How a community dance movement fuels connection, wellness and economy

On any given Wednesday night in Mt. Pleasant, the sound of country music and synchronized footsteps fills the air as dozens of dancers move in unison, transforming an ordinary evening into a high-energy community gathering.

What started as a small personal outlet has grown into Backyard Boots & Beats, a line dancing initiative founded by Crystal Curcio that continues to draw participants from across the region. 

Blending fitness, social connection, and entertainment, the weekly events have become a staple for many and a boost for local businesses.

“Backyard Boots & Beats was inspired by the positive mental health impact line dancing had on my own life,” Curcio shares. “No matter what I was going through, I could always count on that class to give me something positive to look forward to.”

Curcio’s journey with line dancing began in 2021, when she attended a small class at a local veterans hall with a friend. This casual activity for Curcio quickly became something more meaningful. She attended consistently for over a year, finding stability and joy in the routine, even as life presented challenges.

“It became something that fed my mind, body, and soul,” she says.

As her interest deepened, Curcio began traveling to nearby communities, including Bay City, where she was introduced to larger dance scenes. There, she experienced the distinction between structured instruction and open dance nights, gaining a broader understanding of how line dancing could bring people together.

Those experiences planted the seed for what would eventually become Backyard Boots & Beats.

In November 2024, Curcio approached a local venue about restarting line dancing in Mt. Pleasant. With support from community partners, the idea took shape. The concept later expanded while hosting events at O’Kelly’s Sports Bar & Grille, where patio space and indoor flexibility allowed the group to grow.

“My mission from day one has been simple: to create a space where no matter what’s going on in your life, you have one place you can go where stress stays at the door,” Curcio explains. “A place where people can move, connect, and just feel good.”

That mission is reflected in the structure of each event. Unlike traditional dance settings that may feel intimidating to newcomers, Backyard Boots & Beats emphasizes accessibility. Nights often begin with step-by-step instruction, helping beginners feel comfortable before transitioning into open dancing.

“We make a strong effort to teach from the ground up because a lot of people are intimidated to try—they think they’re ‘behind’ when they see others dancing,” Curcio says. “We want people to feel welcome from the moment they walk in.”

The events go beyond basic instruction. Themed nights, outfit contests, and photography have become regular features, creating an immersive experience that blends social nightlife with community-building. 

“It’s more than just a class—it’s a full night out,” Curcio emphasizes.

For many participants, the physical activity is an added benefit. Curcio estimates that attendees often dance between 10 and 15 miles in a single evening without realizing it. 

“They’re just having fun,” she says.

Backyard Boots & Beats has also evolved into a family-centered activity for Curcio. Curcio says her children and significant other regularly attend, along with a growing network of friends and regular participants.

“One of the coolest parts is it went from my hobby to my entire family’s hobby,” she says. “We wake up Thursday morning with about ten pairs of boots by my front door.”

Over time as attendance grew, so did the need to sustain the operation. One of the organization’s biggest challenges came when transitioning from free events to a $5 entry fee—a decision Curcio says was not made lightly.

“I truly wanted to keep it free because I know how tight finances can be for people right now,” she shares.

Ultimately, the small fee allowed Backyard Boots & Beats to reinvest in the experience, from compensating team members to hiring photographers and expanding event offerings. 

“That small fee has allowed us to give back in bigger ways,” Curcio adds.

Balancing the needs of beginners and experienced dancers has also required careful planning. 

“The other obstacle is catering to both day-one beginners and advanced dancers,” she mentions. “We try our very best to give everyone a good time.”

Local business owners say the effort has paid off not only for participants, but for the broader community as well.

At O’Kelly’s Sports Bar & Grille, one of the primary host venues, weekly dance nights have become a reliable source of energy and customer engagement.

“We’re one of the host venues, so on Wednesday nights they’ve been dancing at either O’Kelly’s patio or inside depending on size and weather,” says John Hunter, owner of O’Kelly’s. “They have a very energetic dance crowd, and it’s been great. It’s just a great partnership.”

The events bring in a diverse audience, contributing to a lively and inclusive atmosphere. 

“The demographic for Boots & Beats is pretty much everyone—college students all the way up to elderly people and everything in between,” Hunter highlights. “It’s nice to have an opportunity for those people to have fun.”

That diversity is part of what makes the concept successful, along with consistent promotion and strong community engagement.

“I think they do a good job on site of having instruction, which is important,” Hunter says, echoing Crucio’s earlier sentiment of inclusion. “They also do a nice job with their social media and letting people know that this is a weekly event.”

The partnership reflects a broader trend of collaboration among small businesses in Mt. Pleasant, where venues often host community-driven events ranging from fundraisers to vendor fairs. 

“We’ve had all sorts of people collaborate and partner with us,” Hunter says. “We’re always willing to partner and collaborate.”

For Curcio, that spirit of collaboration has been essential from the beginning. She credits a network of supporters, including instructor Jason Cooper and DJ Maya Dennison, for helping bring Backyard Boots & Beats to life.

“Backyard Boots & Beats has truly been built by a village,” she says. “I’m the founder, but I’ve had incredible support from day one.”

Supporting others remains central to the organization’s mission. Backyard Boots & Beats prioritizes working with local DJs, photographers and venue staff, ensuring that growth benefits a wide range of people. 

“We prioritize taking care of the people who take care of us,” Curcio says.

She recalled one moment that underscored the group’s economic impact. After asking a bartender if the events made a difference, she received a response that stuck with her. 

“He told me Wednesdays with our group were the most he’s ever made per hour in his life,” Curcio recalls. “That meant everything to me.”

As Backyard Boots & Beats continues to expand, it has begun hosting events in other communities such as Clare, introducing new audiences to line dancing while maintaining its roots in Mt. Pleasant.

The growth has been largely organic, driven by word of mouth and community enthusiasm. Looking ahead, Curcio has ambitious but grounded goals for the future.

“My dream would be to open our own venue—something like a barn or dedicated dance space,” she says. Such a space would allow for greater flexibility, larger events and an even stronger sense of identity for the organization.

Still, Curcio emphasizes the heart of Backyard Boots & Beats remains unchanged.

“This has never been about money for me,” she says. “It’s about creating something meaningful and giving people a place to feel good. If we can continue to grow and bless others along the way, that’s the real success.”