Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

  • No experience needed at all and two left feet are welcome. Many people start with no dance background — that’s what our beginner ‘mover’ level is for. Line dancing is learned step by step, and coordination builds over time. Everyone starts somewhere, and you’re not alone.

  • Yes! We encourage new dancers to BOOK A FREE CLASS so you can get a feel for line dancing, the class, and the community with no pressure.

    The first night is free for folks to find their level. Come and try for as long as you’re comfortable; the lessons get progressively harder throughout the evening. Making mistakes to music is the best way to learn!

  • Not at all. While country music is part of line dancing’s roots, we dance to many styles of music and love discovering new songs together. Song swaps and variety are part of the fun with us.

  • Making mistakes to music is a great way to learn! Mistakes are expected and completely normal. We laugh, reset, and keep going. You’re always welcome to sit out, watch, or ask for help — there’s no judgement and no pressure to be perfect.

    • Footwear: Smooth-soled shoes, including *dance sneakers, or boots are best for sliding and spinning. Avoid super grippy sneakers to protect your knees.

    • Clothing: Wear breathable clothes you can move in; everything from comfy to country.

    • Essentials: A water bottle for hydration. You’ll work up a sweat!

      *Use discount code StepStampede25 to get $25 OFF Bailaz Dance Sneakers dancesneakersaustralia.com.au

Community & Culture

  • Yes. Step Stampede is actively queer-inclusive and proudly welcomes allies. We expect respectful behaviour from everyone and do not tolerate discrimination or bigotry of any kind.

    Line dancing at Step Stampede is for all bodies, identities, backgrounds, and experience levels. If you enjoy music, movement, or community — you belong here.

  • Yes! We welcome people of all ages, young and old. Under 18s are welcome too, along with their parents/carers, as our facilitators all have working with children checks.

    Our levelled classes help everyone find success and challenge without overwhelm. Though our beginner level classes tend to hold lower impact dances, all dances can be modified to suit the capabilities of different bodies.

  • Relaxed, friendly, and social. We care about learning well, but joy and connection come first. You can take the dancing seriously without taking yourself too seriously.

  • No partner needed — line dancing is done individually as part of a group. You’re welcome to come solo, with friends, or with family.

    Extra points for being brave enough to try alone :)

Levels & Learning

  • Dance levels on step sheets can be inconsistent, so we use our own clear, practical level system designed around how people actually learn in class. Dances picked for the levels are based on step complexity, number of turns, timing and pace — not just their label.

  • That’s very common. We’re happy to help you find a level that fits, and you’re always welcome to move between levels as needed — learning isn’t linear, and we support that.

    As class capacity allows, we invite dancers to attend two classes for the price of one, so you can try a level either side of your chosen class — whether as a warm-up, extra practice, or a gentle challenge.

  • Yes! All our core curriculum dances include links to online tutorials, demo videos, and/or step sheets. We most often share step sheets and demos via CopperKnob, where the choreographers are credited, so you can learn or practise at home if you can’t make it to a class or revise for events.

    Popular new dances we teach in class — especially those trending for social events — will also be shared as tutorials through our newsletter or blog.

  • That’s okay — many people do. We teach in different ways, repeat steps, and encourage peer support. If you need something specific, just let us know and we’ll do our best to support you.

Other

  • We aim to keep classes accessible and offer regulars sliding-scale discounts on class passes (egift cards) and subscriptions at $15 per class*. Our casual rate is $20 per class*.

    *241: Everyone is always welcome to come to two classes on the same night, for the price of one to encourage practise and help with progression.

    If you’re concession let us know on the night or use code CONCESSION15 to get 15% off refillable single class pass eGift Cards to use for bookings.

    Our focus is on covering costs, which include insurance, venue hire, and fairly paying facilitators, not profit. If the cost is a barrier, reach out — we’re happy to chat — there might even be a suitable skills trade that’ll help us both.

  • Our classes are held in the middle of Cairns CBD on Lake St at the Cairns Latin Dance Club Studio. It’s a short walk from the Esplanade, Lagoon, and Night Markets.

    We’ll do private events and classes anywhere in the Cairns and Kuranda Tablelands region.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page, email, or mobile 0457 405 773 (preferably text). We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • Yes! We offer custom line dancing sessions for a wide range of events — including corporate wellbeing days, team-building, festival activations, community groups fundraisers, birthdays, bucks/hens parties, and other celebrations. Sessions can be tailored to suit different ages, abilities, music tastes, and vibes, with a focus on fun, inclusion, and participation.

  • Line dancing is a full-body physical activity that supports cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. Major health bodies such as the World Health Organization and the CDC recognise dance as a legitimate form of physical activity that can improve fitness, endurance, and overall physical health.

    While it may not look like a traditional competitive sport, line dancing can be physically demanding — especially when practiced regularly — and offers many of the same benefits as other forms of moderate to vigorous exercise. Because it doesn’t require a partner and movements can be paced, adapted, or modified, line dancing is accessible across ages, bodies, and fitness levels.

    Some people do experience weight changes when dancing regularly, particularly when it replaces sedentary time or becomes part of a consistent routine. However, weight loss is not a guaranteed or universal outcome, and it’s not the goal for everyone. At Step Stampede, the focus is on joy, movement, and feeling good in your body — any fitness or health changes are a welcome side effect, not the measure of success.

  • Research shows that dancing can strongly support mental wellbeing and brain health by combining movement, music, learning, and social connection. Studies highlighted by organisations such as Harvard Medical School and Alzheimer’s associations show that dance can improve memory, coordination, and cognitive flexibility, while social dancing is linked to reduced loneliness and improved mood.

    Large-scale research, including a 2024 meta-analysis published in The BMJ reviewing over 200 clinical trials, found that dance was associated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms than activities such as walking, yoga, strength training, and even standard treatments. Both scientific evidence and lived experience consistently show that dancing helps people lift their spirits, reduce stress, build routine, and feel more connected — especially when learning something fun with others.

    Disclaimer: Dancing is not a replacement for professional health care, but it can be a meaningful and supportive part of looking after your wellbeing.