Boot scooting footloose fun

By Sheree Hoddinett  

Long gone are the days where line dancing was seen as an activity for the older members of the community. Enter the Bootscootin’ Bash, a chance for movers and shakers of all ages and abilities to polish those fancy boots or dancing shoes, limber up those legs and showcase all of your boot-tastic toe-tapping action. 

On Friday May 9, the Morayfield Sport & Events Centre (MSEC) will become a hive of activity for the first ever Bootscootin’ Bash event. Whether you’re a line dancing pro or a newbie looking to learn a few moves, head along for a night full of dancing fun, as well as delicious food trucks, exciting games and awesome prizes. 

The line dancing will be led by founder of Footloose Fun, Claire Harris, who can’t wait to share some smooth moves with the community.  

“In Australia, more and more places are jumping onboard the trend to get some boot scooting happening in their community,” Claire said. “I was delighted when the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre (MSEC) reached out asking if I'd be keen to work with them to host a boot scooting event. The answer was an immediate yes!” 

If you’re thinking line dancing is just something for those deemed a little bit ‘older’, think again! 

“Across the past year, the popularity of country music has exploded, which has had a positive knock-on effect to the popularity of line dancing,” Claire said. “Line dancing is starting to be seen as a great activity for all ages - which it is - rather than something which is reserved for senior citizens only.” 

Claire’s foray into the world of line dancing started back in 2022, when she co-founded Hoedowns for Country Towns, a boot scooting road trip around Australia running line dance events, bringing rural communities together and raising money for rural charities. Claire then founded Footloose Fun following this trip after seeing the way line dancing brought people together in a fun and inclusive way. 

“The Bootscootin Bash is the perfect opportunity for anyone to come along and give line dancing a go, even those with two left feet,” Claire said. “I'll be sure to teach in an upbeat way, where enjoyment is always more important than getting the steps correct. We're expecting a great crowd of all ages, so gather the crew and head on down for a not-to-be-missed night.” 

Don’t worry, it’s not all about those crooning country tunes either! 

“I'll be teaching beginner dances to a variety of songs on the night - we'll be dancing to country classics, as well as 80s bangers, 90s hits, nostalgic noughties and today's chart toppers,” Claire said. “You certainly don't have to be a country music fan to enjoy this event!”  

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery is getting behind the event encouraging everyone to head along to the Bootscootin’ Bash and connect with other members of the community in a welcoming and lively environment.  

“The Bootscootin’ Bash is the perfect opportunity to throw your country boots on for a night of line dancing and is suitable for the whole family,” Mayor Flannery said. “The low-cost event will be led by line dancing experts and welcomes all beginner toe-tappers to join the western-themed fun.” 

Along with line dancing lessons, there will be games, face painting and of course prizes for those who adorn themselves with the best-looking country outfits.  

For those interested in connecting further with Claire, she also runs regular classes in Northgate, Brisbane and is also available to teach at private functions and community events.  

Don’t miss all the fun of the Bootscootin’ Bash on Friday May 9 from 6pm-10.30pm at the Morayfield Sport & Events Centre, 298 Morayfield Road, Morayfield. For tickets, visit https://1122.sles.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/147729