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Each 2 months and exactly 30 years ago to the day, we re-publish the original Country Goss' Line Dance 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, in the meantime here is a look at what the Editor had to say back in July 1996, plus a little more!

Country Goss' continues to grow, and this month we have pages and pages of interesting news, photos, letters, articles, holidays and dance information. We're especially excited to bring you Trevor Smith's historical piece on Australia's Bootscoot Origins which we have supplemented with additional pictures and videos. Trevor is one of this country's true line dance pioneers.

First though, Licencing agent PPCA has contacted Country Goss' to raise concerns on what they say is "the ongoing and widespread abuse of copyright by dance teachers". Under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (The Act) Section 85, it is illegal to make a copy of a recording, cause the broadcast to be heard in public and broadcast the recording unless all relevant licences are held. If you are unsure of the different licences required, and there are several, head back to our original January/February 1996 issue where you will find extensive information on Copyright and Licencing. At the end of the day, the licences are relatively inexpensive.

The Fifth Australian Country Line Dancing Championships will take place at the Calrossy Auditorium in Tamworth from 21st - 24th January 1997 and nominations are now open. Select a dance you are confident with and enjoy the benefit and thrill of competing at a national level. Your score sheet is your story!

1997 Championships:

• 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 10th December 1996;

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

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

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

Country Goss' and Smart Western Wear are proud supporters of the 5th Tamworth Australian Country Line Dancing Championships for 1997. All Entry Forms will go into a draw to win $1000 worth of Smart Country Wester Wear.

Are you a budding choreographer? Then get your dance ready for the Country Goss' 32 Step Choreography Competition at the Australian Line Dance Championships in Tamworth 1997. Trophies & Prizes. Further details in the next issue of Country Goss'.

Joe MacManamon sends a big "Thank you" on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation, to the country music industry, its entertainers, musicians, fans and line dancers for a wonderful weekend at the recent 6th Annual Tamworth On Parade Country Music Spectacular at Homebush Bay.

A tribute to the country music family, the event was a huge success and the Country Music Spectacular CD by Outback Music will be a collector's item for years to come. Joe says keep the weekend of 26/27th July 1997 free to do it all again. There's much more Spirit of Tamworth news to read on Page 11.

12 year old Australian Duo Line Dance Champion Luis Riveros also says "Thank you" for your support.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the people who helped me realise my lifelong ambition of getting to (Fan Fair) the United States in June 1996 this year. I would never have made it had it not been for the tireless efforts of the many line dancers and friends who kindly donated and raised the money for my ticket. Thank you one and all, I hope I do you proud". Sincerely, Luis Riveros.

COUNTRY GOSS' presents

as told by Trevor Smith 1996.

"It was an eye-opening experience to have seen the beginnings of bootscooting in Australia, as humble as they were, to what it has risen to. It is also exceptionally satisfying and gives me a feeling of great pride knowing that I have seen its beginnings across three states of Australia. I would like to pay tribute to Geoff Perkins who through a love of bootscooting could see just what fun could be attained through this dance" says Trevor.

"I was lucky enough to know them all"

"It is unfortunate that Geoff is no longer with us 'god rest his soul'. Today the heritage of Aussie bootscoot can be traced back to Geoff Perkins, Ian Wilby, Ken Wheatley and others. I was lucky enough to know them all. Hat's off to you. Remember we are the pioneers of the best toe tappin, knee slappin' & yee-haa'n good times this country has ever seen. Keep your boots nice and shiny, your smile nice and bright, put on your hat and pull on your jeans, cause we're going bootscootin' tonight".

This is my story.

1986 - 1996

Western Line Dancing or better known as Bootscooting here in Australia, is currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary down under. Yes that's right, 10 years of Toe Tappin', Knee Slappin', Yee Haain' Fun as a dance style of its own. It has been known that Line Dancing has been around for some time longer but was never taken seriously as a style of dancing that is huge in its own right.

"Mr Geoff Perkins of Lilyfield, Sydney"

It was 10 years ago around August/September 1986 that Line Dancing was brought back from the States by Mr Geoff Perkins of Lilyfield, Sydney, one of his many trips to the home of the brave, USA. He had seen Line Dancing in the States and realised that here was a form of fun, dancing and exercise, that could be enjoyed by anyone and everyone.

