A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock And Roll

Little would someone think that, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Farmingdale Airport Plaza, one could learn the fun and laid-back art of Country Line dancing, but Nicole Goetz of West Babylon makes it happen twice a week, every week.

Hosting her classes in a large party room of , Goetz invites newcomers and pros alike to tap their cowboy boots to the tune spun by local DJ Richie Kalanz.

“It’s a whole bunch of people who love country music, getting together to learn line dancing,” she said. “I teach anywhere from six to eight dances a night. I teach old dances, new dances, and original, choreographed dances.”

Goetz’s twice-weekly class, informally known at the Outlaw Gang, tends to draw an average of 60 people per session; the days are known as Wild West Wednesdays and Sunset Sundays.

Goetz is a recent convert to the country music lifestyle; previously, her tastes surprisingly ran from reggae to classic rock and roll, with no interest in country at all. But a challenge one night a year ago from a friend opened up her horizons to something new.

“I don’t like drinking and hanging out in bars, so my friend asked me what I wanted to do...go bowling? Go to the movies? Take a line dance lesson?” she said. “I said yeah, okay, let’s take a line dance lesson, and that was it...I was hooked.”

Goetz embraced the art of line dancing, and before she knew it, she was teaching it herself.

“We cater to beginners,” she said. “We do a lot of beginner dances for people who have never shown up at all, and I also do a lot of advanced dances for people who have been doing it for a long time.”

The prices for Goetz’s classes at Dave and Busters are reasonable; there’s only a $10 dollar cover, with various discounts for seniors and students (kids under 13 get in free). While there, attendees can enjoy drink specials, as well as a full dinner menu.

Lorraine Korber of Seaford is a die-hard fan of line dancing, thanks to Goetz’s expert instruction.

“The class is awesome...I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time,” she said. “Everyone is really patient, so it’s been great.”

Holly Scarangella makes the long trip to Goetz’s class all the way from Sea Cliff on a regular basis.

“I think it’s great. It’s a great way to exercise,” she said. “It’s enjoyable, and you don’t even realize how much you’re burning. You’re just having fun."

Dave & Buster's isn't alone when it comes to line dancing; offers similar fun.