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

Chris Black (Vic), Joe MacManamon (Tamworth), Rodney Thomas (NT), Bill Larson (QLD), David Cheshire (WA), Lee Walling (NT), Cindy Truelove (WA), Shari Parnell (SA), Rick Coomber (TAS), Grizzly Adams (NSW), Rose Coomber (Tas), Geoff Payne (ACT), Mark & Trevor Smith (WA), Yvette Flynn (QLD), June Johns (QLD), Lyndsay Ryan (NSW), Bill Chapman (NZ), Lance Pritchard (NSW), Neil Hale (USA), Carol Fitchie (USA), Charlotte Skeeters (USA), Grizzly Adams (NSW), Diane Amberger (NZ) and Jon Peppin (VIC).

APRA, AMCOS, Country Connection Clothing, Div's Line Dancing Directory, LDIAA, Pandarra Trading Company, Smart Western Wear, Darkes Forest Woolshed, Yallah Woolshed, Ivy Wester Wear, International Bootscootin' Travel Club, ARIA, PPCA, Gentry Travel, Spirit of Tamworth, Hi Fi Vision, Pied Piper Music, Nashville Shooters, Harold Park Hotel, Australia Post, ABC Country, EMI, Warner Music, BMG, Arista, Sony Music, Festival Records, Mercury, Capitol Records, Massive, Dino Music, Starlite Records and rooArt.

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 including Letters to the Editor, Guest Writers, Dance Classes, Instructors, Dance Sheets, Event Details, Advertising, Holidays and General Information. In the meantime, here is a look at what the Editor had to say back in November 1996, plus a little more!

It's nearly Christmas, so we thought we'd kick off the festive season with Toyota's latest 1996 promotion featuring bootscooting. Two commercials have been produced, one pre-christmas and the other post-christmas. The 2nd advert will be available in the upcoming Jan/Feb 1997 issue. Who do you recognise in the commercial? Mr "Deep River" Victor Watts features prominently as does the reigning line dance champ Raymond Howell.

Another bumper issue with well over 100 pages of news, views, events, holidays, album reviews and giveaways. Dancers from across the country turned up to Sydney's Darling Harbour in September 1996 for The Great Line Dance Challenge and Country Music Hoedown in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and we've got some great pictures.

Success however can be fickle, as the syndicate behind a CWDI event in Greater Western Sydney recently discovered to the dismay of many and as voiced by several very critical Letters to the Editor. CWDI Eastern Australia Regional Director, Jenny Cryer explains what went wrong. Marcia looks at the success of the Country Goss' Home Grown Choreographies and the tension being generated between "budding" and "established" choreographers in her column Goings on at the Goss'. There's lots more to read, so let's get started!

We're excited to announce that one lucky Country Goss' subscriber and friend have the chance to win an all expenses paid, bootscootin' holiday of a lifetime flying Ansett Airlines to Long Island in the magical Whitsundays of North Queensland in May next year. Valued at over $2,500, make sure you get into the draw. Details below.

With the concerns being raised by Licencing bodies charged with overseeing artists Copyright and Intellectual Property, we had intended to run an article this issue on "Dubbing", the copying of CD's and records for use in public spaces. Unfortunately, due to several legal and technical hitches, we are unable to run the article as planned. Consultation is still continuing with AMCOS on wording, however we do expect to have that information to you in January.

Intellectual Property extends across 5 main categories: Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, Design Rights & Trade Secrets. It gives creators and businesses exclusive rights to control, commercialise and protect their assets from unauthorized use. And in a lot of cases when going about your own marketing and advertising, you may not even realise that you have infringed upon these rights.

Think of all this in the context of bootscooting - you'd like to advertise your dance classes, so you put together a flyer with some fun pictures that you liked, a logo with a distinctive font, your class details and contact number. The flyer really pops. Inadvertently however, you may have just breached someone's Copyright and a case in point is the BOOTSCOOTIN' GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA logo (above) with its distinctive three dancers and type. Also, notice the TM on the logo - that's a trademark notification and many thousands of dollars go into obtaining a Trademark. If you're not sure whether you are illegally using someone else's design, logo or name, it's important to contact your original source or the relevant licencing body to check.

Tamworth 1997 is going to be HUGE and we've got all the information to make your experience even better! From competitions and social events to concerts and street dancing, right down to home hosting accommodation. Read on for all the latest news!