Geoff returned to Australia with fond memories and a book of dance which is now referred to as the Bootscooters Bible - due to the fact it was the first book strictly referring to Line Dancing here in Australia. It was prepared by a gentleman by the name of Maxcy Moon of the USA. It consisted of seventeen dances beginning with The Frieze and ending with Texas Eight Corners.

"With bible in one hand and courage in the other"

It also included some all-time favourites such as Slap Leather, Tahoe Kick & Oregan Four. The bible described each dance in detail as well as including the terminology. So, with bible in one hand and courage in the other, Geoff and some of his mates - Ian Wilby, Trevor Smith, Ken Wheatley and three or four others, set out to teach Bootscoot to the masses.

"Australia's first bootscoot class"

Australia's first bootscoot class began at the Paddington Green Hotel (ex Greenwood Tree Hotel) in Oxford St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, with 12 to 15 dancers. The class steadily grew until there were 45 to 60 dancers regularly strutting their stuff across the dance floor. But alas, the hotel was sold and these true blue, die hard Cowboys had to find a new venue to Frieze, Brush-up & Stomp to a new wave of country music.

Around this time Geoff Perkins had been overcome by the powers of work commitments, and I (Trevor Smith) had decided to move north to the land of the brilliant one dance, perfect the next (Queensland). The Sydney class moved to new premises at the Erskineville (Imperial) Hotel and was kept alive by the sheer guts and determination of Mr Ian Wilby. From this class came the now well-known ALD and one of Australia's best known and respected teachers and choreographers, Gordon Elliott.

From ALD would emerge many of todays most recognised Instructors including Gordon Elliott, Ken Wheatley, Lance Pritchard, Terry Kelly, David Dickson, Lisa Harper and others, many of whom would go on to compete at the very first National Line Dance Championships in Tamworth 1993.

ALD's Gordon Elliott, Tina Salvestro & Ken Wheatley take 1st place at the Inaugural Line Dance Championships in Tamworth in 1993. Award presented by Joe MacManamon.

ALD's Tony Burns, Tony Coggan & John Taverner, were instrumental in pioneering Australia's Longest Line Dance in Tamworth in 1994. Lisa Harper was both a prominent ALD Clogging and Line Dance Instructor.

Back to the trail of happy bootscooters. It was a tough time for Bootscooting, with people having problems admitting they like country music in public, the average person thinking it was a new form of square dancing and generally an ignorance to what country rock was all about. Bootscooting fell on tough times, and we found it was going to be a long hard haul.

"Not all Country Dancing is Square"

Nothing could stop these Bootscoot Pioneers and with the Motto - Not all Country Dancing is Square - these urban Cowpokes kept dancing in line. The rest, as they say, is history. Today the heritage of Aussie Bootscoot can be traced back to Geoff Perkins & Co. All of us, have at one stage or another, learnt from his humble beginnings either directly or indirectly.

"These urban cowpokes kept dancing in line"

Gordon Elliott and Ken Wheatley (ALD) dance on stage with Jean Stafford in 1993.

BRISBANE & MELBOURNE

Brisbane and Melbourne witnessed the birth of Bootscooting at around the same time. It was 1988 that this took place and they too found it a long hard road to follow. Myself and partner in crime Mark Smith, started Bootscoot classes in Brisbane in 1988 at the Terminus Night Club. Ian Wilby and his team had just performed some demonstrations and workshops which we continued with at the venue. With the help and support of Neil McClucas, Steven Claffey and others we tried our hardest to keep the dream alive.

It was a hard slog, with holding down 9 - 5 jobs as well, we performed demonstrations at shopping centres, fairs, clubs and pubs. We met some fantastic and supportive people during this stint, one who stands out the most was one of our class members, and is regarded as another of Australia's most respected teachers and choreographers, Terry Hogan. Classes were humming along fairly well, although we did struggle at times to get enough dancers to make San Antonio Stroll look impressive.

"Melbourne witnessed the birth of Bootscooting around the same time"

Bootscooting in Melbourne started around the same time as Brisbane (1988). Whilst the Laird "Mens Only" Hotel in Abbotsford would welcome in this new era of dance, it would be Mulcahy's Hotel in North Melbourne that would ignite Melbourne's line dance scene. Two of those early pioneers were John Bishop & Annie Bradbury.

"If you're game then I am"

Our fondest memory of Brisbane's Bootscooting adolescence was also our most frightening. We were asked to put on a 15 minute demonstration at Brisbane's annual Warana Festival. It was a decision of, if you're game then I am. We couldn't get any other dancers to help on the day so we decided to go it alone.

