A new style of country dance instruction is gaining traction in Amsterdam, with weekly sessions drawing participants from across the country. Texas native Riley McGann started offering line dancing classes in the city a year ago, and the events now consistently sell out.
The workshops take place on Saturday mornings at the theater and comedy venue Boom Chicago on Rozengracht. Attendees travel from various Dutch provinces, including Friesland, to take part in the early morning sessions.
A modern spin on country dance
McGann decided to introduce the concept to the Netherlands after visiting family in Texas, where she noticed a resurgence of interest in line dancing among younger generations. Rather than sticking strictly to traditional steps, her classes feature modern music and faster, more athletic routines.
The updated format aims to make the style more accessible to a broader audience. Participants note that while country music and dance were long seen as niche pastimes in the Netherlands, the contemporary approach has made the genre more appealing.
Growing interest across the city
The success of the Saturday morning workshops at Boom Chicago reflects a broader trend, with other dance venues and nightlife spots in Amsterdam beginning to host similar themed evenings. The growing popularity marks a shift for a style that previously had little visibility in the Dutch nightlife scene.
Those interested in attending the weekly events at Boom Chicago can find upcoming schedules and ticket information directly through the venue’s site. As interest expands, organisers continue to add new sessions to accommodate demand.
