What started as a easy Facebook put up has grown into certainly one of Statesboro’s most spirited and welcoming neighborhood health teams.
As the Statesboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club celebrates its first anniversary, founders Shacarra Mikell, Shawanda McPhatter, and Kristalyn McPhatter are reflecting on a 12 months stuffed with laughter, motion, and the type of fellowship that retains individuals coming again week after week.
The group’s origin story is as down‑to‑earth as the ladies who began it. In April 2025, Shawanda, craving a enjoyable approach to keep lively, posted on Facebook asking if anybody may need to attempt line dancing for health. Shacarra was the primary to reply.
“I immediately said I was interested,” she recollects. “I told her, ‘Hey, I know some line dances—I’d be willing to come.’ And it just flourished from that moment.”
Neither lady had formal line dance expertise. What they did have was enthusiasm, curiosity, and a need to deliver individuals collectively. That was sufficient.
From the very starting, Shawanda’s cousin, Kristalyn, performed a key position in shaping the group’s id and momentum.
“I was extremely excited and supportive of the idea,” she says. “When my family gets together, line dancing is ALWAYS involved.”
For Kristalyn, the enjoyment has been in watching the group blossom.
“It has been amazing to watch us all grow and develop into a little family,” she explains. “We have our core group of members who have been here from the beginning and then other members who have joined later down the line or popped in for a few classes throughout the year. Either way, we love to see new faces and come together for great, clean fun… all while getting a little exercise in!”
The group’s earliest practices happened behind the tennis courts at Mill Creek Park. It was a humble starting—5 individuals at first, then extra as passersby stopped to observe, school college students joined in, and phrase unfold.
However, as most locals know, Georgia climate is unpredictable. Rain, warmth, and humidity made outside practices difficult. The membership has discovered a brand new dwelling. Today, the group meets each Monday and Wednesday at 6pm at Mill Creek Elementary School, drawing a gradual group of about 15 common dancers, with many extra dropping in once they can.
From the start, the membership has been open, welcoming, and freed from cost.
“God hasn’t laid it on my heart to charge,” Shawanda says.
The group’s progress has been fueled by phrase of mouth, Facebook, and neighborhood visibility—particularly their energetic look within the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and Martin Luther King Jr. parades, which launched them to an entire new viewers.
Shacarra has watched the group evolve from an informal gathering to a real neighborhood that values the contributions of all who take part.
“One class had 30 or 40 people,” she remembers. “If someone wants to teach a dance, they’re welcome to. We’re always open to suggestions.”
“We look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays,” Shawanda notes. “When we miss it, we feel it.”
“I only knew a few people when we first started, but just a few classes in and you will feel like you’ve known these individuals for years. Great, positive energy and I always leave feeling better than when I arrived!” Kristalyn says.
The founders emphasize that the membership is open to all—skilled dancers, novices, and anybody who simply needs to maneuver, chortle, and shake off the day.
“It’s okay if you don’t know how to dance,” Shacarra mentioned. “We’re just moving for the experience.”
Shawanda echoes the identical welcoming spirit.
“If you want to come have fun, get some energy out, or get some frustration out—we’re open.”
To have fun their first 12 months, the Statesboro Line Dance Fitness Club is internet hosting its Anniversary Line Dance Day Party on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11am to 1pm at Mill Creek Elementary School, 239 Beasley Road in Statesboro. The celebration will embrace free meals and drinks, free registration for line dance teams, and loads of dancing. All are welcome, and the founders encourage everybody to register to allow them to be certain that there’s sufficient meals for the gang.
What began as a easy need for train has grow to be a joyful, multi-generational neighborhood custom. The Statesboro Line Dance Fitness Club has created an area the place individuals can transfer, chortle, study, and belong. And as they step into their second 12 months, one factor is evident: the rhythm that introduced them collectively is simply getting stronger.
For extra details about Statesboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club, please email them or go to their Facebook page. To register for the Anniversary Line Dance Day Party, please use this link.