Into the festival we strolled, Hats, Bolo's, Bootstraps, Bandanna's and all. You can imagine the looks we created. But the real surprise was yet to come. We were not aware that the two of us were to perform in front of a crowd of around 3,000 people.

"Then we are called on stage"

The sheer numbers were enough to scare anyone off let alone the fact it was only two of us performing a style of dancing that was still up till then very unknown. We must have filled the port-a-loo before going on. Then we are called on stage. It's our turn to perform. There's no turning back now.

"I forget the steps"

We commence with something upbeat and fast to set the scene and what do you know they love it. It has to be the hardest demonstration we have ever had to perform. I forget the steps, so Mark performs a quick solo (didn't miss a beat), that's right, I remember how it goes and I join back in for the remainder of the dance. The crowd thought it was part of the act. Ha Ha! We fooled them.

"They took pity on our sweaty, weary bodies and let us go home"

Our fifteen minutes of fame was finally up. We could now leave the stage and return to our very safe dance class and forget it ever happened. Well, that's what we thought. The organisers and crowd demanded more. Two teaches of simple dances and two hours later they took pity on our sweaty, weary bodies and let us go home.

"Maybe this was the breakthrough we needed"

We suddenly knew what adrenaline was because when we got home we realised just what had kept us going. At this point in time we started to see some response to the festival demonstrations. Enquiries were starting to filter through regarding classes etc. Maybe this was the breakthrough we needed. It did help us to create an awareness about Bootscooting but it still had a long way to go. However.....

"Things were about to change"

PERTH

In March 1992 Mark and I moved to Perth, Western Australia. In April that same year we set up a Bootscoot Club called Silver Spurs. Bootscooting was at this stage still very young and relatively unknown.

Groups such as ALD (Sydney) were firmly established but the boom had yet to be experienced, it was some way off. We commenced classes with around 45 dancers and taught this group for free once a week. This enabled us to indulge in Bootscooting and play Country Rock to our hearts content. It also helped promote this form of line dancing.

"Then it happened, Achy Breaky Heart"

In February 1993 we changed our name to Mustangs and decided to get serious about line dancing. A new class was formed with only 6 dancers and this quickly grew to around Forty. Then it happened. At around the same time as a full page editorial and a 10 minute prime time television expose on Bootscooting with the Mustangs, Billy Ray Cyrus released his number one hit song Achy Breaky Heart. 

Suddenly everybody everywhere, wanted to learn "that dance". Leading the charge from old country to new country, the Billy Ray Cyrus smash hit Achy Breaky Heart quickly crossed over to Top 40 radio and spawned its own dance the "Achy Breaky". 

"Bootscooting had arrived"

This one singular action changed the face of Bootscooting forever in Australia. Our classes boomed from 40 dancers to 187 overnight. We could not believe the response. We had people coming out of the woodwork. It was the same all over Australia. We were teaching in halls, car parks, wherever we could fit just one more dancer. Bootscooting had arrived.

Cindy Truelove's Texan Rebel Bootscooters were a big part of the Bootscoot push in WA

"What was all that fuss about"

It had been a long hard climb, people laughing at our admission to liking Country Music, explaining what Bootscooting was. Over the next few months we organised a demonstration team and started to demonstrate wherever possible. What was all that fuss about. People were finally discovering what Geoff Perkins already knew so many years before. Bootscooting was featured on television, radio and newspapers. It definately had arrived.

.

"Today there are hundreds of dance groups around Australia"

The next 12 months was a turbulent time for Bootscooting. From the humble beginnings dancers could see the potential in this new dance craze and decided to break away to form new dance groups. It has in some ways helped to create what Bootscooting is today. Some like ourselves teach full time while others dabble here and there. Today there are hundreds of dance groups around Australia. It was an eye-opening experience to have seen the beginnings of bootscooting in Australia, as humble as they were, to what it has risen to.

Marie & Bill Larson of Gold Coast Bootscooting, Kath MacManamon of Coraperena Linedancers along with Michael Vera-Lobos & Noel Brady of Strictly Linedance, make up just a few, of the many successful line dance groups today!

"I would like to pay tribute to Geoff Perkins"

It is also exceptionally satisfying and gives me a feeling of great pride knowing that I have seen its beginnings in three states of Australia. In closing, I would like to pay tribute to Geoff Perkins who through a love of Bootscooting could see just what fun could be attained through this dance. 