Who stuffed up? The Editor apologises for the mistake in the last issue with the steps to the dance Macarena. It begins with the right hand first.......not the left!

Australia Post has been announced as the major partner in the Australian Line Dance Championships and The Longest Line Dance 1997. Both of these events are open to all dancers within Australia and overseas and will come under the banner of "Australia Post Bootscooting Stampede".

The Fifth Australian Country Line Dancing Championships will take place at the Calrossy Auditorium in Tamworth from 21st - 24th January 1997 and nominations now open.

• 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 with the team receiving the coveted Tamworth Boot;

• Closing dates for nominations is the 10th December 1996, and

• The Championships Dance Program will be mailed prior to Xmas.

Everything else you need to know is on Page 11 of this issue of Country Goss' from food to accommodation to parking. Further details contact Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

And as we gear up for Tamworth 1997 keep your eye open for young 10 year old Dylan Boekelman of Perth in Western Australia. Dylan is the son of Cindy Truelove. We mentioned last issue that Dylan had recently conquered the USA picking up the title of Country & Western Dance International, Pre-Teen Line Dance Champion. Dylan is now the awe of all his classmates at school and ready to conquer Tamworth 1997.

Also preparing for the Line Dance Championships in Tamworth 1997 are the High Five from New Zealand. Comprising Nigel Mooney, Ian Marshall, Su Swanson, Stephen Patterson and Neil McKone, the team will be competing in 5 sections of the Championships and are looking at taking home a lot of Gold!

Hottest Dances in New Zealand this month: Fly Like A Bird, Cruise Control, Silk & Satin, 2001 BC Coaster, Arumba, Fallsview Rock, Bustin' Out, Mary Lou, Mambo Shuffle & Rock Around The Clock.

With Australia Post sponsoring the 1997 Longest Line Dance in Tamworth, the event is set to be huge with over 5,000 bootscooters from Australia and overseas expected to take part. Registrations will take place in the week leading up to the attempt at the Tamworth Post Office in Peel St. Entry fee will be $2 for adults and $1 for children. Both the Arthritis Foundation and Apex will be the recipients of your goodwill.

Get in the mood with this "live" version of Bootscootin' Boogie

at Cains Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma USA.

Each entrant will be given a Stampede sticker to be worn during the event in order to establish accurate numbers for the Guiness Book of World Records. The dance will commence at 9am on Saturday 25th January 1997 in Peel St to Brooks & Dunn's 6 minute extended version of Bootscootin' Boogie. Bootscooters nominated by the organisers will be the Marshalls for this dance. Further enquiries Aust Post 13 13 18 or Joe MacManamon 067 664 107.

With the success of our Home Grown Choreographies, Calrossy will also play host to the Country Goss' 32 Beat Choreography Competition on the 20th January 1997. Sponsored by Smart Western Wear, there will be Trophies and Prizes on offer. Further details on Page 24 or Contact Ron Smart on 018 420 540.

Hottest Dances in Victoria this month: Blue Moves, Kettles, Paralysed, Big Un', Gypsy Lady, Kickin' Up Dust, Rock & Roll Waltz, Cowgirl Connection, Standing On A Rock & Minute Waltz.

Joe MacManamon tells Country Goss' that many dancers are taking advantage of the generosity of Tamworth's local residents for accommodation during the Festival. From Pony Club Bunk Houses to Squash Courts, Granny Flats, Spare Bedrooms and Caravans. If you are interested in securing a comfy place, phone Joe on 067 664 107.

David Cheshire (WA), NTA Zone Director for Australia and New Zealand, along with wife Sabina and Wayne & Kathryn Jones of the Outback Outlaws Demo Team, will be off to America on the 26th December 1996 for 5 weeks, travelling to Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville & Indiana, for a series of workshops with the Hardwood Shiners Champion Line Dance Team (USA). They hope to learn lots more to bring back to Australia.

More than 2500 dancers converged on Sydney's Darling Harbour in September 1996 for the MS Great Line Dance Challenge & Country Music Hoedown. Organised by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and designed as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, the challenge sought to bring together the largest number of line dancers under one roof.

The overwhelming participation of dancers has now laid the foundation for another all-out record attempt next year. Here's some great pictures of the many dancers who supported the MS event.

