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

Line dancers across the nation extend their congratulations to Trevor Smith from Western Australia who this year celebrates 10 years (1986 - 1996) of line dancing in Australia.

One of Australia's original ambassadors of line dancing, you can read Trevor's first hand account of Australia's Line Dance History in the upcoming July/August 1996 edition of Country Goss'.

We kick off this issue with a fun piece from WIN NEWS and the young dancers of Toowoomba Queensland from late 1995.

Thank you to Amanda Beutel for this slice of TV history.

Now, ask anyone who has ever competed at the Australian Line Dance Championships in Tamworth about the effort involved and most don't know where to start, especially if they are part of a large group - the uniforms, the routine, the extensive training, how do we get there, where do we all stay? The time and effort involved is exhaustive and usually falls to the Club's Instructor.

Well, this year the work of Instructors is to be acknowledged by the Spirit of Tamworth with all Instructors of current Champions, from all 15 sections of the Championships, to receive their own Gold Medal. Presentations will take place on the 30th June 1996 at the spectacular "Tamworth on Parade" show at the State Sports Centre in Homebush with a 5 hour show complete with a huge dance floor.

All Adult ticket holders will also receive a free double compilation CD of all the artists in the show. In addition to this, all Champions from previous years together with their Instructors, are invited to order Gold Medals retrospectively. Enjoy the 1996 Champions as they dance on stage to live music. You will find all the details along with much more Tamworth news on page 9 in the magazine.

As a follow up to Tamworth on Parade 1996, put this one in your diary for next year:

26th & 27th July 1997: The All States Country Music Festival presents 2 days of country music and line dancing at Homebush Bay in NSW supporting the Arthritis Foundation.

The itinerary for this event will be as follows:-

Saturday 26th July 1997:

9am: Australia Wide Junior Talent Quest,

5.30pm: The Sydney Longest Line,

6.00pm: Free Sausage Sizzle,

7.00pm: Line Dance Social Cabaret in the Sports Centre.

Dance floor capacity estimated at 3,000. There will be 80 tables of 12 for sale.

Sunday 27th July 1997:

10.00: Junior Winners on Parade,

1.30pm: The 7th Tamworth on Parade Spectacular.

Further details and bookings phone or fax Joe MacManamon on 067 664 107.

Bookings and further details Alltogether Entertainment Phone/Fax: 07 3893 0931

Pandarra Trading Company - Country Western World. Pandarra offer everything imaginable for the urban cowboy and cowgirl. Grab a taste of Texas at 96 Oxford St Darlinghurst or try their mail order service to anywhere in Australia. Ph: 02 361 5785 or Fax: 02 361 6812.

Noel Bradey is offering another fabulous line dance cruise this year aboard P&O Fairstar. Departing 24th November 1996 for nights, prices start at just $990.00. Line dance workshops daily, social activities and sightseeing. 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.

"To go or not to go" writes Lindsay Ryan "No not yet, wait, hang on, now, oops! Ever seen a dance get under way where half the gang have started and the others have been taught to start at a different spot - utter confusion! The solution......?" Read Lindsay's narrative on page 40.

Lyndsay Ryan also tells us he has all the original line dance sheets from way back before the Marlboro Man was cool including - Bus Stop, Carwash, Electric Slide, Hands Up, Madison, New Yorker, Night Fever, Washington...... Lyndsay, you might have your own Country Goss' column soon!!

Our thoughts go out to Tom Pritchard of Sydney who earlier this year suffered a massive stroke. On being released from hospital wheelchair bound, Tom wanted nothing more than to just get on with his life as best he could. Recently, enjoying himself with dance friends at the Vinegar Hill Woolshed in Western Sydney, thieves broke into his house and stole a lifetime of possessions. He wasn't insured. But in the true fashion of Aussie mateship, Lance Pritchard (no relation) has organised a social function for later this year to raise money on Tom's behalf. To offer your support and to obtain further details, contact Lance on 02 896 8662.

Country Goss' has been contacted by Carol Fritchie, President of The National Association for Country Western Dance Teachers (NTA) USA after receiving a copy of the magazine from a local Instructor. The NTA is the oldest and most established country western dance teachers' association in the world with Instructor representation in the USA, Canada, England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Japan. With strong interest in American dance organisations, accreditation standards etc, Carol explains the universal role of NTA, it's principles and executive make-up. Additional information will follow in future issues. NTA is currently seeking Zone Directors for Australia. We hope you find this article (on Page 15) of interest.

