I think I started dancing almost as soon as I started walking – and haven’t stopped since! All my life I have loved to dance – Ballet, Disco, Ballroom, Latin and now, of course, Line. I began line dancing back in the mid 70’s although it wasn’t called line dancing then but “Fever” dancing. Just like today, we would dance in lines using familiar steps such as jazz boxes, kick ball changes and vines but to the music of that era. I had always loved country music so when country line dancing became popular a few years later I was in my element. I was fortunate in that my husband and two young children shared my interests and together we attended festivals and dances all over the country becoming known in many places as “The Family”. As the four of us attended dance classes, I was occasionally called upon to teach a dance when our instructor was on holiday and so my “apprenticeship” as an instructor began! In 1998, my husband Mick (himself a dancer and DJ), and myself formed our own club “G-Force LDC”. I later became fully qualified to Level 3 with BWDA and teaching six classes per week. Every class is very different, not only in level but in their tastes, approach, age groups etc and that’s what makes it so enjoyable for me. From absolute beginner through to advanced - I enjoy every one and our club motto “Grin and Share it” is evident in each and every class! The very first dance I choreographed was “Happy Times” a simple one-wall dance to the song “Best Of Friends” by Dave Sheriff. I had long thought that this ‘finale’ song should have its own line dance where people faced the front showing respect for the artist who had entertained them all evening and it should be achievable by all levels from beginner onwards and hence my first successful dance was born. It is still danced in many countries and at many events as a final dance of the night. Since then I have had further success with other dances such as DHSS, Do Wop Be Doo Be Doo, Kill The Spiders, Macca Mambo and This Is Us to name a few. I love to teach at various festivals, workshops and events in the UK and overseas and I meet some of the nicest people, both dancers and fellow choreographers, there. My association with Up Country Magazine goes back to about 1996. For many years I was a journalist and then in 2004 was appointed Dance Editor/Advisor, which involves choosing, checking, editing and typing the 8 line and 2 partner dances for publication in each issue. Readers contact me regularly with questions and queries on dances, music, floor splits and even suggestions for games for their parties!! I am always on hand to oblige wherever possible! I also continue to interview and write features and articles on British and American country artists as well as many other topics. Why not check out my monthly column – a lively, fun, and often thought provoking insight into the trials, tribulations and delights of line dancing!! G-Force LDC offers the warmest of welcomes to anyone of any age or ability who wishes to learn to dance or to attend our regular socials which are normally held on the last Saturday of each month. We feature a split floor policy at our socials, as we believe that everyone should have equal access to the floor regardless of their abilities and tastes. It generates unity, promotes friendship and encourages fun – and ain’t that what it’s all about?? Happy dancing Gaye x