"Be proud of your achievement"

It is unfortunate that Geoff is no longer with us 'god rest his soul'. To Ian Wilby, Ken Wheatley and others that I was lucky enough to know, hats off to you guys and remember we are the Pioneers of the best Toe Tappin, Knee Slappin' & yee-haa'n good times this country has seen. Be proud of your achievement.

Keep your boots nice and shiny,

Keep your smile nice and bright,

Put on your hat and pull on your jeans,

Cause we're going Scootin' tonight.

Trevor Smith 1996

Next Issue: BOOTSCOOT, the complete story of Australia's first Line Dance Manual.

Victoria, ACT, Tasmania, Northern Territory & South Australia's Line Dance History

Information on the Line Dance History of Victoria, ACT, Tasmania, Northern Territory & South Australia would not have been readily available to Trevor in 1986, however through tireless research by Line Dance History Australia, you can now view the entirety of Australia's Line Dance Origins on the LDHA Website - CLICK HERE

Hottest Dances in Victoria this month: Hot Tamales, Loose Boots, Bayou City Twister, Pioneer Waltz, Syncopations, Take It Away, Derringer, Ghost Rider, Mary Lou & Louisiana Hot Sauce.

We continue our series with Carol Fritchie, President of the National Association of Country Western Teachers (NTA) USA, an organisation that has been in Australia for a number of years but still remains relatively unknown. With their motto "Teachers Helping Teachers" the NTA is about to get a significant boost with the appointment of Australian Zone Director David Cheshire from Perth in Western Australia. David joins a diverse range of membership including USA, Canada, UK, Scotland, Holland, Germany, France, New Zealand, Middle East and Japan. Article on Page 9.

David Cheshire (WA), newly appointed NTA Zone Director for Australia and New Zealand recently attended the World Championships in Nashville with wife Sabina. Read David's letter on Page 45.

Hottest Dances in Western Australia this month: Way Out West, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Cha Cha Maria, Ghost Riders, Shoot Out, Bayou City Twister, Bad Girl, Alien Boogie, Plum Crazy & Stray Boots.

Organisers of the upcoming 1997 Longest Line in Tamworth are looking for an additional 50 Marshalls. You can volunteer your local dance group or just yourself. Interested? Contact Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Line Dancers have been out in force this year supporting charity dance events across Australia. Here is some feedback from the organisers of several of those events.

Maryanne Knight, the Fundraising Co-ordinator for the Westhaven Association (caring for the disabled in the Orana region) tells Country Goss' that the huge amount of $10,000 was raised for the Westhaven Association at the Dubbo Bootscooters Ball on the 9th March 1996 with guests coming in from across Australia. Julie Talbot donated her time with a workshop and social whilst Lee Kernaghan offered one lucky dancer the opportunity to meet with him backstage after his latest show.

Cheryl Lang reports on the Autumn Line Dance Spectacular held on the 23rd March 1996 in Hawks Nest, NSW (page 13). The event attracted dancers from Wollongong, Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle, Forster, Taree, Dungog, Singleton, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Raymond Terrace, Karuah and Bulahdelah. Lance Pritchard conducted the Workshop whilst MC and DJ Max Bowen kept the Social fun and fast moving with his electric personality. All proceeds from the event are going towards the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens - Lioness Club & Miss Personality Quest entrant - Miss Darrelyn Russell.

The Warialda "Dance For Life" Marathon was held over the weekend of 29th - 31st March 1996, an initiative of Warialda local Beth Albert to help raise money for the National Heart Foundation. The event raised an impressive $6,263 and will go towards the Heart Foundation's lifesaving research and education programs. Kenneth Harrison, Heart Fund Director for NSW who opened the event said, "The enthusiasm and community minded spirit of the line dancers is just fantastic, we're delighted to have the support of the Warialda wider community". Further events for the Heart Foundation are now in the pipeline.

Elaine Johnson from Dee Why in NSW reports on the recent 7th Bay of Islands Country Music Festival in New Zealand and the many highlights including line dancing in the main street of Kawakawa. Nashville singer songwriter Angela Kaset topped the bill among 60 other acts for the Festival. Read Elaine's letter on Page 45.

Hottest Dances in Queensland this month: Mary Lou, Hot Tamales, Bow Legged Boogaloo, Smokey Places, Ghost Rider, Louisiana Hot Sauce, 2001 BC Coaster, The Beaujolais Waltz, Kickin' Up Dust & Haunted Heart.