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.

Lots of interesting Letters to the Editor this issue including this excerpt above from Mark Smith, Principal of Mustangs Bootscooters in Perth, WA. Mark responds to recent criticisms of the Tamworth Competitions.

Also, Rosalynne Giles, wife and manager of Australian performer Craig Giles, comments on another hot topic - the interaction between dancers and performers at live shows. Both contributors offer sound observations. See their letters on pages 43 & 45.

Oasis Country Line Dancers celebrate their 2nd Year in Mildura with upcoming Workshops and Socials featuring Julie Talbot & Gordon Elliott.

Pied Piper Music for all your latest line dance CD's tapes & videos at the cheapest prices. Stacks of CD's or tapes with seven line dances on each one. Compare our prices! Mail orders especially welcome. Phone Frank Drewes on 02 869 8740 or 018 234 486.

What are the most popular dances in the USA at the moment? Computer Chip Cowboy tells us that in Florida it's The Roaring 20's Boogie, Diamond Back Stomp, Lonestar Bump, Snake Oil and Cruisin'. In New York its Going Once Going Twice whilst in Northern California its Crazy Legs, Go Go Stomp, Silk 'n' Satin, Black Dresses along with a "HOT Aussie export". So which Aussie danced has cracked the USA in 1996? It's on page 7.

Who doesn't love a good ol' line dance love story? It was 3 years ago (1993) that Paul Brazier was on the dance floor of the Arizona Cowboy Bar struggling with a line dance routine when he unintentionally attracted the attention of Susan who offered to help him with the dance steps. He was immediately smitten. However, it wouldn't be until the following week while listening to the music of DJ Robyn Skinner that Paul was able to sum up the courage and ask Susan for her phone number. She happily gave it to him creating a moment that would go down in line dance "love story" history! Paul and Susan recently tied the knot with a garden wedding surrounded by family and a few of their line dance friends. And their special song for the bridal waltz? It was George Strait's - I Cross My Heart. Here it is below.

It's nearly Gympie Muster time again. For more information on the Muster which runs from 23rd - 25th August 1995 contact the Info Hot Line on 074 822 427.

"It's not easy being a line dancer..." writes Gai Allomes from Westlakes Linedancers, "...there's all those dances to learn and just when you think you have caught up with the latest, your instructor throws in an old one........however when you are on the floor pondering your many thoughts.....you have actually forgotten all your worries.....". Read Gai's full letter on page 39.

With Sydney's Royal Easter Show taking place in April 1996, Hellen Waller, Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) representative, invited over 3,000 line dancers to Moore Park to entertain the crowds throughout the Show. The gesture serving as a fitting tribute to the enormous popularity of line dancing worldwide. In the lead-up to the event, over 450 of those dancers arrived on set of the Kerrie-Anne Kennerly Midday Show on Channel 9 for the promotion. Above is the amazing video. The dancers snaked from the Studio all the way out to the Channel 9 car park!

This was the second last Easter Show to take place at the historic Moore Park site before moving to the Sydney Olympic Park Precinct at Homebush Bay in 1998. Sydney's Royal Easter Show has been at Moore Park since 1882. But what is an Easter Show without a visit to the Great Hall of Showbags. Which is your favourite from the selection below?

Dubbo's Bootscooters Ball and Workshop raised in excess of $10,000 for the Westhaven Association in February this year. Organiser Mary Anne Knight extends a very big thank you to everybody who travelled from near and far to be part of this great weekend.

Vivienne Stanbury from Drovers/Goodna Line Dancing in Queensland reports that the Goodna RSL Line Dancers travelled to New Zealand recently to compete in the NZ Masters Games to defend the Over 50 Years Gold and Under 50 Years Gold Titles won last year. Eight teams from Brisbane made the trip to NZ, with Goodna successful in defending their Over 50 Years Title and picking up a Bronze in the Under 50's. Well done!

Line Dancing every Friday night at Darkes Forest Woolshed. $8 includes supper. Country Line Dancing, all new country music releases, fully licensed. Phone 042 943 424.

David Kosh, turned up at the Harold Park Hotel in Sydney in April 1996 with his family in tow to try line dancing and promote healthy, economical activities as part of his TV show "Your Money and Your Life". An exhausted David got a good healthy workout and we know that at just $5 a class, he was economically impressed! See the video above.

