For Scott Reinhart, social dancing is not just a pastime; it has been part of his life for nearly 40 years. From his first hesitant steps to leading community events, Reinhart has devoted himself to keeping the spirit of social dance alive in Grand Forks.
Reinhart’s journey began in his 20’s, despite initially not caring much for country music. During a night out at a bar, he watched people dancing and thought, “that looks like a lot of fun.” Summoning the courage to ask a woman to teach him, he recalls, “she told me, ‘well, you need boots,” he said with a laugh. So, he bought a pair of boots, returned to the dance floor and never looked back.
Starting out, Reinhart and a small group of friends learned and practiced at Chaps, a local bar that became his second home. “I remember dancing six nights a week,” he said. “I’d drink one beer because there were always girls asking me to dance.” With crowds of 40 to 50 people during the week and hundreds on the weekends, Chaps was the dance hub of Grand Forks, but with the flood of 1997, Chaps closed its doors.
With Chap’s closure, Reinhart and his friends adapted, moving from bar to bar, from Whiskey Point to Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse, keeping their community alive. They eventually found a home at the Eagles Club in East Grand Forks.
“The Eagles welcomed us,” Reinhart said, adding that the club allowed the group to expand and settle in one place. Today, line dancing is held at the Eagles every Tuesday night, drawing crowds of up to 55 people of all ages. “Anyone can come, and whether you’re a pro or just curious, there’s a spot for you,” he said. The night begins with 30 minutes of line dance instruction, followed by two-step country dances and other styles that fill the rest of the night.
For Reinhart, dancing has many benefits. “It’s exercise, it’s fun, and it builds social skills,” he said, pointing out that the inclusive atmosphere fosters friendships and confidence among newcomers. Reinhart also noted how recent first-time visitors often receive personal instruction from veteran dancers.
Interest in dancing at the Eagles has continued to grow. This year, the Eagles Club expanded to offer Friday night social dances featuring a variety of music styles, from salsa to swing. “We started Fridays for us, but it turns out a lot of people love it,” Reinhart said, adding that the event lets dancers make song requests, creating a personalized playlist that mixes favorite country tracks with popular songs from the crowd.
Reinhart aims to keep social dancing alive in Grand Forks and make it accessible for all. “My vision is to see more people dancing, to actually have fun because I think that’s kind of a lost art,” he said, explaining that many people hold back because they do not know the steps. “Whether it’s exercise, social skills, or just a fun way to unwind, dancing has something for everyone.”
Details about Tuesday line dancing and Friday socials are on the Grand Forks Dancing Facebook page. “Whether you’re a student, a local, or just curious, come on out,” Reinhart said. “You’ll get exercise, have fun, and maybe leave with a few new friends.”
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
