By Tesha M. Christensen
Tina Jackson is the “Lady of Line Dance.” She teaches free classes once a month at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis (310 E 38th St), and is at Oxford Community Center in St. Paul ) 270 Lexington Pkwy. N) each Tuesday for $5 classes.
“We are more than a community. We are a family!” said Jackson, who graduated from Central High School in 1986 and has lived in the Como neighborhood for 27 years. “When people come to the class for the first time, many ask how they can join the group. We always let them know that once you come to the class you are now family. We don’t just share our love for soul line dancing. We share our problems, and we share our joys. We support each other, we encourage each other, and we pray for each other.
“We’re not just a soul line dance group. We are a line dance family!”
Several of the Gotta Dance Soul Line Dance members started attending the class to get them through a significant life change. There have been cancer diagnosis, medical health scares, divorce, relationship breakups, children suffering from drug addiction, and loss of loved ones. “Soul Line Dancing with our Gotta Dance Soul Line Dance Family helped get them through these life changes,” remarked Jackson.
“Soul line dancing is a big mood booster. Being around others and enjoying the music helps reduce stress and anxiety. The music and coordinated movements also boost confidence, self-esteem, and cognitive function, making it a valuable tool for your mental well-being.”
IT STARTED WITH ‘THE HUSTLE’
The first line dance Jackson learned was “The Hustle.” She was seven years old. Her mom’s friends had just visited family in Mississippi and when they returned, they showed the dance to others. “I always loved to dance, so I was on the floor learning the dance with them,” stated Jackson.
She started teaching Chicago-style Steppin’ classes with Amelia Jones and Robert Vasser in 2008. During Stepper’s Sets (parties), they would do a couple of soul line dances to give the steppers a break. In addition to being fun, they didn’t require a partner. Students asked Jackson to teach them the soul line dances at the end of classes, and so many expressed interest that they added an hour-long soul line dance to the weekly schedule.
“I have had so many people tell me that they can’t dance because they have two left feet. I always tell them that when they leave my class, they will have a left and a right foot,” stated Jackson. “When someone is not a natural dancer and they have a hard time learning the dance, it brings me so much joy to see when it finally clicks, and they now get and understands the dance.”
The first soul line dance class she taught was at Flannery Construction in St. Paul to between 12 - 17 people because a friend worked there. Fifteen years ago, she started teaching at the Oxford/Jimmy Lee Rec Center to an average of 20 people. Over the last couple of years, the classes have grown, and now average about 60 people. They come even in bad weather. At one class in May 2025, there were nearly 100 dancers. Many people live in the neighborhood, but also come from Bloomington, Minnetonka, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan and even Wisconsin.
“I want to give a big shout out to Fayette Wulf and Nedy Windham,” said Jackson. “They have been with me since the beginning. These ladies help with the class each and every week, they perform at all the events, and they are always there to support me.”
When she first started teaching soul line dancing at the Oxford/Jimmy Lee Rec Center, it was mostly all Black ladies around her age. “Now our class is as diverse as can be,” observed Jackson. “Our soul line dance class is a safe and inclusive space. Everyone is welcome.”
‘IF YOU MESS UP, JUST KEEP DANCING’
Some people are just natural dancers, but some have a harder time learning a dance. “I always tell the class that we will do a dance move several times to try and get them to learn that particular step, but if they don’t get it at that very time, they will get it. We will do dances over several weeks to try and help everyone learn the dance,” said Jackson.
She’s a patient teacher, breaking down the dance into short pieces and going over each one multiple times. Dancers like the fact that she calls out the steps as they’re going along.
“People learn differently, so I call out the steps, count the steps, show the steps, and do the steps with the class,” said Jackson. ”I try and make sure everyone goes home feeling like they learned something that day. I think because I love soul line dancing so much, it shows in the way I teach.”
During each class, Jackson calls out: “If you mess up...” Attendees finish the line: “Just keep dancing!”
People tell Jackson that the class is their therapy.
“Sometimes you’re just not having a good day at work or you’re having some issues at home. Soul line dancing is therapy, because when you’re learning a dance, executing a dance, listening to good music, and being around good people that’s all you need to get your mind off the trouble(s) of the day,” said Jackson.
Plus, when people arrive, Jackson’s 81-year-old mom, Edna Jackson, greats them at the door with a hug. Everyone loves Mama Edna.
“People say that when they first came to the class, they knew that was where they were supposed to be,” said Jackson. “When you come into the class you immediately feel welcome. You feel the positive energy, you hear the good music, and you see the big beautiful smiles.”
In addition to the regular community classes, Jackson is available for private and group lessons, as well as corporate events, family reunions, weddings and birthday parties.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here