Valerie Bresnahan led the session. She has taught line dancing for about a year and a half and previously led events at the St. Peter American Legion Post 37.

Bresnahan met Recreation Program Supervisor Ben Doeden while both were in college at MSU Mankato. Doeden invited her to bring the program to New Ulm.

About half the participants had line danced before. Bresnahan taught each dance by breaking down the steps slowly before playing the music at full speed.

“If you’re new, that’s totally fine,” Bresnahan said. “I’m going to break everything down from the start. We’ll walk through all the steps of the songs. We’ll make sure that we’re really comfortable with it, and then we’ll run it to music full speed.”

Participants line dance at German Park during the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department's first event on Monday night. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The session opened with “Fireball” by Pitbull. Bresnahan demonstrated walking forward and back, kicks, taps and grapevines. Participants practiced the sequence multiple times.

The group then performed the Electric Slide to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain. Bresnahan reviewed grapevines to the right and left, steps back, taps and scuffs.

Vickie Peterson, who is originally from Arkansas and has lived in Minnesota for 23 years, attended the event. She said she misses line dancing opportunities from her home state.

“I miss it so bad,” she said.

Peterson added she would like to have such events every day of the week.

Valerie Bresnahan leads participants during a line dancing session at German Park on Monday night as part of the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department's event." (Photo by Amy Zents)

Marilyn Hesse, 82, participated. She said it had been a long time since she last line danced. Hesse previously figure skated and performed a line dance on ice in a New Ulm show years ago.

“And I’m a lot of years older than when I first did it,” she said.

The session continued with dances to “Cotton Eye Joe” and Alan Jackson’s “Good Time.” Bresnahan explained heel and toe moves, knee lifts, grapevines and shimmies. She demonstrated options for spins and claps.

Doeden welcomed the crowd and introduced Bresnahan.

“We love to do events that get people out and moving, but that doesn’t mean they always have to cost money,” he said.

Doeden added he was pleased with the turnout.

“We’re doing two to try it and we’ll see,” he said.

The second event is scheduled for Monday, July 20.

The event was held in the amphitheater area with dancing on the flat ground and grass. Bresnahan faced away from the group for much of the instruction so participants could watch her feet. She turned periodically to check progress and answer questions.

Bresnahan said she started teaching after her aunt asked her to help at the American Legion.

“I told her I’d figure it out,” she said.

Participants wore a range of footwear, including cowboy boots and sneakers. Bresnahan advised people to wear whatever allowed them to move comfortably.

The session lasted about two hours before rain and lightning ended it early. Dark clouds moved in and wind picked up. Doeden covered equipment as attendees sought shelter or left the park.

Bresnahan said she would repeat some dances on July 20 and introduce others.

The events are free with no registration or age restrictions required. Bresnahan said no prior experience was necessary.

Park and Recreation staff had set up the sound system and space for dancers. The program is part of the department’s summer offerings in city parks.

Bresnahan demonstrated advanced variations such as full turns during grapevines for those who wanted them. She reminded the group that modifications were allowed to suit individual comfort levels.

As the rain began, organizers confirmed the July 20 date. Attendees exchanged comments about the session while packing up. Some took photos before leaving.

The department will evaluate attendance from both events to determine interest in additional sessions. Bresnahan said she remains available if the program continues.

The first event drew participants from New Ulm and surrounding areas. A few people arrived later in the session and joined the group on the grass.

Bresnahan faced the front or turned as needed during instruction. She used counts such as “five, six, seven, eight” to keep the group synchronized.

Doeden noted the goal of offering accessible activities. The line dancing series requires no partner and allows dancers to face the same direction.

Bresnahan had prepared additional dances including one to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” that was not reached before the lightning.

Organizers encouraged people to watch for updates on the next session.