The undoubted virtues of line dancing

“I've been opening bars for 15 years and I've never seen a craze like this,” Spaghetti Western founder Anthony Jodoin warned me.

I admit to being amazed by the size and diversity of the fauna. There are a few cowboy hats, but also Canadian jerseys and a lot of shirts that make you want to listen to Nirvana. As colorful as they are, all these beautiful people are united by a common love of nation at the Plaza Saint-Hubert in Montreal.

Obviously, Quebecers love their country. However, I don't know that this culture is very represented in the metropolis. I realized things were changing when I noticed more young people with cowboy boots on their feet…

Anthony Jodoin confirms this to me: “There has been a Zionism among the youth for a couple of years! » We can think of Beyoncé's comeback, but also her collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, or the new Western collection envisioned by producer Pharrell Williams. The entrepreneur believes that the Lasso Montreal folk music festival, which will be held from 2022, has a lot to do with it.

Katrin and Jessica, 28, are like me in their first line dance class. They start because country has been their favorite genre ever since they attended Lasso Festival. Are they nervous?

“No way. You? »

Oh, absolutely. I asked a friend to come as backup. Amelie, like me, worried about her lack of coordination and thought about letting me down. We are volunteers, but afraid of not being in our place.

“It's very inclusive, everyone is accepted! », Catherine Lefrancois told me.

A few days ago I had invited the composer and musician. He is the author of a master's degree and a thesis on the history of folk music in Quebec, but he made it clear that he, being a simple citizen, submitted to me a theory about the popularity of line dancing. “My impression is that since the pandemic, people have been interested in participating in passive cultural events. »

In Quebec, the organization ès TRAD organizes traditional dance evenings and it is always full, while the theater has empty rooms and the hosts are working hard to build an audience.

Catherine Lefrancois, composer and musician

Which community do we join when we are an adoptive country?

“The conventional wisdom about country music is that it's authentic,” Catherine LeFrancois replied to me. I don't think it makes much sense. Ozzy Osbourne is as real as Willie Lamothe! We often talk about simple music. But for me it's very emotional music. Artists express many affects and emotions. There is something profound that touches the listener. And then there's the whole network of western festivals where people gather for a festive atmosphere. »

Strong emotions and celebration, it is mentioned.

“You don't need to know how to dance, you just have to funny ! », Yves-Marie tells me, between two sips of beer. The 22-year-old has been dancing every week since Spaghetti Western opened last October. “It's because I love Cathy!” »

Cathy Maguire is a teacher wearing a beautiful 100% denim dress. Raised on a farm in Beuss, she has been teaching dance for four years following a career as a circus performer. He is also working on a solo show: Pepitol, Western Feminist. For her, line dancing and respect for women go hand in hand: “You can dance without communication and share a common vocabulary. Girls know they are safe in my classes. »

No wonder the dance floor is 90% full of women at 7pm.

Cathy begins the class by reminding us of track etiquette: “We're having fun, and if we catch somebody, we'll give it to them. High-five. »

Then, he teaches us the first dance, breaking down its 32 beats. Or, at least, she tries. Amelie and I are often against the crowd. I understand a little CharlestonThe Rock step My weak link and don't even tell me about it mix… My neighbors and I lift each other up because we bump into each other or win a routine. We are in the same boat.

Thirty minutes later, Cathy Maguire tackles the second choreography. Bingo! This time I follow the steps easily (I repeat it the next day, alone in my living room).

An unexpected emotion reveals itself: I'm frustrated because I don't have enough space to give my movements all the range I need! The bar is a victim of its own success, which is a bad mistake.

“I understand why people like it,” slips my friend with a moisture-frozen forelock. (It's very hot.) I know clearly too.

Composer Catherine LeFrancois's reflection comes to mind: “Country famous!” However, since the marketing of this music began in Quebec, there is always an undertone of surprise when talking about it. As if we deny the cultural significance of this musical genre. »

guilty feeling.

But I swear to you that I have changed.

Spaghetti Western Bar's online dance classes are held every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm and 8pm and cost $5.