Over $13,000 was raised for MS which will go a long way in helping support the organisation in its ongoing endeavors. The MS Society passes on its thanks to all the dancers who attended, along with major sponsors Darling Harbour Convention Centre, Country Goss' Line Dance & Country Music Magazine, Tamworth Country Music Festival and radio station KICK AM.

Nancy Scott of Goonellabah in NSW tells us, "You know line dancing is becoming very popular when thieves break into your house and steal your line dance buckles but leave the diamond earrings"! Read Nancy's letter on page 51.

The Muster Club at Gympie was packed day and night this year with line dance enthusiasts - dancing the night away and watching competitors in the Muster Club Line Dance Competition. All events at the competition were for Duo's.

Winners of the Open Section were Roxanne Smith and Karen Burrows of Capalba, who walked away with $1000 cash and a library of Sony Music Country CD's. Runners Up were Kelly Ryan-Webster & Trent Duncan of Tuncurry and in 3rd place were the Gympie Golden City C&W Line Dancers. Read the full results of the event on Page 23.

Hottest Dances in Western Australia this month: On A Good Night, Cowgirl Connection, Nashville Shuffle, Cajun Cross, Falling Walls, Too Much Fun, Heel 'n Toe, Step It Out, Standing On A Rock & Party Time.

Noel Hume, Principal of the Victorian line dance group "Tush Push" tells readers that his group was "not" named after the dance "Tush Push". Noel goes on to explain that Tush is an Americanism for "bum" and that Push is from Henry Lawsons "Captain of the Push" (meaning captain of the gang). He leaves the rest to your imagination. We're confused!

We get some great letters here at Country Goss', just like this one from Sue Mortimer in Hamilton Hill, Western Australia, "I belong to the Silverados (Julie & David Molkner). Julie is a great teacher and my friend. I have a wonderful time attending classes and learning new dances. Recently we attended workshops held by Gordon Elliott in honour of the 10th anniversary of bootscooting..........my life has become so much more enriched since I started to bootscoot.....". Read the rest of Sue's letter plus many more in the Bushwire. Starts P45.

Also enjoying Country Goss' is Michael Barr from the USA. Michael tells Country Goss "I teach country western dance in San Francisco Bay area of California and have just been introduced to your magazine by Neil Hale a treasured friend of mine. He called me up to say how well my dance (Black Dresses) was doing on the other side of the world. That sure did make me feel good. I hope to be coming to Australia in 1997 (with Hedy McAdams) and thought your magazine would start to give me a look into the country western world you live in". Michael Barr, California, USA.

NTA Australia & New Zealand Zone Director David Cheshire (Perth, WA) updates dancers with his latest report and Carol Fritchie, NTA President USA, continues her series of articles on the National Teachers Association. The NTA is a non-profit organisation with over 3,000 members worldwide. 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 (see below) as part of the 8th Annual British Country Western Dance Championships in Devon, England from 28th November - 1st December 1996. Read both reports in the magazine on Pages 12 & 13.

Hottest Dances in NSW this month: Tripples, Heart Like A Wheel, Heads or Tails, Bad Boys, Cruise Control, Silk & Satin, Fly Like A Bird, Cannibal Stomp, Fat Sally Lee & Nada.

With the surge in line dancing's popularity Australia wide this year, Sydney instructor Julie Talbot was out promoting the positive aspects of line dancing on Channel 9's John Mangos Show. Check out the video.

There's no doubt country music has received a huge boost from line dancing, however the dancers are not the sole reason for this amazing growth. America's buying habits have always been influenced by the "Baby Boomers". Starting at the stroke of midnight this year a Baby Boomer will turn 50 every 7 seconds for the next 15 years.

"They didn't care for any other forms of popular music"

By 2013, a Baby Boomer will be in every position of power in the USA. Many of this age group started turning to country music about 6 years ago because they didn't care for any other forms of popular music. 52% of these aren't prepared to just sit around at home, they go out themselves to line dance, make friends, get some exercise and go home whenever they please! The Computer Chip Cowboy tells me this and much more on Page 35.

Hottest Dances in Tasmania this month: Kettles, Double Dutches, Amazing Grace, Go Go's Stomp, Haunted Heart, Forbidden Love, Heads or Tails, Neon Cowboy, Brinsons Request & Scooter Shuffle.

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.

Neil Hale, well known in Australia for such dances as Linda Lu, Hot Tamales and Cruisin' (to name just a few), has joined the team at Country Goss' to keep you up to date on all the latest news coming out of the USA.

