rodney Thomas, Geoff Payne, Rick Coomber, Bill Chapman and Sharee Parnell. What dances were you doing in class 30 years ago? You'll find the answers from all the states in this issue of Country Goss' together on Page 33.

Which Brings Us To

It may be 2026 now, but do you remember what song you were singing and dancing to 30 years ago in September/October 1996? According to Country Goss' and Wots Hot Around OZ & NZ, it was a bit of a mixed bag, however climbing the National Dance Charts were 2 fun dances - Louisiana Hot Sauce and Haunted Heart.

Louisiana Hot Sauce, a choreography collaboration between Jo Brady, Jo Thompson and Gordon Elliott to Scooter Lee's He's My Little Jalapeno, the dance was a 32 beat floor filler. Haunted Heart was also a choreography collaboration between Tony Kwiatkowski (USA) and Donna Ziemer (USA). An easy 64 beats to the groovy beat of Don't Stop by Wade Hayes. Unfortunately, there are no pics available of either Tony or Donna, but we do have a copy of both dance tracks below along with the dance sheet compliments of Div's Line Dance Directory.

Scooter Lee's He's My Little Jalapeno

Don't Stop by Wade Hayes.

Before we go.....

Remember these little beauties (above)? Janelle Holloway from Melbourne draws our attention to her "action packed" line dance cassette from 1996. "Now, how much information do you think they can fit on the jacket of a cassette" asks Janelle? Read on!

Released by Global Television (UK) in 1996, the Ultimate Line Dancing Album (cassette) featured 20 tracks, an inlay of 10 panels (5 each side) with detailed track listings, suggested dances for each song and a bonus step-by-step instruction for 'The Copperhead' the dance for Copperhead Road.

There was also the chance to win a Midi Hi-fi System and an order form for an Official Line Dancing T-shirt!

Great value back in '96? Thank you, Janelle, for your wonderful contribution.

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Country Goss'. If you have any fun stories or old photos that you would like included in past or upcoming editions, then drop us a line at linedancehistoryaustralia@gmail.com 

Bye.