The Spirit of Tamworth has nominated the first Sunday in December as "National Bootscootin' Sunday". The idea being that your Club plans a special community event, which may be a visit to a nursing home, a demo at a local park or even a small fundraising event for a local charity. A National Day of Community Service. If you would like further information or inspiration contact Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Thirty-nine females from Southport are currently volunteering to assist Griffith University student Cath Young undertake groundbreaking medical work to help stamp out Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, by undertaking line dance lessons. "Weight bearing exercise like line dancing can stimulate bone mass in healthy individuals who have adequate dietary calcium and Vitamin D" Cath said. The volunteers meet weekly to line dance at the Southport Community Centre. See the article below.

Yvette Flynn & June Johns aka The Hootin' Nanny Grannies are back again with more Travellers Tales from around Australia. Catch up on what they've been up to on Page 35.

The Cochrane family from Wellers Hill in Queensland were excited to let Country Goss' readers know that they were part of a group of 45 that accompanied Terry Hogan of Brisbane Line Dancers on his first country dance tour to Nashville in January this year.

One of the highlights for the Cochrane family was being present for the taping of TNN's Wildhorse Saloon TV Show where many of the group were featured dancing. You can read the family's full letter in The Bushwire.

Do you remember the dance Nada by Mr Eddy May? Well, we had an interesting letter from Eddy's "I'm never going to line dance" son Shane this month. What did he have to say? Read Shane's letter in the Bushwire on Page 47.

Peter Jewel from Upper Caboolture in QLD tells us he has taken on a role with a Canadian Publishing company that supplies every state in the USA and 14 other countries with a "12 volume series" of country dance routines. Peter is now in the process of negotiating for an Australian volume of local choreographies. More of Peter's story on Page 48.

Choreography Correction: In the Home Grown Choreography Section of the (original) May/June 1996 issue of Country Goss', the dance "Lady Luck" choreographed by Rose & Rick Coomber of Country Coyotes in Tasmania, (song by Craig Giles), contained a 4 beat omission in the printing. With the beauty of technology we have now gone back and rectified this error in the on-line version and reprinted the correct version in this issue. Check out "Lady Luck" along with all the latest Home Grown Choreographies on Page 33.

You can't make this stuff up! Country Goss' was at the KICK AM1269 Dance Ranch at St Mary's Band Club in Western Sydney recently to witness the 1st prize draw for a P&O non-transferrable line dance cruise valued at over $5,000. The first draw from the barrel was for 3rd place and was won by a fella who was more than happy with his 3rd place prize as he was off to Nashville at the same time the cruise was on so he wouldn't have been able to go anyway. The 2nd draw for 2nd place was won by another dancer who again was happy with her 2nd place as she too was off to Nashville at the same time as the cruise was on.

Next was the BIG ONE. When the 1st place prize was pulled from the barrel, the young woman who had won could be seen to cover her face with her two hands in total disbelief saying, "I can't believe it, I can't believe it, I've won the holiday of a lifetime.......but I can't take it". Yep, she too was off to Nashville! Re-draw! So, who ended up winning the $5,000 P&O cruise? Well in the end it was won by a visiting couple who were very, very pleased with their win. However, they couldn't resist telling the amused crowd "We've just returned from Nashville"!

The Total Country Challenge was held at the Ourimbah RSL over the weekend of 25th-26th May 1996 with one of the biggest line dance spectaculars ever held on the NSW Central Coast. Last year, the event attracted 61 entries, this year it sky-rocketed to well over 160 entries. We've got two videos below of the Finalists - Peninsula Bootscooters of Sydney. The full results of the Challenge are on Page 18 in Country Goss'.

Joy, Vicki, Julie, Di and Colleen. Vicki choreographed this routine "Big Girls"

Collen Uren, Vicki Sheil and Di Munroe

Also, on the 25th May 1996, Dorothy Ross, Gae McGlashan and the Oasis Country Line Dancers celebrated 2 years of dancing in the Sunraysia District with a memorable workshop and social evening, hosting Julie Talbot and a large group of dancers from Sydney and Melbourne.

Over 300 dancers converged on Mildura for a workshop and fun dance weekend.

Lots more happening in Mildura this year. Gordon Elliott will be in town for a workshop and social on the 27th July 1996. Further details & bookings contact Chris on Ph: 050 230 003.

Hottest Dances in South Australia this month: Smokey Places, Cowgirl Connection, Black Dresses, Rock Around The Clock, Derringer, Footloose (WA Version), Minute Waltz, Country Chorus Line, Gotta Love It & Cowboy Rhythm.