Neil's column "Yankee Spotlight" kicks off with a fabulous interview with Jo Thompson whose dazzling smile and dance presence captivated Australians when she toured with Scooter Lee last year.

"What makes a good line dance Jo"?

Jo Thompson tells Neil Hale "The most important aspect of a choreography is good body flow. If something feels awkward, take it out. Let your body tell you where the next step feels comfortable and work with that. When dancing, if the steps flow together, it takes some of the work off your brain. If you have to keep reminding yourself to 'touch' instead of 'step' your brain is telling your body 'not' to do what it naturally 'wants' to do. Go with the flow". Read Neil's full interview with Jo Thompson along with 2 brand new dances by Neil - Cruise Control and Diamonds Are Forever on Page 15.

Australian Red Cross needs your help to launch its annual door knock appeal and are proposing to hold bootscooting events in your area. Full details and entry applications in the 1997 Diary.

The Linedancing Instructors Association of Australia Annual Awards were presented at the Tamworth on Parade recently in front of a huge crowd of 3000+ country music fans and line dancers. Cindy Truelove received the LDIAA Line Dance Instructor of the Year whilst Ralf Ballschmieter won DJ of the Year. For all the results head to Page 39 in the magazine.

Dear Diary, Well, here I am suffering from COWGIRL BLUES and it could be that I am UNDER THE INFLUENCE. You can TAKE IT FROM ME that there was ONE GOOD REASON for it. It was the GIRL'S NIGHT OUT, just MARY LOU, LINDA LOU and me..... for main course it was HOT TAMALES served with LOUISIANA HOT SAUCE in our little BLACK DRESSES.... Like to hear the rest of Marilyn Newton's bootscooters lament all the way from Tasmania? Turn to page 27.

Grizzly Adams is back "Talking Turkey" and asks the question, "Are we seeing the tall poppy syndrome in line dancing"? You can read Grizzly's Turkey Talk on Page 48 in the magazine.

Like to contribute to Country Goss'? Have you got something to say? Fax The Bushwire on 02 9564 0364 or write C/O The Editor PO Box 324 Leichhardt, NSW 2040 Australia.

Over 300 line dancers were invited to take part in a dance scene as part of Australia's latest feel-good movie Doing Time for Patsy Cline filmed on location in the NSW Riverina town of Griffith in September (1996) this year.

Being an Australian production, Gina Jeffries 'Girls Night Out' was selected by the Producers for the dance scene with Terry Hogan's choreography Girls Night Out approved by Terry to be taught by Julie Talbot on the day of the shoot. With rain imminent, filming still went ahead albeit with a slight location adjustment. See WIN NEWS video above.

Following the day's movie shoot, local dancers held a fun after party for all the visitors. This 5 minute video (above) captures 4 popular routines at the time. And as the sun set over Griffith, a burst of glitter lit up the night with some lighthearted entertainment as two of the local boys agreed to learn a quick and easy routine, don the pink and green glitter and join the Silver Studs for an outrageous night! Thank you to the Riverina Dancers for supplying the photos and videos.

Hottest Dances in the Northern Territory this month: 2001 BC Coaster, Blue Moves, Whipped, Little Miss Honky Tonk, Check Please, Mary Lou, Smokey Places, Silk & Satin, Little Squirt & Fly Like A Bird.

Jill Bowen of Melba, ACT writes this sentiment that other "aging" bootscooters may relate to: "May your jeans always fit and your muscles never quit, may your buttocks stay taut and may you never need support, may your feet never slip and may you never lose your grip, may your legs not collapse and may your memory never lapse, may your boots never sqeak and may your bladder never leak, may you always top the class and never fall upon your....... may your buckles always shine and may you always keep in line, may you keep on bootscootin' - in your decline!"

Ever wondered how many line dances are named after animals? Well, there is Catnip, Bear Walk, The Mule, Tomcat, Stray Cat Strut, Armadillo, Raging Bull Romp, Moo Cow Boogie, Bronco Beat, Refried Chicken, Bronco Twist, Fly Like A Bird, Alley Cat, Snake Bite, Prancin' Pony, Hog Wild, Brumby, Dog House, Coyote, The Dingo, The Bird, Copperhead, Sheep Dip, Bull Shift & Eagle Shuffle. Whew! Know any more?

