A little bit of Nashville goes a long way for those who frequent DW’s Junction 2-65 in Hebron, which claims to be the only live country music and line-dancing establishment in Northwest Indiana.
Many folks may remember the now-closed DC’s Country Junction, where Dan Ward played live music for 30 years. Ward, of Wheatfield, is now the owner of DW’s.
“I opened this place after the owner of DC’s passed away,” said Ward. “All the employees are my close friends, and people I have known for years.”
“Country line dancing has been around for a long time, but it has evolved into new styles,” said Ward. “Younger kids add their own flare and personality.”
“It’s as popular as ever,” said Ward who also works full-time during the week as an auto mechanic.
The first known line dances date as far back as the 1600s as English country dancing, and were brought to America by European settlers. Contra dancing, European folk dancing, and country dancing were popular in New England in the 1800s, according to the Library of Congress website, www.loc.gov.
Many elementary school children growing up in the United States also learned square dancing as part of their physical education classes.
The 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy,” starring John Travolta and Debra Winger, featured country line dancing and re-introduced it to a younger audience.
“This is a good, safe place to be,” said Dolores Johnson, known at DW’s as “Mama Dee.” “We all watch out for each other. There’s no dirty dancing allowed here.”
Like Ward, Johnson has a history of playing live music in the area with her former band, “Southern Pride.” Johnson comes from a family of performers, and Ward’s son is currently living in Nashville and is a performing musician.
DW’s encourages families to attend and children of all ages take to the floor. There is a free line dancing instruction at 7:15-8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
“There’s no reason to be nervous,” said Ward. “Everyone here will help you learn.”
Ray Freeland, of Hobart, is the “caller” and emcee for the line dancing and also instructs the class on Saturday nights.
“There are probably thousands of dances being choreographed every month, and there’s no way to learn them all,” said Freeland. “We use the ones that the most number of people enjoy.”
“This place is a show being presented by masterful musicians who know their craft,” said Freeland. “And we get to be here for it and dance to the music.”
“Line dancing isn’t about performing,” said Freeland. “It’s about getting out there and having fun, making friends and making memories.”
Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
