Monthly Spotlight
One Year Anniversary at Great Awakening Brewing Co.
Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing Celebrates One Year of Line Dancing at Great Awakening
Brewing in Westfield, MA
Westfield, MA – Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing is thrilled to announce the one-year
anniversary of its high-energy, boot-scootin’ partnership with Great Awakening Brewing
Company in Westfield, MA! What started as a monthly gathering of local dance
enthusiasts has grown into a signature community event, bringing together dancers of all
experience levels for a night of fun, music, and great craft beer.
Since launching in July 2024, the collaboration between Stompin’ Boots and Great
Awakening Brewing has become a beloved monthly tradition. The brewery’s spacious
venue, award-winning brews, and vibrant atmosphere have proven the perfect backdrop for
Stompin’ Boots’ inclusive and spirited dance instruction.
"Our goal has always been to make line dancing fun, accessible, and social,” said Shellie
Stone, founder of Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing. “The support we’ve received from the
Westfield community—and especially from Great Awakening Brewing—has been
incredible. We’re so proud to celebrate a year of dancing, friendships, and unforgettable
nights.”
This event takes place on the last Friday of every month and features:
ï‚· Beginner-friendly lessons
ï‚· Open dancing
ï‚· Delicious brews and food options
Whether you’ve been dancing with Stompin’ Boots from the beginning or you’re ready to
kick up your heels for the first time, this event is the perfect chance to join the fun. Our next
Monthly Dance Party is Friday July 25th from 6-9pm.
About Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing
Founded in 2022, Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing offers engaging and welcoming line dance
classes and events throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. With a passion for
country music, movement, and community, Stompin’ Boots makes line dancing fun for
everyone—no partner or experience needed!
About Great Awakening Brewing
Great Awakening Brewing Company is a premier craft brewery and kitchen located in
Westfield, MA. Known for its diverse selection of meticulously crafted beers that pair well
with it's comfort food selection and its spacious, family-friendly taproom, the brewery
regularly hosts events that bring the local community together.
Spotlight
Stomper Spotlight "My Story" Kate Bolio
How I Found My Way (Back) to the Dance Floor
by Kate Bolio
From a young age, dance made me feel most alive. Tap, acro, and ballet filled my childhood with rhythm, expression, and happiness. There was something magical about moving in sync with music.
During my teen years I traded dance shoes for soccer cleats.
At age 20, thanks to all the amazing 90’s country music, I gravitated back to the dance floor. I instantly fell in love with Country line dancing, 2 step, along with West & East Coast swing.
Then life shifted again in my 30’s.
Marriage, kids, and the beautiful chaos of family life took center stage. Dancing quietly faded into the background. Years passed in what felt like a blink.
About three years ago, I decided to venture back out. I was so nervous (silly, right?!? but it had been years), but that night I ran into several familiar faces and it was wonderful reconnecting. When I asked where else locally to dance, they pointed me to Shellie of Stompin’ Boots — and that simple recommendation changed everything.
Since then, I’ve gained more than just line dancing. I’ve built meaningful friendships, grown in confidence and joy, and reconnected with a sense of purpose — both personally and professionally. It’s been grounding, humbling, and an absolute blast.
Dance has always been a part of me. Sometimes it’s taken center stage, and sometimes it’s waited in the wings. For me, dance isn’t just movement. It’s community. It’s connection. It’s a piece of my soul — and it always will be.
Forever grateful.
Forever a Stomper.
Stomper Spotlight "My Story" Deb
I have always loved dancing and country music. My husband and I happened to be out one night at the Old Well Tavern for a country themed night. There was dance group that came in and they were just amazing. That moment sparked a renewed interest in me (in the back of my mind I’d always wanted to line dance and two step….you could say it was on my bucket list…yeah, I know, some folks dream of travel… ).
Later that year as fate would have it, a terrible, personal family tragedy blind-sided me and left a gaping hole that nothing seemed to fill or fix. On a whim I came out with a couple of girlfriends to give lesson night with Stompin Boots a try and Eureka …it slowed and quieted my mind. I found I couldn’t continue to have those intrusive sad thoughts at the same time that I was trying to remember where my feet needed to go. It has also introduced me to a wonderful group of kind, caring, patient, nonjudgmental and wicked helpful people that I am happy to count as new friends. Line dancing has now become both a new passion and also a survival skill! And so, from the bottom of my heart I am giving a massive thank you to Shellie, Dan, Kate, Joe and the entire crew for helping me find some peace of mind and joy again. Xo Deb W.
Stomper Spotlight: "My Story" Abby (age 11)
My brother Jamin, introduced me to line dancing as a fun activity to do together. With him now off to the Army, I still continue to come to line dancing, even got some of my friends to join me in his place. Ever since I started, I love line dancing. My favorite part of line dancing is the moves and learning to dance to some of my favorite music. When I came to my first week of dancing, I knew it was meant to be. I love country music so even better I get to dance to it. I would encourage everyone to come out and join.
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Abby (age 11)
Stomper Spotlight: Dan Souza
Meet Dan Souza! Dan wears many hats within the Stompin' Boots family. Not only has he has been line dancing for 2 years. most of that time with the group, and also on our performance team, Dan is also Shellie's Events Manager and Sound Guy!! Dan keeps all the events and gigs running smoothly, from initial bookings straight through to packing up at the end of a show!
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Along with being an intricate part of Stompin' Boots, he is also a very good friend to everyone in the dance family! He is always around to greet you with a smile and answer any and all of your questions! He may even show up with baked goods on your birthday!
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We were honored recently to host a Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week in Dan's honor. Dan was kind enough to let us in to see some of the struggles he experiences with Tourette Syndrome, and how dance helps him lighten the load.
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Dan has recently choreographed his first solo line dance titled White Boy Rhythm. His dance can be found on CopperKnob. ​​​