At its core, line dancing is simply a group dance where people move in sync while facing the same direction, which makes it easy to join without needing a partner.

One recent Wednesday night in Atlanta, dozens of people gathered in a studio space armed with water bottles, hand fans, towels and an expectation to be in sync. There were hugs among the regulars ...

When Tre Little two-stepped in his cowboy boots at the BET Awards preshow this summer, he was overcome with joy and gratitude. “I used to watch this on TV every year, and I’m now performing,” said the ...