Boston Rhythm Riders Bring Soul Line Dancing to Community

News Summary

The Boston Rhythm Riders, a local soul line dancing group, are witnessing a surge in participation with their free weekly classes. Founded by Angie Dickerson in 2007, the initiative provides a supportive space for residents to engage in dance while promoting wellness. Recent trends in popular line dance songs on social media have contributed to the group’s increased visibility. With community partnerships and a focus on health, the Boston Rhythm Riders foster connections among participants, making a positive impact on lives through dance.

Boston – The Boston Rhythm Riders, a community-centered soul line dancing group, are making significant strides in engaging local residents with their free weekly classes. Held at the Bowdoin Street Health Center, the group offers sessions every Tuesday, alongside additional classes on Wednesdays in Franklin Park and Thursdays at the Hyde Park Community Center. Attendance at these classes has recently tripled, reflecting a soaring interest in soul line dancing within the community.

This initiative was launched in 2007 by Angie Dickerson, who founded the group as a means of personal uplift following her mother’s battle with stage four breast cancer. The classes not only focus on dance but also serve as a welcoming space for participants to share their experiences and foster a sense of community. Dickerson emphasizes wellness and engagement, often pairing dance with health-related events, such as an upcoming wellness anniversary and a flash mob fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Popular line dance songs, including Cupid’s “Flex,” Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go,” and 803Fresh’s “Boots on the Ground,” have gained traction on social media platforms, highlighting the resurgence of line dancing. The hashtag #linedance currently boasts over 400,000 posts on TikTok, illustrating the trend’s growth and popularity. The Boston Rhythm Riders have embraced this momentum, capitalizing on the visibility of these tracks to attract new participants.

Originally, Dickerson faced hurdles in securing practice space, as many local gyms favored fitness fads like Zumba over soul line dancing. Despite these challenges, her commitment to this form of movement has paid off, with classes now thriving and performance opportunities available at various events, including the annual BAMS Festival and local community celebrations. Participants, such as 69-year-old Lori Brown, have expressed their enthusiasm by practicing newly learned dances at home, illustrating the class’s impact on individual lives.

The appeal of the Boston Rhythm Riders extends beyond just movement; it encompasses a network of support and healing. Many attendees have personal connections to serious health issues like cancer, creating a shared bond among participants. The interactions in class foster a vibrant community spirit where personal stories are exchanged, emphasizing the group’s mission to create a supportive environment.

Furthermore, Dickerson has expanded her efforts to solidify community ties through partnerships with local businesses, such as ZaZ Restaurant and Body by Brandy. These collaborations enhance community resources while promoting the health and well-being of the local population.

An important aspect of the Boston Rhythm Riders is their initiative to differentiate between country line dancing and soul/urban line dancing, the latter of which features genres like R&B, soul, Afro-fusion, and hip-hop. Many students attending the Tuesday class have fond memories of participating in famous soul line dances such as the “Wobble” and “Cupid Shuffle” during family gatherings, further motivating them to engage with the group.

Through these dance classes, the Boston Rhythm Riders are not only contributing to the revitalization of a beloved art form but are also serving as a vital link within the community, promoting wellness, engagement, and a sense of belonging. Dickerson continues to advocate for the recognition of line dancing as a legitimate and impactful form of social activity, reinforcing its place within the fabric of localized cultural expressions.

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Additional Resources

• The Boston Globe: Soul Line Dancing Boston Rhythm Riders
• Wikipedia: Dance
• Boston.com: 10 Free Things to Do in Boston
• Google Search: Soul Line Dancing
• Bay State Banner: Summertime Sweat – Outdoor Fitness Classes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Line Dance