The Spirit of Tamworth reports that next year's (1997) Longest Line will have a new sponsor along with new management. Joe MacManamon has told Country Goss' "The Longest Line belongs to all dancers and next year it will be managed on the day by the line dancers. Apex will look after the donation containers, securing the money for equal share between the Arthritis Foundation and other charities of their choosing".

Just got to love some of the letters to Country Goss'. C Madden of Broadbeach Waters in Queensland writes: "I would have to say unequivocally that Country Goss' is my favourite mag these days and I so look forward to its arrival. In fact, so do all the family............ I was quite surprised this month (May/June 1996) though, to realise how quickly I got through reading it, and after chatting with my family it seems they feel the same that there just doesn't seem to be as much 'meat' this time......." Read the Madden's full letter on Page 48.

Annie Bradbury (QLD) shares this fun video from June 1996 - Yes, that's how it was!

A woman from Oregan USA has died while line dancing. A group of dancers were attempting some variations and wild arm movements to a particular choreography when the woman slipped, hitting her head. A warning has been issued to take care when attempting the dances Texas Swing, Aggie Swing and Rodeo Swing. Yep, it's true. It's all in the Computer Chip Cowboy Report on Page 19!

Hottest Dances in New Zealand this month: Honky Tonk Twist, Hot Tamales, California Cha Cha, Cruisin', Tush Push, Midnight Waltz, Oil Can Slide, Kettles, Cowboy Hand Jive & The Outback.

Like to be a part of "Bootscooting Australia 1997" - an initiative of the Spirit of Tamworth? Put your Club/Group in this quality production capturing the dancing spirit of the nation and become a permanent record of line dancing. The publication will also contain a photo of your group and details of your local community. This will be a non-profit publication and each group will have access to a copy. Further details Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Laraine Spurr (Tasmania) hosted Burnie's inaugural line dance workshop and social with Julie Talbot over the weekend of 1st & 2nd June 1996. LDHA has unearthed this old VCR recording with dancers learning the dance "Walkaway".

Those intrepid travellers Yvette Flynn & June Johns aka The Hootin' Nanny Grannies will be in Bowen over the coming winter months to take on a fund-raising project for the Bowen District Hospital. They have also taken on a new name and logo in preparation for the gig. Find out more on Page 35.

Barbara Kerr of Cowra, NSW, writes "I took a group of my Cowra Bootscooters to Tamworth this year to perform in the Australian Line Dance Championships. I was very proud of them as we finished in the top 10. This was great considering we had been only dancing for just over 12 months. I love your magazine as it is very informative and interesting. Most times I get a laugh at some of the letters. I look forward to receiving Country Goss' as there is not much communication between groups in the country". Read many more letters like Barbara's in the Country Goss' Bushwire starting on Page 41.

Carol Green, Instructor with South Australian Line Dancers, recently celebrated the groups 1st anniversary in Victor Harbour. Classes are held at the Victor Harbour Town Hall each Tuesday at 9.30am, 1.00pm and 7.30pm. For further information contact Bronwyn Heath on 08 281 4767.

Lindsay Ryan reminds us of the 'Chinese whispers' that have crept into line dancing. At a party recently, the crowd jumped up to the sounds of the dance "Norma Jean". Half way through the dance there is a 90-degree turn. Well, you guessed it, half turned right and half turned left - utter confusion! You see, originally the dance turned to the right, but somewhere along the teaching line it had gone left. As Lindsay points out, line dancing is a great way to meet people!

So, just how popular is line dancing throughout Australia? According to Yvette Flynn and June Johns who are travelling Australia with their lawn bowls in the boot, numbers at classes have more than tripled since 1994. So many class options in fact, the lawn bowls haven't left their boot in over 10 months on the road! Read Yvette & June's stories page 35.

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.

Twenty dancers from Victor Harbour in South Australia will be taking part in a huge line dance performance with 200 other dancers at the Royal Adelaide Show on the 6th September 1996. Amongst the Victor Harbour group are three youngsters from Goolwa who attend local classes, they are Mathew Jones and sisters Kahla & Kyra-Ann Carr.

Yes, he's back by popular demand - The Computer Chip Cowboy! Bringing y'all the latest international line dance news including the hottest dances across the USA this month and they include - Ain't Goin' Nowhere, All Shook Up, Alley Cat, Black Dresses, Cruisin, Hot Tamales, Linda Lu, Bear Walk, Tush Push, Walkin' Wazzies, Watermelon Crawl & Waltz Across Texas! Check out all of CCC's gossip and country news on Page 19.

