Local Line Dancers in St. John’s Outraged by New Rules Banning Cowboy Boots at Mews Centre

In a surprising turn of events, line dancers in St. John's are facing a new prohibition that could change the essence of their beloved dancing classes. Once the Mews Centre finally opens its doors to the public, participants will be asked to leave their iconic cowboy boots at the door.

For years, Helen Escott, a dedicated line dancer who has been part of the city's program for a decade, has enjoyed the freedom to wear her boots while dancing. However, she is now voicing her frustration over what she believes to be an ill-conceived policy. "To ask line dancers to not wear their cowboy boots is like asking tap dancers to not wear their tap shoes," Escott exclaimed. "It’s a ridiculous request! Dancing in bare feet or running shoes is simply dangerous."

Mayor Danny Breen has acknowledged the popularity of the line dancing classes but insists that the hardwood floors of the Mews Centre's double gymnasium require a ban on hard-soled footwear. "We understand the concerns," Breen stated, "but the integrity of the flooring is our priority."

As a potential solution, Breen mentioned that the line dancing classes will still be offered at the new facility, albeit in different multi-purpose rooms where cowboy boots are permitted. These rooms, however, have limited space, accommodating only about 20 participants at a time.

"We're exploring all options to ensure that the line dance community has a place to continue their activities without losing their identity," Breen assured. As it stands, discussions are ongoing about how best to configure these spaces to meet the demand of the popular program.

Participants like Escott are left questioning the rationale behind constructing a new facility only to limit their activities within it. Many are wondering if the city took into account the specific needs of the dancers during the planning stages.

As line dancers in St. John’s gear up for a change, the question remains: will tradition triumph over policy, or will the boots be shelved for good? As the Mews Centre prepares to open, dancers and officials alike are hoping for a resolution that allows them to keep the spirit of line dancing alive and well. Stay tuned as developments unfold!