It was the right fit at the right time; everything fell right into place. It’s an ideal location — it’s central island, so it’s perfect for Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport folks.”

Wendy Bulk, Portsmouth's parks and recreation director

PORTSMOUTH — About 30 women followed Wendy Bulk’s every move inside the Middletown Knights of Columbus hall last week as she taught them basic line dancing moves such as the sliding step, the grapevine, the pivot turn, and more.

Bulk, the director of Portsmouth’s Department of Parks and Recreation, even gave them pointers on footwear. “If you’re wearing boots, you want to have a decent arch support in them. Sneakers are great as they probably already have arch support.”

Some of the participants initially displayed two left feet during this beginner class, but within 30 minutes or so they nailed down the basic moves as Bulk gave them all an attagirl.

If you’re wondering why the town’s recreation department is hosting classes in Middletown, the answer is simple: A lack of available space in Portsmouth, as well as a reasonable rental rate.

Tom Murphy, the event coordinator for the Middletown Knights, said he welcomed the idea for dance and fitness classes — Zumba is another offering — when Bulk approached him. The hall not only had mid-week time slots available, but the Knights liked the idea of reaching out to other communities.

“We always try to help out our communities on the island; it’s what we do,” said Murphy, noting the Middletown hall is also used by the Knights of Columbus in Portsmouth and Tiverton. “(The recreation department) needed an inside venue. We give them a nice price, but all the money we make goes back into the community.”

“It was really hard to find space in Portsmouth,” added Bulk, who said some spaces also proved to be a little too expansive for her budget. “When I approached Tom, he was pretty open to this partnership and it was pretty easy to move right in there. They need the business; their facility isn’t used midweek. It was the right fit at the right time; everything fell right into place. It’s an ideal location — it’s central island, so it’s perfect for Portsmouth, Middletown and Newport folks.”

Newport residents Stefanie Gallo and her 6-year-old daughter, Atlas Gunneman, were among those who turned out last week.

“I’ve never done it but I’ve always loved line dancing,” said Gallo before motioning to her daughter. “And she loves dancing; she’s absolutely in her element.”

Class details

The “Boot Stompin’ Tuesdays” beginner line dancing classes run from 6:15-7:30 p.m. at the hall, located at 7 Valley Road, Middletown. Zumba classes are from 6:15-7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. 

Walk-ins are welcome at $8 per class for line dancing, $10 per class for Zumba. You can also pay for a session of multiple classes; visit the Parks and Recreation page at portsmouthri.gov for more details.

“Dancing starts at 6:15, but we are opening doors at 5:45 for snacking and beverages,” said Bulk. “It’s really fun and it’s a nice social hour. People meet each other and they really enjoy coming here and being together. It’s about socializing and wellness. I feel that it’s a community effort and we’re bringing wellness to the community — everyone benefits.”

Besides the dance and fitness classes, the department also plans to start a cornhole program there. 

“Every year we grow,” Bulk said. “We grow the programs and the revenue. I now have an assistant and we’re working hard to bring new programs and partnerships. There’s lots more going on now, and a lot more to come.”