Hottest Dances in Tasmania this month: Fast Lane Dreamer, The Fugitive, Bow Legged Boogaloo, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Mary Lou, Girls Night Out, Dance Ranch Romp, Out Of Control, Tush Push & Footloose.

Did you know that US hat manufacturers such as Stetson, Charlie One Horse, Montana Silversmiths and others were recently bought by the Tokyo based company Hat Bands Inc!

Lots happening in the year ahead. Let's take a look!

11th July 1996: Woolaway Woolshed, Picton NSW. Lee Kernaghan & Col Buchanon. Includes an Aussie banquet. Phone 046 771 379

12th July 1996: Darkes Forest Woolshed, NSW. Shanley Del & Wayne Law. $18. Supper. Bookings 042 943 424.

14th July 1996: Royal Society for the Blind Hall. South Australia. 6pm - 10pm. Ph: 08 263 2925.

20th July 1996: Darkes Forest Woolshed, NSW. Tanya Kernaghan & Mark Shea. Bookings 042 943 424.

20th July 1996: Christmas in July Dance. Anglican Hall, Bowen QLD. 7.30pm - 11.30pm. All proceeds to Bowen Hospital. Details and bookings on 015 724 301.

27th July 1996: Dance Workshop and Social with Gordon Elliott. Mildura. Contact Chris for further details and bookings on 050 230 003.

10th August 1996: KICK am Dance Ranch with Lisa & Janet. Campbelltown Catholic Club. 8pm - 10pm. Enquiries 046 25 0000.

Scooter Lee is touring Australia throughout August 1996 with her Aussie promoter Grizzly Addams (Adam Parker) along with USA dancer and choreographer Jo Brady. Scooter's tour will include the Gympie Muster (QLD). Details below.

In Sydney on a promotional visit, Scooter was a special guest along with many line dance instructors on the Kerrie-Anne Kennerly (KAK) Midday Show performing one of her big hits The Honky Tonk Twist. How many faces do you recognise in the video above?

30th August 1996: Darkes Forest Woolshed, NSW. Slim Dusty. Only Sydney Show. Bookings 042 943 424.

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.

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 supported by Country Goss' - Australia's National Line Dance Magazine. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system - the brain and spinal chord. Your support will help those with the disease.

Taking place within 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 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 September 1996: Merimbula Country Music Festival by the Sea. Sapphire Coast Music Awards, Busking, Line Dancing. Guests include Jane Saunders. Shanley Del, Tanya Kernaghan plus more. Supporting Rescue Helicopter. Further 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.

30th September - 4th October 1996: Mildura's 10th Annual Country Music Festival. Join Julie Talbot and Leonie Smallwood on this 5 day tour. Only $269.00 which includes accommodation, coach travel, breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, free line dancing and country music showcases. Bookings Julie 02 560 0584.

10th - 12th October 1996: Broken Hill Country Music Festival "Silver Boots Award" Linedancing Competition. Further details Alison Robinson on (080) 88 1151 or Jeneane on (080) 87 8324.

12th October 1996: The 1996 Seaside Championships. Pittwater RSL Club, Warriewood, NSW. 15 Categories to choose from Competition commences 11.00am with a Social to follow. Further details Yvonne Hammond & Peninsula Bootscooters 02 9918 8490.

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 - 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.

24th November 1996: Noel Bradey is offering another fabulous line dance cruise aboard P&O Fairstar. 9 nights, prices start at just $990.00. Enjoy the greatest line dance experience afloat. Contact Noel at Gentry Traveland to secure your reservation now on 02 9906 7000 or toll-free 1 800 62 1700.

Hottest Dances in Canberra, ACT this month: Mary Lou, Haunted Heart, Latin Express, Honky Tonk Twist, Cowboy Rhythm, Smokey Places, Tush Push, Bayou City Twister, Bear Walk & Fallsview Rock.

Lots of local choreographies this issue beginning on Page 27 with contributions from: Rick Coomber - TAS; John Sookee - Sydney; Kaye Wotton - Sydney; Annette Treseder - QLD; Jeanette Cartwright - Central Coast; Bev Sandiford - Central Coast; Judi Williams - Port Vila; Melissa Bayer - Vanuatu; Lorraine Rutherford - NSW; Kathy Fry - Vanuatu; Forest Line Dancers - NSW; Rose Coomber - TAS.