Hottest Dances in Canberra this month: Cannibal Stomp, Paralysed, Fly Like A Bird, Smokey Places, Black Dresses, Tulsa Slide, Hot Tamales, Kettles, Crazy Legs & 2001 BC Coaster.

Looking for a great line dance band? Well look no further than The Lone Strangers - Country Line Dance Music at its Best! Walkaway, Trama Twist, Kokomo, Redneck, Bootscootin' Boogie, Outback, Tush Push, Bear Walk, Cowboy Cha Cha, Tahoe Kick, Bartender Stomp, CC Shuffle, Chatahoochie, Slap Leather, Achy Breaky, Elvis Rock, Double Dippin', Oil Can Slide, 32 Step, Cadillac Ranch, Ramblin, Be Bop A Lula, Copperhead, Mustang Sally, SK Shuffle, I Love A Rainy Night, Gypsy Lady..... and more! For Bookings phone Steve Scarlett on 018 964 484.

Down Under Western Dancers, Sydney, offer a complete dance class experience. Run by fully qualified Instructors Kris & Joe Volkman, you can learn East & West Coast Swing, Polka, Two Step, Country Waltz, Cha Cha and Schottische. Every Tuesday evening at the Community School of Arts in Peakhurst, NSW. For more information or to book your dance class, contact Kris or Joe on 02 584 9748.

If you are keen on getting away for the weekend, "Camp Tush Push" is offering a bootscoot retreat at the wonderful Feathertop Chalet in Harrietville, Victoria from the Nov 29 - Dec 01. Cost is just $100pp and includes accommodation, all meals workshop, 2 nights of dancing, recreational facilities, sauna, and pool. For further details or bookings, contact Heather on 057 215 941 or Adele on 057 273 366.

Altogether Entertainment from Brisbane, the people who bought you The Great Southern Line Dancing Show, The Brisbane Stampede and Line Dancing at Ned Kelly's, successfully organised many line dance teachers from Southeast Queensland for the Brisbane RNA 'EKKA' and a 10 day line dance extravaganza.

According to official estimates, over 40,000 EKKA visitors sat and watched over 1200 dancers strut their stuff and over 5,000 of those spectators jumped up and "had a go" assisted by teachers from participating line dance schools. The RNA has asked Altogether Entertainment to continue their good work for the next 5 years and to expand the Arena Demonstration to over 1000 dancers next year. Further enquiries contact Ralf and Jenna Ballschmieter on 07 3893 0931.

View the full list of winners of the All Australian Choreographed Dances on Page 32.

Did you know that the legendary Bob Wills is credited with making cowboy hats and boots a popular addition to country music? He and his band put the western into hillbilly country music and introduced it to dancers. Mostly unheard of in Australia, in the USA Wills is a revered figure in country music! Tune into the Computer Chip Cowboy on page 35 for lots more interesting information from cyberspace.

OK it's official! The Beach Boys have gone "country". In their latest reincarnation, the Beach Boys have turned up in Nashville, Music City, USA, for their latest CD production "Stars and Stripes" (River North Records). 

Volume 1 is a collaborative effort featuring Lorrie Morgan, James House, Ricky Van Shelton, Willie Nelson, Junior Brown, Colin Raye, Toby Keith and other major performers. Tracks include Don't Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, Fun, Fun, Fun, 409, The Warmth of the Sun, Help Me Rhonda, I Can Hear Music and several other classics.

Of course, ever present in the mix is the unmistakable harmonies of the quintessentially "American" Beach Boys. Prior to the release of Stars and Stripes, the Beach Boys promoted the album by appearing at the TNN/Music City Country Awards in June 1996, where they performed I Get Around with Sawyer Brown. This is great! 

Country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have married. Faith Hill, an American singer and actress is one of the most successful country music artists of all time. Hill's first two albums, Take Me As I Am (1993) and It Matters To Me (1995), were major successes that placed a combined three number ones on Billboard's country charts. Tim's 1994 breakthrough album Not a Moment Too Soon was the top country album in 1994.

Brooks and Dunn cleaned up at the American Country Music Association Awards in Nashville in October this year taking out the coveted Entertainer of the Year along with Vocal Duo of the Year.

George Strait muscled in as Male Vocalist of the Year as well as scooping Album of the Year with Clear Blue Skies and Single of the Year with Check Yes or No. Female Vocalist went to Patty Loveless.

