Brussels Agricultural Society finds success with line-dancing nights
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
What began as a simple suggestion for a barn dance has blossomed into one of the Brussels Agricultural Society’s (BAS) most successful and talked-about community events in recent memory. Inspired by the energy of new society member Sharon Loveridge, a weekly line dancing program has not only taken off, it has drawn people from all over the region into the rhythm of an easygoing night out.
Hosted at the Four Winds Barn, the series has brought together a rotating mix of friends, neighbours and newcomers for evenings of movement, music and fellowship. There are no performances, no judgment and no pressure to get every step right, just a shared willingness to take part.
BAS Secretary Rosie Kellington remembers the moment the idea took shape. “Sharon had said something about maybe doing a barn dance,” said Kellington. “We thought, well, why not have line dancing in the weeks leading up to it?” The idea quickly gained traction within the society, with members warming to the notion of a regular, low-pressure event that could get people up and moving after a long winter.
At first, finding a venue proved a bit of a challenge. But that changed when Kaitlyn Pipe, manager of Four Winds Barn, and Floral “Cookie” Morton, the owner, offered up the space. Kellington said the gesture made the entire project possible.
“They just said, ‘Bryan would have loved this,’” Kellington recalled, referring to Cookie’s late husband. “They offered us the whole barn at a very reasonable rate. We were so grateful, we actually offered to pay them more than they asked.”
With a space secured, the society set about getting the word out. Initial hopes were modest. “We thought if we could get maybe 50 people coming out, we’d be thrilled,” said Kellington. But the response quickly surpassed expectations. On some nights, the barn has welcomed as many as 76 participants, with most returning week after week.
Kellington noted that guests have come from well beyond Brussels. “We’ve had people from Stratford, Mitchell, Monkton, Teeswater and Listowel,” she said. “It’s not just a local thing. It’s really struck a chord.”
The atmosphere each Thursday night has been consistently warm and welcoming. Attendees range in age from as young as eight to well into their eighties. “It really is for everyone,” said Kellington. “Some come for a girls’ night out. Some are using it as a date night. And some are new to the area, just trying to meet people and get involved in something.”
To make sure no one feels left out, the society has introduced a second class upstairs in the barn for beginners. This slower-paced session gives newcomers a chance to learn the steps at a comfortable speed and includes one-on-one instruction from volunteers.
“We’ve had great instructors step up, just from within the community,” said Kellington. “We didn’t even have to ask twice.” She highlighted Mackenzie Terpstra, Lauren Shiell, Leanne Exel, Josie Nicholson and Emma Jackson as the volunteer teachers who have helped make the program both fun and accessible. “They’ve done an excellent job of sharing their skills in a fun and modern way.”
That blend of new faces, returning dancers and enthusiastic teaching seems to be part of a larger trend. “Line dancing is becoming very popular again,” Kellington noted. “Younger people are getting into it, and for others, it brings back fond memories of taking lessons years ago.”
While the main goal has been community building, the program also helps fund the Brussels Fall Fair, which remains at the heart of the society’s efforts throughout the year. “We think it looks good when we try to raise our own money,” said Kellington. “We call it FUNdraising with a capital F-U-N.”
The current series will wrap up on Thursday, April 24. That final evening is set to include a celebration and a chance for participants to offer feedback on how the sessions have gone. Looking ahead, the BAS is also planning a euchre night for Tuesday, April 29. They are also turning their attention to expanded programming for seniors. This year’s Brussels Fall Fair will include a new Seniors’ Section, which will feature events specifically for participants aged 80 and older.
The Brussels Agricultural Society meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Brussels Library, and new members are always welcome.
As the line dancing nights wind down for the season, the sense of connection built over these past months continues to resonate.
“People have really embraced it, and the energy each week has been incredible,” said Kellington. “It’s just been so nice to see people out, red-cheeked from dancing and laughing.”