Learning to line-dance can be a source of anxiety for some. But nerves won't trip you up at Born Country Dance Lessons, just the steps themselves.

Born Country instructor Richard Jordan, 61, has taught traditional line-dancing and select other dance styles with his wife Linda for 20 years.

Recently, Richard has been reaching out for new line-dancing recruits at his lessons. He structures the lessons accordingly by teaching three new dances each night. Between instruction, beginners can rest while returning dancers perform a routine they learned the previous week.

“I think they come back if they can just get a couple they like and can learn easily,” Jordan said.

The mathematically-minded will have an easier time of memorizing the dances. Each consists of cycles of between 32 and 40 steps, usually broken into smaller units of four.

Jordan has also moved his lessons away from the country music within which line-dancing has traditionally fallen. He began playing rock songs after he heard a soundtrack of them alongside country music fixtures at dances in Watkins Glen.

Gearing his lessons toward guys will be a somewhat tougher task.

“Line-dancing will appeal to women who have tough guy husbands, because they don't need a partner,” Jordan joked.

The gender split of the dancers last Friday night demonstrates Jordan's point. Only four males can be found in the six rows of 21 total dancers. While the female contingent includes a few in their 20s, the youngest male appears to be in his early 40s.

Regardless of gender, all dancers at Jordan's lessons share a camaraderie that will calm the nerves of any newbies, as he calls them. Slip-ups are greeted with gentle giggles and encouragement. Some of the older dancers joke about who needs Icy-Hot.

One of Jordan's friends is Tom Weinerth, 65, who comes to the Born Country lessons every Friday from Elbridge. Although he has more than 12 years of line-dancing experience under his belt, he'd hardly label himself an expert.

“I'm still learning more, I've learned 500 but I'm lucky if I can remember three or four if I'm out there by myself,” Weinerth said.

Line-dancing has also been a regular weekly activity for Barbara Bellerdine, 64, of Auburn. She enjoys the music and the exercise she gets moving along to it. Like Weinerth, she hasn't nearly mastered the diverse array of dances.

“I've probably forgotten more dances than I've gotten down pat,” Bellerdine said.

Others in attendance are learning their first dances. Anny Ockenfels, 22, was brought to her first Born Country lesson by her friend Charlie Mayor. After an hour of heeling, slapping and stepping, she was easing into the movements.

“It's not too tough, I just wish I had worn shoes instead of sneakers so I could slide around more easily,” Ockenfels said.

Staff writer David Wilcox can be

contacted at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net