Vince Gill collected Song of the Year with Go Rest High On That Mountain, and along with Dolly Parton the pair picked up the Vocal Event of the Year Award. The Mavericks were voted Group of the Year whilst Best Music Video went to Junior Brown - My Wife Thinks You're Dead! Check out Junior's video below.

Australian Best Country Album at this year's 1996 ARIA Awards was won by The Dead Ringer Band with their album Home Fires (Massive Records) beating nominees including Graeme Connors (The Here And Now), Lee Kernaghan (1959), Tania Kernaghan (December Moon) and The Wheel (The Wheel). Thirteen tracks, this is the band's second studio album and was released in 1995. It features the single, "Australian Son", which spent seven weeks on the Australian country charts.

Lots of great dance holidays ahead in 1997. We've picked out a couple of USA trips that might take some planning ahead if you are interested. More holidays in the 1997 Diary:

Noel Bradey has another fantastic trip to Nashville's FAN FAIR in 1997. Departing Australia on the 14th June 1997, your holiday includes 8 nights' accommodation, all transfers, return airfares, all admissions, sight-seeing tours and of course - FAN FAIR! Phone Noel on 02 9906 7000 for more details or check out the 1997 Diary.

Downunder Country Line Dancing in Queensland are offering a 35-day Bootscootin' USA and Canada Tour taking in the Calgary Stampede, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Arizona, El Paso, Nashville, Rocky Mountains, Banff, Jasper, Edmonton and San Francisco from the 9th June - 13th July 1997. Phone Blake on 07 55 734 668 for full itinerary. Further details in the 1997 Diary.

Breakaway Bootscooters - Line Dancing excellence in Sydney's West with Australian Line Dance Champions Jenny, Tiffany & Raymond. Join them at Penrith, St Marys, Asquith, Blue Mountains & Dural. Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced. Also available for Private Functions and Demonstrations. Phone 047 36 3572 or Mob 015 072 626.

Hottest Dances in South Australia this month: Rock Around The Clock, A Better Way, The Wandering Cha Cha, Smokey Places, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Hooked On Country, Cactus Flower, Black Dresses, Minnesota West Coast Shuffle & Bear Walk.

Hottest Dances in Queensland this month: Tequila Heartache, Fly Like A Bird, Smokey Places, Crazy Legs, Let's Click, Tulsa Slide, Blue Moves, Cha Cha Lengus, Paddlefoot & Kettles.

There is still so much happening for the remainder of 1996. Put these dates in your diary:

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: Hervey Bay Line Dancing Festival, QLD. Ph: 07 1298 220

1st November - 25th December 1996: Bootscoot for Heart this Xmas! The Heart Foundation is calling on line dancers to give a gift from the heart at the end of this year. The Heart Foundation is inviting dancers from all over Australia to 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.

2nd November 1996: Blue Mountains Bootscoot Ball, NSW. Union Theatre, Lithgow. Details Rebel Ph: 963 522 130.

3rd November 1996: Country Festival Line Dancing and Choreography Championships, Parramatta, NSW. Phone Dion on 0418 262 881.

9th November 1996: Chris Black (VIC) will be heading up an 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: Coonamble Country Music Festival NSW. In conjunction with Coonamble Outlaws Line Dance Competition. Further details Phone 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.

14th & 15th November 1996: CWDI Judges Course. Riverwood Legion Club, Sydney, NSW. Ph: 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 contact Down Under Productions on 02 9584 9748.

15th, 16th & 17th November 1996: Bootscoot-A-Thon for Heart in Darwin, NT. 48hr Marathon from 6pm Friday to 6pm Sunday. Venue to be confirmed. Details Lee Walling on 019 945 264

22nd November 1996: Join Country's Hottest DJ - Grizzly Adams for a night of line dancing in the Sherwood Room of the Parkway Hotel in French's Forest, NSW. Only $12. Entry includes supper, snacks & refreshments. Bar facilities available. Bookings with Cool Country Dance Connexion on 452 5440 or 0412 040 428.

23rd November 1996: Bootscootin' Chrismas Line Dance Party at the Penshurst RSL. Dances by Request. Boogie till the cows come home. Dinner and Entry $15 Adults and $10 Children, Entry Only $10 & $5 respectively. Tickets 02 584 2376 or 0418 262 881.

