Every Monday and Wednesday at 6:00pm, a local multipurpose room transforms into a place where stress melts, music takes over, and people of all ages show up ready to move. Statesboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club fills the room with laughter and the kind of easy camaraderie that makes newcomers feel like they’ve stumbled into something special—a mid‑evening boost of joy, connection, and pure, good‑hearted fun.
What began as a simple Facebook post has grown into one of Statesboro’s most spirited and welcoming community fitness groups.
As the Statesboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club celebrates its first anniversary, founders Shacarra Mikell, Shawanda McPhatter, and Kristalyn McPhatter are reflecting on a year filled with laughter, movement, and the kind of fellowship that keeps people coming back week after week.
Stateboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club, wearing custom-designed shirts created by one of the group’s members, Erica Porter. Photo courtesy of Shacarra Mikell.
The group’s origin story is as down‑to‑earth as the women who started it. In April 2025, Shawanda, craving a fun way to stay active, posted on Facebook asking if anyone might want to try line dancing for fitness. Shacarra was the first to respond.
“I immediately said I was interested,” she recalls. “I told her, ‘Hey, I know some line dances—I’d be willing to come.’ And it just flourished from that moment.”
Neither woman had formal line dance experience. What they did have was enthusiasm, curiosity, and a desire to bring people together. That was enough.
From the very beginning, Shawanda’s cousin, Kristalyn, played a key role in shaping the group’s identity and momentum.
“I was extremely excited and supportive of the idea,” she says. “When my family gets together, line dancing is ALWAYS involved.”
For Kristalyn, the joy has been in watching the group blossom.
“It has been amazing to watch us all grow and develop into a little family,” she explains. “We have our core group of members who have been here from the beginning and then other members who have joined later down the line or popped in for a few classes throughout the year. Either way, we love to see new faces and come together for great, clean fun… all while getting a little exercise in!”
The group’s earliest practices took place behind the tennis courts at Mill Creek Park. It was a humble beginning—five people at first, then more as passersby stopped to watch, college students joined in, and word spread.
However, as most locals know, Georgia weather is unpredictable. Rain, heat, and humidity made outdoor practices challenging. The club has found a new home. Today, the group meets every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm at Mill Creek Elementary School, drawing a steady group of about 15 regular dancers, with many more dropping in when they can.
From the beginning, the club has been open, welcoming, and free of charge.
“God hasn’t laid it on my heart to charge,” Shawanda says.
The group’s growth has been fueled by word of mouth, Facebook, and community visibility—especially their energetic appearance in the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and Martin Luther King Jr. parades, which introduced them to a whole new audience.
The group walked in two major parades in Bulloch County over the last year.
Shacarra has watched the group evolve from a casual gathering to a true community that values the contributions of all who participate.
“One class had 30 or 40 people,” she remembers. “If someone wants to teach a dance, they’re welcome to. We’re always open to suggestions.”
“We look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays,” Shawanda notes. “When we miss it, we feel it.”
“I only knew a few people when we first started, but just a few classes in and you will feel like you’ve known these individuals for years. Great, positive energy and I always leave feeling better than when I arrived!” Kristalyn says.
The founders emphasize that the club is open to all—experienced dancers, beginners, and anyone who just wants to move, laugh, and shake off the day.
“It’s okay if you don’t know how to dance,” Shacarra said. “We’re just moving for the experience.”
Shawanda echoes the same welcoming spirit.
“If you want to come have fun, get some energy out, or get some frustration out—we’re open.”
To celebrate their first year, the Statesboro Line Dance Fitness Club is hosting its Anniversary Line Dance Day Party on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11am to 1pm at Mill Creek Elementary School, 239 Beasley Road in Statesboro. The celebration will include free food and drinks, free registration for line dance groups, and plenty of dancing. All are welcome, and the founders encourage everyone to register so they can make sure there’s enough food for the crowd.
Smiles, friendship, and fellowship fuel the moves of this synchronized group of ladies.
What started as a simple desire for exercise has become a joyful, multi-generational community tradition. The Statesboro Line Dance Fitness Club has created a space where people can move, laugh, learn, and belong. And as they step into their second year, one thing is clear: the rhythm that brought them together is only getting stronger.
For more information about Statesboro’s Line Dance Fitness Club, please email them or visit their Facebook page. To register for the Anniversary Line Dance Day Party, please use this link.