Most Mondays, you can find Betsy Lutchkus Roxburgh, 50, of Reading, getting in around 10,000 steps while having a great time line dancing to catchy tunes for a few hours at Island Pizza near Birdsboro.
“It’s so much fun and a great way to stay active,” Roxburgh said, adding that you can modify the dances to suit your fitness level.
The 10,000 steps she gets in from line dancing are on top of those she’s already getting in weekdays as an elementary school teacher by profession, now that school is back in session.
Roxburgh shared some other attributes of line dancing that keep her going back for more.
“I love meeting the people dancing and laughing together as we learn something new,” she said.
Fun way to get in physical activity
If you’re looking for a fun way to get in some physical activity during a night out by yourself, with a friend, spouse or the whole family, weekly line dancing offered in our region on a regular basis at various public venues is an opportunity for all ages to join in the fun. Most venues offer food and beverages, so you can make a whole night out of the experience.
Similar to Zumba, you’re getting a workout as you dance without even realizing it because it’s so enjoyable and doesn’t feel like work.
Dancers aged 13 to 50 plus, recently appeared to be having an equally good time at Island Pizza as they were instructed the first half hour and then were led to the tune of songs of various musical genres including pop, country, Latin, rock and more by DJ and line dance instructor, Becky Noviello “Boot Scootin’ Becky,” 37, of Reading.
Noviello made the dance moves approachable in her welcoming, high-energy and enthusiastic instruction style, so all levels of experience could easily participate.
Since you’re dancing in a line, other advantages are that you don’t have to have a partner, so there isn’t time wasted off the dance floor or any stress or awkwardness associated with having to find a partner in order to dance.
Private instruction
In addition to Island Pizza and other venues in the region, Noviello, a mom of three boys, offers private instruction for a full range of occasions, including bridal showers and baby showers to corporate gatherings, birthday parties and more.
The first time Noviello began line dancing was just two years ago, when a good friend invited her to a Moms’ Night Out at the Gouglersville Fire Company in Cumru Township, Berks County, hosted by DJ Nugget. She saw it as an opportunity to try something new and fun.
“From there, we went again the next month, and once a month turned into more and more and more,” Noviello said. “I fell in love with the beats, movements, community, and connecting through dance in a low-pressure, back way.”
Social interaction
For those aged 55 and older, Noviello said line dancing is a wonderful activity because, aside from being fun, adults can have social interaction, get exercise, and overcome fears.
“It’s never too late to try something new,“ she said.“I want them to have fun and not feel intimidated about making mistakes.”
Noviello has a YouTube channel to reinforce the different dances to enable her regulars to practice during the week. She has many regulars at the various venues where she instructs.
“Many are very enthusiastic — they love the consistency, energy, and experience together.”
Dancing with Boot Scootin’ Becky
You can receive instruction at a variety of venues from Boot Scootin’ Becky. Some are open to all ages, and some are age 13 and up. Most dances have a $5 admission charge.
Island Pizza – Mondays (at least through October)
3060 Limekiln Road, Birdsboro
7 to 10 p.m., $5 all ages
For more venues and details, visit: Boot Scootin Becky on Facebook
Noviello offers instruction at private occasions, including birthday parties, secretary celebrations, corporate regional events, adoption celebrations, missions and ministry fundraisers, FFA fundraisers, college club fundraisers, horse farm fundraisers, family reunions, holiday family parties, women’s groups, Boy Scout troops, community events, parades, etc. For More Information, email BootScootinBecky@gmail.com. For instructional line dance videos, visit Boot Scootin Becky YouTube channel.
