Every Wednesday night, the Grand Ballroom at the fairgrounds in Dubuque, Iowa, is filled with music and dancing during their Wild West Wednesdays. Open to the public, this weekly line-dancing event has become a favorite activity for some students from Potosi High School. With a $5 admission fee and instructors who teach dances throughout the night, it offers a fun and welcoming environment for people of all experience levels. The night begins at 6 p.m. and has a special session for individuals with disabilities, making it an inclusive event for the community.
For many students, Wild West Wednesdays is a chance to connect with others. Senior Lacey Langmeier said that she enjoys going because “it’s fun and a good way to meet new people.” Although she tries to go every week, her busy school schedule sometimes makes it difficult. She goes with friends and recommends it to others, saying it is a place where people can “just be themselves.”
Ava White, another senior, also enjoys the social aspect of the event. “I go line dancing to dance and have fun with friends,” she said. White tries her best to attend every Wednesday and often goes with different friend groups depending on who is available. She first heard about the event through a friend and now encourages others to try it. “Even if you don’t think you can dance, it is so simple to learn,” she explained.
For some students, the event offers a break from the stress of school. Senior Ayva Yager said she enjoys the opportunity to relax and spend time with friends. Yager also dances competitively outside of these line dancing events, so these Wednesday nights give her a change of scenery. “I have a lot of fun dancing with my friends, giving me that much-needed time to relax,” she said. She attends as often as she can, usually a few times each month, and goes with her friend Emma Uppena, who introduced her to the event through family.
Sophomore Emma Uppena attends nearly every week and agrees that line dancing is a great way to unwind. “It’s a good way to relieve stress,” she said. Like many others, she goes with friends and enjoys meeting new people. Uppena recommends the event to others, saying that it is both fun and easy to learn.
Through music, dancing, and social connection, Wild West Wednesdays has become a popular tradition for local students. The event not only gives them a chance to have fun but also provides a welcoming space to make friends and take a break from their busy lives.