Peter's Printing - Quality Screen Printing - T Shirts - Polo Shirts - Club & Competition Shirts and Sloppy Joes. No order too small. We'll help you with your design and artwork. Call now for your no obligation free quote on 02 452 2085.

The whiskey drinkin', boot slappin', moustache twirling Computer Chip Cowboy is back once again with more interesting dance news from around the world. CCC tells us that a feature dance spot has been arranged on the popular TNN Cable Wildhorse Saloon Dance TV Show for the Aussie dancers who are going to Fan Fair in Nashville June 1996. This will be the first time that Aussies have been featured. Like to know which Aussie choreography has now cracked the USA? Then head on over to CCC's column on Page 7 and find out along with more international dance news!

Lots of events happening in the year ahead. Let's have a look at a few!

10th, 11th & 12th May 1996: The All Australian Choreographed Line Dances Annual Ball & Workshops at the Tenterfield Memorial Hall. There will be 3 categories to the competition. Category 1: Australian choreographed to Australian music. Category 2: Australian choreographed to other country music. Category 3: Australian choreographed Line and as partnered to any country music. Entries close 26th April 1996. Special guest Pixie Jenkins. Further details phone Lesley on 076 843 435.

Country Connection - The Australian Legend in Jeans Wear. Bootcut Jeans in Black Denim and Indigo Blue. Three Western or Stockman Style Shirts, Blue or Black Denim. Agents in NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, TAS, QLD and WA. Contact Lace on 015 281 927.

11th May 1996: Charity Bootscootin' Night for "Bear Cottage" at Manly Fisho's Club 7pm. Cost is $8.00 and you will be supporting the kids at The New Children's Hospital. Details Barry on 018 610 673.

16th - 18th May 1996: Two day CWDI Judges Workshop with Charlotte Skeeters plus Australia's second fully sanctioned CWDI Line Dancing Competition at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Further enquiries with Ralf on 0411 117 910. Bookings essential.

17th May 1996: ALD will be hosting their May Round-Up at the Petersham Town Hall. Great dance floor. 8pm to midnight, tickets can be purchased at the door. Further details in the mag.

19th May 1996: Royal Society for the Blind Hall. SA. 6pm - 10pm. Ph: 08 263 2925.

TONITE WE RIDE - Premier Line Dance Concept Band - Country Rock Musicians catering specifically for Line Dancers. Available for parties, socials, clubs and corporate functions. Bookings and Enquiries Phone: 043 41 7110 and 043 68 2911 or Fax: 043 89 6998

25th May 1996: Northside Linedancers - Partner Dance Workshop plus Social. All the latest dances. Golden Ridge Farm, Dural. Workshop 3pm and Social 7.30pm with Carl Sullivan. Carl also offers classes at Asquith, Berowra, Pennant Hills, Hornsby, Waitara, Dural, Cherrybrook, Cheltenham, Normanhurst, St Ives, Castle Hill & Blacktown. Contact Carl on 02 489 2367.

25th May 1996: Oasis Country Line Dancers celebrate 2 years in the Sunraysia district, with a Dance Party & Workshop featuring Julie Talbot. Chaffey College in Mildura. Bookings and Enquiries Dorothy Ross 23 0635 or Gae McGlashan 23 1312.

25th & 26th May 1996: Ourimbah Line Dancers will be hosting the Total Country Challenge at the Ourimbah RSL. With $2000 in prize money up for grabs, this promises to be the biggest line dancing event ever held on the NSW Central Coast. Phone 018 023 018.

31st May 1996: Join Gordon Elliott at the Woolaway Woolshed in Picton for a "Gala Dance Night" with an Aussie banquet included. 7pm - 11.45pm. Phone 046 771 379.

Line Dancing Socials every Monday Night with Lisa & Janet at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. Learn the latest dances from 7-8pm and then solid dancing from 8-10pm. Beginners classes every Thursday 10am-12pm and 7-9pm. Details 046 250 000.

1st - 6th June 1996: Bootscootin' The Great Barrier Reef. Line dance your way through the beautiful Whitsunday Passage - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Endless dancing in idyllic locations with some of Australia's premier line dance Instructors. Check out Country Goss' for prices and all other inclusions or phone Traveland on 1800 654 899 Toll Free.

1st June 1996: Line Dance Ball at Darkes Forest Woolshed. $28 includes sumptuous dinner. Phone 042 943 424.

1st - 2nd June 1996: Tasmania's Inaugural Line Dance Festival at the Burnie Civic Centre.

