Some of the best things in life start as a joke.
One of my favorite things to do is go line and swing dancing. I get it—it’s not for everyone. Country music, country outfits I know its cheesy. But for some of us, it’s the absolute best way to spend a night. And it’s even better when you’re surrounded by awesome people.
Before I got into dancing, I was trying everything. I wanted a hobby, a community—something to be part of; a skill to perfect. I gave kickboxing a shot (fun but not my thing), tried knitting and crocheting (turns out, I’m terrible at both and honestly, I think it’s really boring, adorable but boring), and even tried reading a ton (reading just isn’t my vibe). Nothing really stuck.
Then, one night, I walked into a local dance hall that a friend had invited me to, and it just made sense. I didn’t even like country music, and I thought it would be me just people watching.
At first, I went occasionally, then, it became every Thursday. Six months later, I was going three nights a week. I had friends there, but I was still looking for that deeper sense of community—something that felt like my group.
Then last summer, I started meeting my people, one by one. And that’s where the story really begins.
The Birth of Our Friend Group
One night, a bunch of us were hanging out after dancing—just talking about life, friendships, and our shared love for line dancing. Someone (half-jokingly) threw out an idea:
“What if we started a TikTok group?”
We laughed. It seemed ridiculous. We weren’t professional dancers—just a bunch of friends who loved to have fun. But the more we talked, the more the idea stuck.
We brainstormed names, cycling through way too many cringey options. We even asked ChatGPT for help, but nothing felt right. Then Glen casually threw out:
“How about The Boot Stompers?”
We liked it. But we wanted a Colorado tie-in. We tossed around “The Colorado Boot stompers,” “The Stompers of COS,” and other variations before finally landing on The Rocky Mountain Boot Stompers.
At the time, it was just a name—a fun idea we thought might last a couple of weeks. But that name, and that moment, became something real.
More Than Just Dancing
What started as a casual joke turned into something much bigger. We made social media pages, started teaching workshops, and found a whole community of people just as excited about dancing as we were.
But the best part? It wasn’t just about dancing. It was about the friendships, the encouragement, and the sense of belonging we built along the way.
The Takeaway? Say Yes.
Before all of this, I was searching—for passion, for people, for something that made me feel alive. And in the most unexpected way, I found it. I found a family.
How often do we hold back because we think something is silly or impossible? How many opportunities do we miss because we assume they won’t go anywhere?
The truth is the best things in life happen when we step outside our comfort zones. Whether it’s trying something new, starting a conversation, or saying yes to an idea that seems a little crazy—you never know what it might turn into.
At Education for a Lifetime, we believe in fostering those moments. Whether it’s in relationships, personal growth, or life choices, don’t be afraid to take that first step. We always want to encourage you to go for your dreams
Because sometimes, the best things start as just an idea.
-Siena Calcote