Boot-scooting into fitness

BY HELENA KNUTSON

Marketing Executive

Two-stepping and line dancing are a big part of Stephenville's life and culture. For some, it's a hobby, and for others, it's their way of taking part in the college experience.

Claire Romo, a freshman statistics major, was hanging out with her friends after teaching her yoga class and decided it would be a good idea to play some line dance music.

“I teach three yoga classes a week, and after class, my friends were like… ‘Oh, let's put on some line dancing music,’ and then we were like, ‘Okay, time to teach a line dancing class, that would be fun,’” Romo said.

For many Tarelton students, their Tuesdays are spent at Twisted J Live, a concert venue and college bar commonly known as “The Twist,” where they two-step and line dance the night away. For most students, line dancing can be a way to get out and immerse themselves in the small-town college experience.

“(I) like being able to go and dance with friends,” Romo said. “Just being able to have fun with them has been so much; it's been a big good stress reliever.”

For many people, line dancing was not something that was done often, but when you come to a town like Stephenville, getting out of your comfort zone is the way to be a part of the culture.

Mackenzie Duggin, a junior nursing major, has never really been into the dance scene but thinks that this new edition to Tarleton’s Recreation Center is a good way for more students to get involved.

“I’m not a huge line dancer, but I know a lot of my friends and sorority sisters enjoy it, and it's a great way for them to get out of their dorm or apartment and have some fun,” Duggin said. “I think it's really cool that they added the class to the Rec.”

Line dancing isn't only great for getting out and meeting new people – it's also a great way for students to stay active.

“A lot of students are like, ‘Oh, I don't want to go and work out and stuff.’ Or it’s like, ‘Oh I'm so busy with class.’ I'm like, ‘Okay, well, I know y'all like dancing on Tuesday. Why not throw it in on Wednesdays?’” Romo said.

Karson Pribble, a sophomore agriculture education major, thinks line dancing is a fun and interactive exercise for students.

“I think it's a beneficial way to work out and have fun, and you can use (it) in other places. I think it's a fun idea to get your cardio and exercise in while interacting with other people,” Pribble said.

Line dancing classes at the Rec. start Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. 

Along with line dancing classes, Romo, along with several other trainers, have fun workout classes. Some fan favorites are glutes and abs, cycling and pilates. You can sign up for these classes and more on the Tarleton Campus Recreation app.