Last January, contributing writer Jimmy Lee Hannaford did a story on the Lucky Horseshoe Saloon in Barnwell. It's a place most of us have driven by a million times on our way to Foley, Magnolia Springs, or Gulf Shores. A giant horseshoe out front serves as a rustic arch, welcoming patrons to the barn that houses the saloon. In the article, Jimmy Lee says line dancing is a big draw on weekends, and it's been on my 'do something out of the box' list for a while.

I round up three girlfriends and two male observers, and off we go on a Friday night for line dancing lessons at 6:30 pm. When we arrive at the venue, I have no expectations except that I assume the inside will be old and rustic, matching the exterior. Well, we know what they say about the word assume, and I was totally wrong. Jeff DuBois, the owner, greets us at the door and welcomes us into this enormous space, which I can only describe as Cowboy Disco, Hollywood Country Bar, or Boogie Wonderland. The dance floor is big, well-worn but polished hardwood, with an elevated stage for live music and a bar that runs the entire length of the building. The dance floor's perimeter is lined with high-top tables and shiny black-and-chrome stools, making it easy to transition from sitting to dancing and back again to sitting and sipping. The walls and ceilings were covered with neon signs, flags, guitars, and other memorabilia, and yes, there was a disco ball.

Amie Kay, an old acquaintance from dance studio days, was our instructor, and she informed me that 9/25 was Dolly Parton night- get it? 9 to 5? And that was the first song on the playlist.

Amie taught the steps slowly and clearly, as the diverse crowd followed along. It was a beginner dance, and the steps were familiar to me, so my insecurities were abated with each shuffle, heel dig, grapevine, and pivot. The next thing I knew, everyone was dancing in unison, turning to every corner of the floor. My mind and body were working overtime, trying to remember the sequence of steps and which way to turn, trying hard not to go left when I was supposed to turn right. If you lose concentration for a second, you are lost, dazed, and confused. But it was fun!

Such good exercise for my mind, and calorie-burning aerobic dance for the body! In between dances, I could sit down and have a cold beverage before attempting the next, more complicated choreography. Sometimes, I would watch the dancers and try to absorb the steps before going back out on the floor. "Here I come again!" sings Dolly, and I'm once again engrossed in the movement and the moment. Then comes 'Islands in the Stream,' and I'm out of breath again.

When the instructors took a break, a DJ would play some tunes that the regulars already knew the dance routines to. They would whoop, jump up from their chairs, and go with it. They were so happy, and so was Jeff, the owner. I asked him about all the beautiful, well-dressed college girls dancing, and he said they came every weekend from the University of South Alabama, Troy, Auburn, and Alabama. I learned line dancing is trendy now, or I should say trendy again, and I think it's a great way for girls to be able to go out as a group and dance for fun. It was fun for the older ladies and gentlemen there, too. The fashions were as varied as the people; cowboy boots were paired with jeans, short and long skirts, sparkles, spangles, and fringe. The men wore bandanas, cowboy hats, and belt buckles, straight outa Texas, and I'm telling you this was the best people-watching in Baldwin County.

We left a little damp from our vigorous workout, invigorated by our success in trying something new, and thrilled that we can do this thing again!

I dare you … Friday nights at 6:30 at the Lucky Horseshoe Saloon. You will be Boot Scootin in no time!