The Beat - A Dance Down Memory Lane
A Dance Down Memory Lane
New Zealand’s very own line dancing magazine, "The Beat," has been bringing joy, news, recognition, and connection for two decades! Today, we're taking a stroll down memory lane to celebrate the vibrant legacy of The Beat Line Dancing Magazine/Site – a cornerstone of New Zealand's line dancing scene. Inspired by the spirit of camaraderie and passion that fueled The Beat, our very own LineDance NZ pays homage to the joy this NZ line dance staple has brought. Originally started by Mack Apaapa (the choreographer of the popular classic "Southern Streamline"), then the lovely Joanne Clifford Marsh, and finally handed over to the much-loved Mike and Chrissie.
Kickin' It Off with a Bang
Step right up, folks! Whether you were a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of line dancing, The Beat was your go-to spot for all things twirls and swirls. From class listings to social event flyers, The Beat had us covered – ensuring we never missed a chance to strut our stuff on the dancefloor.
Dancin' to the Beat of Our Own Drum
At The Beat, it wasn't just about following the steps – it was about celebrating the creativity and talent that made our line dance community shine. With features like the Top 5 Listings and Workshop Teaches, we got to showcase the best of the best, both homegrown and international. It was a true celebration of the artistry and joy that line dancing brings into our lives.
Heartfelt Generosity
Beyond the dancefloor, The Beat embodied the spirit of giving back. The Beat's readership and community were committed to supporting charitable causes, which warmed our hearts and reminded us that dance has the power to make a difference. From the Kidney Society to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation, their generosity and that of Team New Zealand knew no bounds, leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion that continues to inspire us today.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we bid goodbye to The Beat Line Dancing Magazine/Site, we do so with a twinkle in our eyes and a skip in our step. While the website may have closed its doors, its spirit lives on in every beat of our hearts and every shuffle of our feet. With Linedance NZ attempting to carry the torch forward, we're excited to continue the journey – filled with laughter, friendship, and plenty of toe-tappin' fun.
Dancing into the Future
So, grab your boots and join us as we dance into the future with joyous memories and a spirit of community that knows no bounds. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie on the block, there's always room on the dancefloor for one more – because when it comes to line dancing, the more, the merrier!
Stay Connected
As we embrace the next chapter of our dance adventure, let's stay connected and keep the spirit of The Beat and the good work and foundation it helped to create alive. Follow us on Linedance NZ for updates, events, and plenty of dance-related shenanigans. After all, the dancefloor is where memories are made and friendships are forged – and we wouldn't want to miss a single step of the journey!
You can view the archived versions of "The Beat" on The Wayback Machine - Web Archive.