DAVIE, Fla. — When the world slowed down in 2020, people turned to their phones and spent more time scrolling. Between viral dance videos and step-by-step tutorials, an old-school routine found a whole new audience — and instructors say it helped grow the booming line dancing scene, connecting people in south Florida.

“It has just exploded exponentially. Exploded all over the place,” said Stefanie Vasturo, co-owner and instructor at Southern Soul. “The more people come in and line dance and the more they learn, it becomes addicting and the more they want to learn more and more and more.”

This traditionally country pastime has quickly become one of South Florida’s fastest-growing social scenes.

We found venues across Miami-Dade and Broward hosting events and free classes almost daily.

Much of the movement is powered by instructors from Southern Soul, who travel, bringing lessons directly to bars and nightlife spots looking to add a little something new.

Click here to learn more about their private and public classes in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

“Our business model was to come in and hit those little places, find those little bars or different kind of venues that wanted something there — but didn’t necessarily have it — and to teach there,” Vasturo said.

“It’s really designed for everybody and that’s why it’s so accessible to get into line dancing because you don’t need anything special,” said Tamara Watson, co-owner and instructor at Southern Soul. “You don’t even need cowboy boots. You can just come as you are and we’ll teach you.”

One of the most recognizable stops on that circuit is Round Up Nightclub in Davie, an iconic country bar where dancers pack the floor for nights of synchronized stomps and spins.

From beginners to boot-stomping pros, everyone is welcome and it’s easy to join in.

“Salsa, merengue — especially me — I have it in my blood,” said Yaxcel Perez, who was visiting Round Up for the first time. “I’m Cuban-American, so this is learning something new for me. It’s an awesome place to be. It’s different and it’s a good vibe.”

“People are really looking for community and family, and it’s been really cool as we teach in all these different places where you can watch them come in and maybe they’re reserved and introverted and not really smiling or engaging with people and then they come back week after week, and all of a sudden you see them in the middle of the floor and they’re smiling and their hands are up and they found their people,” Vasturo said.

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