With Tasmania gearing up for its first ever Line Dance Festival over the weekend of the 1st - 2nd June 1996, Burnie's Advocate Newspaper was out and about and caught up with Laraine Spurr to find out more about this bootscoot craze! Laraine and the Mountain Maverick Line Dancers are welcoming all dancers to the Burnie Civic Centre for a weekend of workshops, dancing and fun. The event will culminate with a gala dance evening.

2nd June 1996: The Hunter Valley Line Dancing Association extends an invitation to compete at the Hunter Valley Line Dancing and Regional Championships at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton. Further details 049 688 500. Entries close 10th May 1996.

2nd June 1996: SE Regional & ACT Line Dancing Carnival. Queenbeyan Showground ACT. 10am - 4pm. $5 entry. Phone 06 239 6212.

8th - 9th June 1996: Town and Country Line Dancers and Associates present the 1996 Gold Coast Line Dancing Competition with total money and trophies in excess of $2500.00. The event will take place at Helensvale High School. Proceeds donated to The Leukaemia Foundation. For more details phone Frank & Margaret Parrish on 07 5573 3518.

Grizzly Adams - Country's Hottest DJ. The best in Country Rock, 50's & 60's Rock & Roll. Phone 018 405 543.

8th June 1996: Illawarra Regional Line Dance Championships and Australian Open Line Dance Choreography Championship. Yallah Woolshed, NSW. Phone 018 420 540.

8th - 10th June 1996: Tamworth Bootscooters will be hosting the Tamworth and National Golden Boot Line Dancing Awards and Championships at the Tamworth & District Workmens Club Auditorium. Details 046 771 379.

22nd - 23rd June 1996: Stetsons Texas Line Dancing are holding a Bootscooting Camp at the Fort Largs Police Academy in Adelaide, South Australia with special guest Cindy Truelove. Contact Barb or Michael on 08 381 7150.

30th June 1996: Tamworth on Parade at the State Sports Centre, Homebush NSW in support of the Arthritis Foundation. Tickets through Outback Music 1800 621 601.

11th July 1996: Lee Kernaghan and Col Buchanon at Wool Away Woolshed in Picton. Banquet included. Bookings essential. Phone 046 771 379.

14th July 1996: Royal Society for the Blind Hall. SA. 6pm - 10pm. $5.00. Ph: 08 263 2925.

Scooter Lee will be in Australia throughout August 1996 appearing at the Gympie Muster and also travelling to a town near you. For Bookings or Enquiries contact Adam Parker on 018 405 543. Tour dates below:

Scooter's Australian tour dates:

2nd Aug: Yallah Woolshed, Wollongong

3rd Aug: Wonderland, Western Sydney

4th Aug: Hamilton RSL, Newcastle

7th Aug: Gosford City Bowl, Gosford

9th Aug: West Tamworth Leagues Club

10th Aug: Wonderland, Western Sydney

11th Aug: Melbourne (Vicaro's)

16th Aug: Marrara, NT (Fonzies)

17th Aug: Henley Beach, SA (Peter Heath)

24th Aug: Gympie Muster, QLD

29th Aug: Wenty Leagues Club, Sydney

30th Aug: Canberra, ACT

31st Aug: Perth, WA (Mustangs)

23rd - 25th August 1996: Gympie Muster QLD. Guests include Scooter Lee, Gina Jeffries and Slim Dusty.

15th - 26th September 1996: The Norfolk Island Line Dancing Festival is on once again. Presented by Norfolk Island Experts, Instructors from New Zealand and Australia will lead you on a week of exciting activities including workshops for beginners, intermediate and advanced plus 3 big theme nights - Bootscoot the Bounty, Convict Theme Night and Gala Bootscootin' Boogie Night. Further details/bookings 1800 643 126 Toll Free.

27th - 29th September 1996: Drovers Line Dancers & Goodna RSL Services Club in Queensland 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.

1st - 3rd November 1996: Cindy Truelove is hosting the 2nd Annual Sandgroper Stomp in Perth, Western Australia 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: Big Rivers Line Dancers in Grafton, NSW present Grafton's first annual "Jacaranda Bootscooting Ball and Line Dancing Competition" at the Grafton District Services Club. The Ball will take place on the Friday evening with the Competitions on the Saturday and Workshops on the Sunday. Entries close 19th October. Further details 066 42 5251.

24th November 1996: Line Dancing at Sea with Noel Bradey aboard P&O's funship - the Fairstar. 9 nights with prices starting from just $990.00pp. Phone Noel at Gentry Traveland on 02 9906 7000.

