LONG?BEACH Decked out in blue jeans, boots, and cowboy hats, a group of about 12 dancers shuffle step, grapevine, and Charleston their way through a number of uniquely named dances including the Tush Push, Watermelon Crawl, and Boot Scoot Boogie at the Long Beach Grange. The sound of cowboy boots shuffling and stomping along the aged wood floor can be heard over the upbeat southern twang coming from a small CD player. 

Linda Raaymakers stands at the front of the group moving right along with the beat and calling out some of the moves to the more intricate dances. Even though shes taught the class for about three years now, calling out the moves is often the toughest part of teaching. Sometimes my mouth still doesnt cooperate, she says while taking a breather inbetween dances. 

Raaymakers first got involved with line dancing about five years ago when she saw an ad for a class in Ilwaco. It was something Ive always wanted to try, she says. She soon joined with her mother, Mary Kay Ramage, and says, We fell in love with it. My mom and I just adore it. 

After dancing for a few years, the class ended. After going about eight months without dancing, Raaymakers and a few others from the class decided they would start their own line dancing group.  Ill get a place to dance if you bring the music, she remembers discussing with friends. Originally there was going to be no instruction and just dancing, but new members quickly joined the group who needed to learn the dances so Raaymakers took on the role of instructor. Three years later, the group has grown from about four or five people to over 15 with about 60 dances in the groups repertoire. 

Raaymakers learns the choreographed dances for old and new country songs from videos on YouTube and then brings them to the group to learn. She says teaching the dances and breaking them down into manageable sections for the group to learn is something that comes naturally to her. 

On top of being a lot of fun and a time to socialize, line dancing can also be physical. As other members can attest, Its excellent exercise, says Raaymakers. I walk out of here after three hours and I literally have to go shower! 

The group meets every Thursday except the fourth Thursday of each month at the Long Beach Grange. Raaymakers teaches three different classes: Beginners meet from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., intermediates meet from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the couples class is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Raaymakers just started the couples class about a month ago and is looking for more people to join. The cost is $3 per person or $3 per couple and you can stay for as many classes as you please. Raaymakers says, You just have to have a love for music.

As a part of the Long Beach Rodeo festivities, a dance is scheduled for Saturday, July 30, at the Long Beach Grange. A free line dancing class will be offered from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a live band will play from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on the weekly line dancing group, call Raaymakers at 360-783-2389.