Tim sits down with Suzi Rose, founder of Western Roots Country Dancing, to talk about how a personal passion turned into one of the most active and inclusive dance communities in Montana. From line dancing and two-step to private events and wedding coaching, Suzi and her team are helping people across the state connect through movement.
Dance Floors, Honky Tonks, and Wednesday Nights at the Westerner
Based in Bozeman, Western Roots runs a full weekly schedule of country dance events and classes. Suzi breaks down where to start if you’re new, what to expect at their public events, and how the team brings weddings and private parties to life with interactive dance instruction.
“We don’t require partners at any of our events. And that can be scary too—showing up alone and not knowing what you’re doing. We do everything we can to make sure you leave smiling and not embarrassed.”
Monday to Saturday, They Keep Montana Dancing
Western Roots offers beginner and intermediate swing, two-step, waltz, and line dancing. Regular classes are held at Starlite Studios, the city of Bozeman’s community space, and weekly public nights at venues like the Westerner and Bourbon.
They also take on weddings, reunions, fundraisers, and corporate events—bringing a sense of ease, inclusion, and joy wherever the music plays.
Built from the Ground Up
Suzi shares how Western Roots started out of necessity. When two of Bozeman’s main dance venues shut down in 2019, she stepped up to make sure the local dance community still had a place to gather. What started as a personal effort quickly became a full-fledged business.
Connection Beyond the Steps
What makes Suzi most proud isn’t just the size of the crowd or the polish of the dance—it’s the way people open up. From couples learning to move together to strangers becoming fast friends, the floor creates more than just rhythm.
“Collaborative joy is one of my favorite phrases. It’s a room full of people giving their best back.”
Interested in Dancing?
You can find Western Roots at: https://www.mtcountrydance.com/
They post their full schedule online and welcome everyone—locals and out-of-towners alike.
To learn more about Suzi and Western Roots, go to https://www.instagram.com/westernrootscountrydancing/
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation. https://mountain-mule.com/