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

29th November - 1st December 1996: Camp Tush Push Bootscooting Weekend in Harrietville, Victoria's High Country. $100pp includes accommodation at the Feathertop Chalet, all meals, workshop 2 nights of dancing and recreational facilities. Contact Heather on 057 215 941 or Adele on 057 273 366.

6th December 1996: Bootscoot at Bankstown Town Hall, NSW. Instruction by Kerry Kerr of Ramblin Rows Line Dancers. Tickets $20 adults or $10 under 16. Includes a delicious 2 course meal. MC is Noel Brady, and Michael Vera Lobos will spin the discs. Special guests The Silver Studs. Bookings essential. Phone 9707 9766.

14th December 1996: Canberra celebrates Bootscooting at the Albert Hall. Tuition by Katherine Webster. Nibbles and OJ provided. 8pm to Midnight. Book now on 06 273 6000.

19th December 1996: Blacktown City Rugby League & Sporting Club. Line Dance Social plus floor show with special guests The Village Boys. Bookings Ph: 02 4736 5913.

31st December 1996: Dublin Hall Institute, Adelaide, SA. New Years Eve Line Dance Party. 7.30pm - Late. All Welcome. Bookings: 08 263 2925.

20th January 1997: Country Goss' 32 Beat Choreography Competition, Calrossy Auditorium, Tamworth, NSW. From 5pm. Details Ron 018 420 540.

21st - 24th January 1997: Australia Posts Bootscooting Stampede and Australian Line Dance Championships. Tamworth, NSW. More information 13 13 18.

25th January 1997: Australia Posts Longest Line Dance. Peel St, Tamworth, NSW. 9am. Details 067 664 107.

8th February 1997: Harbour City Hoedown '97 presents Dancehall at the Newtown Theatre. Bootscooting, Two Stepping & Partner Dancing. Help celebrate Mardi Gras by dancing the night away in a turn of the century dance hall. $25 entry. Mention Country Goss' and receive a $5 discount. Phone 9712 1852.

22nd February 1997: Sydney Line Dance Spectacular at Revesby Workers Club. Featuring Buckshot, DJ's and free line dance lessons. Children Welcome. Further details next issue. For more information phone G&J Entertainment on 02 9686 6913.

14th - 16th March 1997: CWDI Championships - Canberra ACT with National Capital Bootscooters. Further details next issue. Phone: Jenny Cryer & Phil Bates 06 288 8481.

15th March 1997: Bootscoot for Red Cross. Australian Red Cross needs your help with its annual appeal. The organisation is proposing to hold bootscooting events in 9 regional areas across NSW to raise much needed funds. See details in the application form above.

15th March 1997: Hunter Valley Bootscootin' Bash in conjunction with the Reg Lindsay & Friends Rodeo and Dance Weekend. Details to follow next issue.

15th - 20th March 1997: Rockscootin' with the Bootscoot Travel Club. Your Instructors include Cindy Truelove from Texan Rebels WA, Tom Glover from Illawarra Bootscooters and special guest Mr Bootscootin' Boogie himself - Bill Bader from the USA. Check out the brochure below.

22nd March 1997: Armidale's Autumn Festival. Bootscooting in the city of churches. Mass demonstration in Curtis Park with 4 dances. A bootscoot social with Swervin' Mervyn at the Main Showground Pavillion. Lots more. Further details Sandy on 067 72 6425.

9th June 1997: USA and Canada Tour with Down Under Country Line Dancers. Full details above or call Blake on 07 5573 4668.

14th June 1997: Fan Fair, Nashville USA with Noel Bradey. Full details below or phone Gentry Traveland on 02 9906 7000.

Twenty-Two new Australian Choreographies this issue beginning on Page 65. With contributions from: Bill Larson - QLD; Michael Vera-Lobos - Sydney; Eddy May - NSW; Dianne Joseph - Central Coast; Yvonne Hammond - Sydney; Bev Stevens - Tamworth; Kerry Kerr - Sydney; Dion & Val Thomas - Sydney; Victor Watts - Picton; Hayley Shiel - Sydney; Arthur Smith - Blue Mountains; Jodie Johnston - Tweed Heads; Angela Wallace - Sydney, Sandra Haslam - Blue Mountains; Bob Sinclair - NSW; Sharon Nott - Tweed Heads; Rosalie Chapman - NZ; Jodi Page - Sydney.

