credit: Al Schell/Courier-Post          Soulline Revue

April 29, 2009 is National Dance Day and dancing is a great way to lose weight, exercise and and keep in shape.

Around the world line dancing has become an increasingly popular way to compete, have fun and keep fit. Wikipedia defines line dancing to be a repeated sequence of choreographed steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Line dancers are not in physical contact with each other.

Philadelphians have defined their niche in a genre of line dancing called soul line dancing. What is it? According to soullinedancing.com, "...soul line is freestyle, ad-lib movements, performed to a fixed structure of dance routines danced to a variety of music: R and B, hip-hop, contemporary jazz, contemporary gospel or discotheque beats".  Soul line dance groups are open to anyone and everyone who want to dance, get fit and have a great time while they are doing it.
 
It is a sight to see. A whole room of people moving and grooving to soul line dances that were choreographed by fellow soul line dancers from all across the US.  The CEO of Philadelphia R and B Soul line, Paula Chandler-Paramore had this to say,"...In short it is fun, it is exciting, and most important it is a great way to work out, keeping your mind, body and spirit attuned."

Paula has many credits on her resume, but most important, she has been dancing most of her life. She has spent nine years teaching soul line dance throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. She performed for two years with the award winning Philadelphia line dance group. She also studied dance with the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts and is a certified fitness expert.

Paula also offers Soul Line Aerobics a great way to use high energy soul line dance routines to strengthen and tone muscle, build cardio endurance, and show "your stuff" on the dance floor as you lose weight and become physically fit.

Besides Paula's R and B soul line dancing there are numerous locations through out Philadelphia. To find a soul line group, or a place where you can receive instruction,  visit this website --line dancing in Philly and find an active group or instruction in your area.

If you want to check out what soul line dancing is all about, tune into "Soulline Revue". WMCN serving Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Delaware and points in between, from 10:30 to 11:30 Tuesday night ,broadcast via Comcast. The "Soulline Revue" is taped at the Temptations Restaurant & Jazz Club. Located at 218 West Chelten Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144 Phone: (215) 849-7000.

Watch this video of Philly's own Platinum Soul line dancers dancing to the Intruders. Jam with them and dance off those extra pounds!