Boot, Scoot and Boogie with U3A 

(front) Sandra Goc, Susan Bemen, Vesna McCathie and Peng Huirong. (back) Janice Kilsby, Dianne Crichton, Warren Tucker and Satish Sethi
(front) Sandra Goc, Susan Bemen, Vesna McCathie and Peng Huirong. (back) Janice Kilsby, Dianne Crichton, Warren Tucker and Satish Sethi

Grab out your cowboy boots and denims and join the U3A Tamborine Mountain Bootscooters as they hit the dancefloor with their rare style of line dancing. 

No need for a pardner, just a flick in your step and a swing in your hip – you’ll fit right in. 

U3A’s line dancing classes have been running since 2015 with Vesna McCathie as the current dance teacher.

Her unique take on line dancing involves adding some spice to the choreography to cater to a variety of genres, which was recently on show when the group performed at Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds for Springtime on the Mountain.

“We love to express ourselves to the tunes of music; it is not only following steps,” Vesna said.

“It is interesting that I received a phone call from a visitor from Hampton that attended the Showgrounds, appreciating and loving our unique way of dancing.”

“She commented that in her town, line dancing was boring, and she loved the way we expressed ourselves while dancing – she wished she could be near to join our class,” she added.

Their U3A classes are held at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre (VYCC) on Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm, and at Zamia Theatre on Fridays from 10.45am to 12.45pm. 

For only $3 for one hour, or $5 for two hours, U3A members can dance and socialise for reasonable prices and they tend to stay for as long as possible.

“Many new dancers, who joined us recently, stay for two hours, even though the second class is catered for more experienced dancers,” Vesna said.

“I do modify dances, considering newcomers. They are just enjoying it so much, despite greater challenges.”

Vesna has created a strong bond with her Line Dancing group and hopes to be able to share that same connection with newcomers.

“I can say the ladies and men that are regular are so supportive and keen to keep going. Our aim is to increase numbers – in my belief, the more of us, the more fun we have,” she said.

“Our after-class coffee at the local coffee shop is just another opportunity to get to know one another and friendships are just growing stronger.”

“Belonging and being appreciated is the best remedy in loneliness in our aging population,” Vesna added.

For more information, contact Vesna on 0448 230 500.  

Written by Shontae Iafeta