LET IT ROCK - Direct importers of Western Shirts, Bolos, Bandanas, Buckles, Spurs, Ties, and the largest range of Western Boots in the country. Shop P137 Centrepoint Sydney or phone 02 231 4640.

Yes, we've got some terrific album reviews and giveaways this month! Shanley Del has just released the 4th single from her debut album "What's A Heartache For". The single Wild About You is an absolute live rollicking blues favourite.

It comes hot on the heels of 3 of her previous hits I Don't Wanna Talk About Love, How Long and Rear View Mirrors, which were all line dance favourites. Listen to the track below and then check out the mag to be in the running to win this great CD.

FREE Bootscootin' every Sunday 1pm - 5pm. Harold Park Hotel, 115 Wigram Road, Glebe. Why not eat at Harold's Bar & Grill while you're there! Ph: 02 692 0564.

Hailed as Australia's first country music supergroup, The Wheel consists of the cream of Australian country music musicians. The band's debut self-titled album was released at the end of 1995 which saw them win the prestigious Golden Guitar Award at this year's Country Music Awards. Some of the most spirited, rootsy and real country music you are ever going to hear. To win a copy of this album, head on over to the original Country Goss'.

Multi Award winning Australian performer and favourite amongst the line dancers is singer/songwriter Craig Giles. Craig now boasts 4 original line dance choreographies to his music - Outback Man, Lady Luck, Sweetheart and The Ambush - All 4 of which are re-printed below. Craig's music style spans ballads, country, country rock, rockabilly and rock & roll, making him one of the most sought-after entertainers in the industry. Here's a great live video (below) of Lady Luck.

See additional Home Grown Choregraphies beginning on Page 23. With contributions from: Victor Watts - Picton; Deborah Richards - NSW; Peter Callaghan - NSW.

Some more great giveaways. For the kids there is "Line Dancing Especially for Kids". Eight very popular children's dance favourites such as Bootscootin' Boogie, Cotton Eye Joe, Yippy Ti Yi Yo, Mercury Blues, Boys from the Bush and lots more. With full instructions, your kids will love it!

But if it is something more visual you're after, then there's the instructional video Hottest Linedances. Both of these are yours to win. Full details in Country Goss'.

"WOTS HOT AROUND OZ" is now back as WOT'S HOT IN OZ & NZ and takes a look at Australia and New Zealand's most popular dances with contributions from Chris Black, Mark & Trevor Smith, Rose Coomber, Larraine Spurr, Liz Collett, Julie Talbot, Sharon & Dail Platz, Rodney Thomas, Geoff Payne, Shari Parnell and NZ's Bill Chapman. What dances were you doing in class 30 years ago? You'll find all the answers on Page 46.

Mark and Trevor Smith (Australia's ORIGINAL line dance pioneers) from Mustangs Bootscoot, WA, have put together two exceptional volumes of line dances. Each volume includes dances of all levels plus fun partner dances. A listing of all the dances in each of the Volumes - 64 & 69 respectively, are available on request at 09 457 8380.

Dorothy Furhagen Fashion Accessories - A large data base of Hats and Caps for Sports, Themes, Military and Leisure including Oilskin, Outback & Line Dancing Hats as well as Bolo's and Ties. Furhagen Country Collection - Head Office on Enridge Road Burraloo. Phone: 02 2991957 or Fax: 02 262 4470.

Now, Golden Oldie Time. It may be 2026 now, but do you remember what song you were singing and dancing to 30 years ago in May/June 1996? According to Country Goss' and Wots Hot in OZ & NZ, one dance clearly stood out.

Bear Walk choregraphed by Lydia Stephenson of the USA. Initially choreographed to Come On Back by Carlene Carter, the dance gained Australian prominence with the song This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet by Diamond Rio when it was performed at the 1995 Tamworth Line Dance Championships by Bill Larson and Nigel Mooney.

We've republished the fun dance video above (click on the pic) with Bill and Nigel along with the Step Sheet courtesy of Div's Line Dancing Directory.

Before we go, did you know that one of line dancing's biggest hits "Bootscootin' Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn was first recorded by the band Asleep At The Wheel for their 1990 album Keepin' Me Up Nights and becoming a big hit for the band. Brooks and Dunn however, would take it to the next level in 1992 propelling "Bootscootin' Boogie" into the line dance stratosphere!

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.