Cal Poly line dancing club hosts “Harvest Hoedown”

Line dancing has prevailed throughout the years at Cal Poly as a popular hobby and social activity, and a new school year brings both beginners and seasoned dancers to the floor – continuing the legacy of ringing in the fall with dance. 

From the outside, the University Union seemed quiet the night of October 8th, but inside Chumash Auditorium, the Cal Poly Country Line Dancing Club was cutting a rug for their annual Harvest Hoedown.

The club puts on themed events every quarter that are open to the community, with dance lessons the first half of the night and an open dance after.

Club president Kiley Wilson, a food science senior, says the welcoming nature of line dancing contributes to its popularity. 

“I think a lot of people really enjoy the community around line dancing,” said Wilson. “Line dancing is a lot of fun itself, but I think the community is truly amazing. And people really build off of each other and just enjoy dancing and the community and the club.”

The club meets weekly and teaches three types of dance: traditional line dancing, partner patterns, and freestyle, often partnering with country nightclub the Graduate for events at its new location. 

“We use the time of year to really embrace different songs and dances, but it’s an all year thing that’s a lot of fun to do,” said Wilson.

Students of all years, majors, and skill levels tear it up on the dance floor, making line dancing a rare event that can be enjoyed by anyone. Business administration freshman Aaron Hutchings had a positive review after his first dance. 

“This is my first time doing a line dance,” said Hutchings. “So it’s completely new, and I’ve been having quite a ball with it. Dance and music is really what brings people together. And it’s like a universal language.”

The Cal Poly Country Line Dancing Club meets Fridays from 5-8 pm in the Architecture building in 5-225. 

Additional information about the club can be found on their Instagram @calpolycldc.