Being fairly new to line dancing, I’m still learning the dances, the names and which wall I’m supposed to be facing.
But I’m starting to notice that the same choreographers’ names keep popping up on dances we learn. I thought I’d share a few of the names I now recognise, along with some of their dances that I know—or ones that have caught my attention.
This is definitely not a list of the best choreographers. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with that!
These are simply a few choreographers I’ve come across so far during my own beginner line-dancing journey.
Maddison Glover
Maddison Glover is an Australian choreographer whose name I started recognising quite early.
We regularly dance some of her routines, and these are three that I personally know and enjoy:
- Rocket to the Sun
- Strummingbird
- Whisky Bridges
It’s always a good feeling when the music starts and I can say, “Oh, I know this one!”
You can find Maddison’s dances, classes and other information through her official website.
Visit Maddison Glover at Line Dancing with Illawarra
Gary O’Reilly
Gary O’Reilly is another name that seems to come up regularly.
He has created plenty of dances for different levels, including several that newer dancers like me can actually attempt without tying ourselves in knots.
A few of his dances that I know, plus one that is a little more challenging, are:
- Hoedown
- The Last Shanty
- Going Blonde
- The 502
The first three are more my speed. The 502 may have to stay on the “one day” list for now.
You can find more of Gary’s dances and information on his official website.
Colin Ghys
Colin Ghys is another choreographer whose name I’m starting to recognise.
He often creates dances with other choreographers, and his name seems to pop up on quite a few routines being danced at the moment.
Some of the dances I know or have noticed are:
- Calum’s Rise
- Moving Down to Texas
- Joe’s Cotton Eyes
- Teddy’s Gone
Colin shares his dances, videos and updates through his official Facebook page.
Follow Colin Ghys Line Dance Choreography on Facebook
Rob Fowler
Rob Fowler has been creating line dances for many years, so his name is probably very familiar to experienced dancers.
I’m only just beginning to connect his name with the dances themselves, but there are already a few I recognise:
- Wild West & Wicked
- The Gambler
- Doctor Doctor
- Island in the Stream
That is one of the funny things about being a beginner. Sometimes you know and enjoy a dance long before you learn who actually created it.
You can find more about Rob and his current dance venue through WestVilles Roadhouse.
The Names Behind the Dances
When I first started line dancing, I was concentrating so hard on my feet that I didn’t give much thought to who created the dances.
Now I’m slowly starting to connect the names with the routines we do.
I still have plenty to learn, and there are many more choreographers I haven’t discovered yet. These are simply four names I recognise at this stage of my line-dancing journey.
A big thank-you to Maddison Glover, Gary O’Reilly, Colin Ghys and Rob Fowler, as well as all the other choreographers who give us so many dances to enjoy.
Line dancing really is more than just learning the steps.
It’s the music, the laughs, the friendships and occasionally turning the wrong way while pretending that was exactly what you meant to do.
Who Do You Recognise?
Do you dance any of these?
I’d love to hear which choreographers’ names you recognise and which dances are your favourites.
This is an independent article based on my own experience as a beginner line dancer. Step Culture Collective is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the choreographers mentioned.