We've got some great album reviews and giveaways this month! Hugh Moffatt returns with his first studio album in 4 years - The Life of a Minor Poet (Sony). Hugh has been an avid songwriter for artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Earl Scruggs, Alabama, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. This album is filled with classic tunes that have taken many years to refine and you have the chance to win your own copy.

And who doesn't enjoy Mary Chapin Carpenter with such line dance gems as "I Feel Lucky", "Passionate Kisses" "Down at the Twist and Shout" and "Shut up and Kiss Me". This DVD features all those tracks many, many more and it's yours to win also. Further details on how to win either of these great collections are in your original Country Goss'.

Buckshot is one of Australia's most respected and consistent country music bands and have been entertaining crowds and line dancers with a mix of great country tunes, old and new, from Patsy Cline to Dwight Yoakam to Johnny Cash. Founded by the honey-voiced singer and rhythm guitarist Jon Kirk, all the way from St Louis, Missouri, Buckshot have just released their new album "Shot to the Heart". We've got two copies to give away to 2 luck readers. Full details in Country Goss'.

We also have a copy of the Hottest Linedances Video to give away! Featuring 5 fun dance routines from beginner through to advanced including Bartender Stomp, Sleazy Cowboy, Linda Lu, Cadillac Ranch & Girls Night Out. You'll find all the details for this giveaway in this issue of Country Goss'.

If you're after line dance sheets, Mustangs have the Book of Dance Volumes 1 & 2 featuring over 120 dances! Pay by credit card. Details above.

Other teaching aids available include Line Dancing with The Best with Tracie Lee, Mark Simpkin, Terry Hogan and Simon Ward - 7 fun dances.

Cindy Truelove is offering a veritable treasure trove of instructional material. Full details above.

ABC and EMI release Line Dancing Especially for the Family with original music by Bootscootin' Bob, Tammy Worth and the Australian Bootscootin' Band and instruction by Julie Talbot. Two sections to this CD - Part 1 contains several line dances with music to dance to whilst Part 2 is the instructional section of the CD. Dances for the family include The Impatient Cowboy, Haunted Heart, Bear Walk, Waltz Across Texas and more!

"WOTS HOT IN OZ & NZ" takes a look at Australia's and New Zealand's most popular dances with contributions from Chris Black, Mark & Trevor Smith, Julie Briggs, Julie Talbot, Sharon & Dail Platz, Rodney Thomas, Geoff Payne, Bill Chapman and Sharee Parnell. All on Page 39 in Country Goss'.

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 July/August 1996? The dances from this period were many and varied highlighting the abundance of choreographies available to Instructors and dance clubs.

"Three dances stand out"

However a quick read through Wots Hot in OZ & NZ and you will find 3 stand outs - Bayou City Twister (choreographer unknown) to the song Dance by Twister Alley. Ghost Riders, choreographed by Gordon Elliott & Mark Harding (AUS) to Ghost Riders in the Sky by Tornado, and Hot Tamales choreographed by Neil Hale (USA) to Country Down to My Soul by Lee Roy Parnell. Any of these dances would get you on the dance floor in OZ & NZ!

We've got the video clips to all three dances below along with the dance sheets compliments of Div's Line Dancing Directory Volume 2.

Bayou City Twister - Twister Alley's Dance.

Ghost Rider - Tornado's Ghost Riders in the Sky.

Hot Tamales - Lee Roy Parnell's Country Down to My Soul.

Before we go, did you know that it is now 30 years ago to the day that a certain song and dance exploded onto the worldwide dance scene that saw us writhing and jumping like never before!! One of the biggest line dance tunes of the century had us putting one arm out, then the other, then onto our heads, onto our shoulders, around our hips, a wiggle wiggle then jump and do it all again! Know it? Of course you do!

"The Macarena" by Spanish duo Los Del Río just hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100, launching one of the most infectious musical pieces not seen or heard since Billy Ray Cyrus' Achy Breaky Heart. Los Del Río, consisting of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruíz Perdigones, originally recorded "The Macarena" as a traditional flamenco piece in 1993.

The song was inspired by a flamenco dancer whom the duo met in Venezuela. However, it wasn't until the Miami-based Bayside Boys created a dance remix that incorporated English lyrics and a more pop-friendly arrangement that the song found its path to international stardom. The song's simple four-step dance routine is as recognizable as the song itself.

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

Bye.