LISA RISTING | staff writer
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Lisa Risting
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| APU students and friends hit the dancefloor at Montana's. |
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As school starts to kick back into full swing, and the classes, books, papers and tests pile up, it is important for students to find ways to relax and have fun in their down time. Personally, dancing is one of the ways I like to relieve stress.
When I moved to California from Kansas two and a half years ago I struggled to find a place to dance until just recently.
My desire to dance was rekindled and renewed when I discovered the art of line dancing last October at Montana’s.
Montana’s is a local dance club close to APU that offers a relaxed environment and fun entertainment for the 21 and over crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
Located on the second level of a shopping complex in San Dimas, Montana’s offers a large dance floor, plenty of room to sit and mingle, and great music.
The décor is western-themed with antler chandeliers and a saddle-shaped disco ball. Cowboy hats and boots are popular choices for dress.
“My favorite part of Montana’s is that if you arrive early, they teach you how to line dance. This way, you can impress your friends later when you know all the dances!” senior liberal studies major Kathleen Rooney said.
Starting at 7 p.m. every Saturday, an instructor teaches two country line dances step-by-step and allows for practice time.
Another incentive to come early is the decreased cover charge. Cost is only $5 before 9 p.m. and jumps to $10 after.
“The only thing I would change about Montana’s is the $10 entrance fee. But at the same time, Montana’s can get pretty crowded so it’s probably good they charge so it doesn’t get too busy,” Rooney said.
Montana’s plays mostly country music for most of the night, but later in the evening, they also play a few sets of “freestyle” songs—more hip-hop and pop music.
For those who may be a little timid to try the country line-dances, this provides the opportunity to dance in different ways.
I have found that with line dancing, the best way to learn is just to jump on the dance floor and try. If you wait on the side and watch, by the time you master the moves, the song is over and a new dance has begun.
“Line dancing is a challenge.Anyone can bump and grind. Line dancing is fun because you get to be a part of something bigger than just you and a partner. It’s something that people of all ages can enjoy. There’s nothing better than having a 60-year-old man ask you to dance a two-step!” APU graduate Carissa Dwyer said.
The crowd at Montana’s ranges from beginning line dancers to seasoned veterans. This creates a fun environment for mingling and watching some of the dancers that have been practicing for years and have perfected their skills.
It has become a popular hangout for current APU students, as well as recent graduates and new friends.
“It’s cool to run into people that you haven’t seen in a while. You never know who you’re going to see there,” APU graduate Brett Bultje said.
For those of you who can’t stand the idea of listening to country music all night, try to have an open mind, you may be surprised.
“I don’t like country music, but I ended up at Montana’s and fell in love with it. It’s just fun to dance and get to hang out with your friends,” senior psychology major Kristen Johnson said.
Whether you love or hate country music, the idea of dancing in a line, or dancing in general, I strongly encourage you to check out Montana’s and try your hand (or feet) at a little two-step!