We have some great giveaways this issue. Let's take a look.

The Australian country music scene is about to have a brand new name added to its roster, one that is set to make his mark as a dominant force in the future. Cam Fletcher (Warner Music) is an Australian singer/songwriter with a very distinctive vocal style and presence. Musicians featured on this album include Stuart French (guitar), Pixie Jenkins (fiddle), Wayne Appleby (pedal steel) John Lloyd (drums) and Elizabeth Lords (vocals). Warner Chappell Music Publishing have signed Cam to a worldwide deal. You can win a copy of this album. Full details in Country Goss'.

Julie Talbot has been involved in children's dance education for 15 years graduating from the Bodenweiser School of Modern Contemporary Dance in 1976 and working extensively within the public education system. Julie will take you through 15 fun dances in a slow, methodical teach, gradually increasing the tempo to have you dancing with your kids and family in no time. Dances include Warpaint, Alley Cat, Cowboy Hip Hop, Slap Leather, The Egyptian Cowboy, Dirty Cowboy, Cotton Eye Joe, Bootscootin' Boogie, Bear Walk, Ski Bumpus, The Impatient Cowboy, Roll Back The Rug, Waltz Across Texas, Haunted Heart and Walkaway. Country Goss' is giving away 1 copy of each CD. Full details on how to enter on Page 61.

Readers also have the chance to win a copy of Hottest Linedances along with Div's Australian Line Dancing Directory. Hottest Linedances features 5 fun dances from Beginner through to Advanced including Bartender Stomp, Sleazy Cowboy, Linda Lu, Cadillac Ranch and Girls Night Out. All of these dances plus many more you will find in Div's handy pocket-book - Australian Line Dancing Directory Volume 1. Entry details in Country Goss'.

Last issue we asked the question "Which Garth Brooks album from the 6 above has been his biggest seller? Answer: No Fences, which to date has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Congratulations to Kelly Hinds of Armidale, NSW for being the first correct entry opened. Your CD is in the post Kelly!

Here are the WINNERS of the competitions from our September/October issue:

Garth Brooks CD: Kelly Hinds - Armidale, NSW;

Macarena CD's (3): Helen Selkirk - Kempsey, NSW. B. Leale - Smithton, TAS. Barbara Kerr - Cowra, NSW.

DIV's Linedance Directory: Lisa Willard - Bathurst, NSW;

Chet Atkins CD: June Barnett - Worongary, QLD.

"WOTS HOT IN OZ & NZ" takes a look at Australia's and New Zealand's most popular dances with contributions from Chris Black (VIC), Mark & Trevor Smith (WA), Cindy Truelove (WA), Bill Larson (QLD), Julie Talbot (NSW), Lance Pritchard (NSW), Rodney Thomas (NT), Geoff Payne (ACT), Rick Coomber (TAS), Bill Chapman (NZ) and Sharee Parnell (SA). What dances were you doing in class 30 years ago? Head to Page 41.

Looking for a dance class close to home or a dance class while you are on holidays? Dancing Around Australia now covers 21 pages in Country Goss' with classes across NSW, ACT, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. There also class listings for New Zealand and Vanuatu. If you are an instructor and would like to be included in Dancing Around Australia or need to update your current listings, simply fill out the form below and get it back to Country Goss' ASAP.

Country Goss' is also compiling an Instructors List for publication. Being available nationally to dancers and other instructors is a great way to network, so if you would like to be included, simply fill out the form below and return it to Country Goss'.

Which brings us to....

It may be nearing the end of 2026 now, but do you remember what song you were singing and dancing to 30 years ago in November/December 1996? According to Country Goss' and Wots Hot Around OZ & NZ, it was a bit of a mixed bag once again. Whilst 2 old favourites Smokey Places and Fly Like A Bird refused to budge, the dance Blue Moves was making its own move up the Country Goss' Wots Hot Charts.

Choreographed by Terry Hogan (AUS) to the LeAnne Rimes smash hit Blue, the track is Rimes debut major label album. Released on 9th July 1996 in the US, shortly before the singer’s 14th birthday, it peaked at number three on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Top Country Albums Chart. Blue Moves is a 32 beat 2 directional dance.

We've got a copy of the dance sheet below courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory.

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 (electronic) editions, then drop us a line at linedancehistoryaustralia@gmail.com 

Bye.