Bust out that ID because Wednesday is college night

Dusty Armadillo patrons take square dancing lessons offered on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays before the crowd arrives. DAVID RANUCCI | SUMMER KENT STATER

Credit: DKS Editors

Dusty Armadillo dance instructor Chris Hall shouted above the music.

“If you get lost, just look up here,” he said.

Dancers, many stomping their cowboy boots, moved up and down the dance floor, following Hall’s instructions.

“I’m learning how to line dance,” said Kylee Conant, a Kent State graduate, on a recent Wednesday night.

Every Wednesday is college ID night at the Dusty Armadillo on State Road in Rootstown.

Hall’s dance class is available to those who want to learn before the crowd arrives. The class is available from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Dusty Armadillo has been open for five years, manager Colleen Callahan said. Before line dancing, the club – under a different name – catered to older ages with ballroom dance instruction.

“The (current) owner loved country music and thought it was a great way to bring younger people in,” said Callahan.

Hall, who is also an attorney, was referred to the Dusty when a previous instructor retired.

“I started because of a girl,” Hall said. “I went to a bar and tried to learn the dances so I could dance with her.

“I was more focused on the dancing than on her, so I kept going back,” he said.

Hall teaches three to four beginner to intermediate dances each Wednesday. Each week different dances are taught.

Line dances are regional, not national, Hall said. The clubs in Columbus would not have the same dances as the Dusty.

In most places, however, popular dances like the “Tush Push” – a popular line dance – would be the same. Others, such as “Sold” by John Michael Montgomery, vary.

“I like that the clubs are different because it keeps you learning,” Conant said.

Contact entertainment reporter Brindi Bays at [email protected].