Why you need to know the Cadillac Ranch line dance

Why Calgarians need to know the Cadillac Ranch line dance

An important rite of passage for all new Calgarians is to take part in their very first Calgary Stampede (and survive the ensuing hangover).

When one of my friends first moved here to yyc, he was super excited to take in all the Stampede festivities. He gussied up in all the best Western gear to play the part right: the jeans, the boots, the bolo tie and of course, the cowboy hat. At his first Stampede party, he had fully embraced his inner rhinestone cowboy and really felt like he fit into the country Western experience. That is, until the classic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song came on. Everybody headed onto the dance floor to take part in the Cadillac Ranch line dance. He quickly realized there was a lot more to the Western experience that he needed to know about.

That is, until the classic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song came on. Everybody headed onto the dance floor to take part in the Cadillac Ranch line dance.He quickly realized there was a lot more to the Western experience that he needed to know about.

The Cadillac Ranch line dance is a staple of the Stampede experience – and Calgary in general.  Those of us who grew up here are taught country line dancing in school (remember those “social dance” modules in gym class?). So learning the Cadillac Ranch dance steps is a necessity if you want to make your way onto the country dance floor and bust a move.

Learn the line dance steps

The guys in the video above may have more enthusiasm than finesse, but they do have the steps down. The ski mask burgler/Flames fan effect is a bit jarring, but also quite amusing. Take a look, practice the Cadillac Ranch steps and get ready to boot scootin’ boogie. Like buddy says in the clip, “See you down at Ranchman’s!”

1, 2 With weight on balls of feet, turn heels out; Bring heels back together
3, 4 Turn heels out; Bring heels back together

5, 6 Point RIGHT toe to right; Step RIGHT foot next to Left
7, 8 Point LEFT toe to left; Step LEFT toe next to Right
9, 10 Point RIGHT toe to right; Step RIGHT foot next to Left
11, 12 Point LEFT toe to left; Step LEFT foot next to Right

13, 14 Tap RIGHT heel forward twice
15, 16 Tap LEFT toe behind twice

17, 18 Point RIGHT toe forward; Point RIGHT toe to right
19 Cross RIGHT leg behind Left knee and slap boot with left hand
20 Point RIGHT toe to right
21 Cross RIGHT leg behind Left knee and slap boot with left hand

22 Point RIGHT toe to right
23 Cross RIGHT leg in front of Left knee and slap boot with left hand while making 1/4 turn to the left on ball of Left foot
24 With RIGHT leg still off the ground… turn RIGHT knee so boot goes to right  and slap boot with Right hand

25, 26 Step RIGHT foot to right; Step LEFT foot behind Right
27, 28 Step RIGHT foot to right; Scuff LEFT foot next to Right
29, 30 Step LEFT foot to left; Step RIGHT foot behind Left
31, 32 Step LEFT foot to left; Scuff RIGHT foot next to Left

33, 34 Step RIGHT foot back; Step LEFT foot back
35, 36 Step RIGHT foot back; Hop on RIGHT foot in place
37, 38 Step LEFT foot forward; Step RIGHT foot forward
39, 40 Step LEFT foot forward; Stomp RIGHT foot next to Left