By: Allison Benning
Every Monday night at K1 Speed, the sound of tires revving on a go-kart track is not the only thing you will hear. You’ll probably hear some country songs, boots scuffling on the floor, and instructions on how to two-step.
Those sounds are courtesy of the Honkytonk Hammerheads, a country line and swing dancing group that meets at K1 speed, and also have lessons at Surfer the Bar in Jacksonville Beach every other Thursday. In addition to these opportunities, the Honkytonk Hammerheads will occasionally host workshops, where they bring in instructors from all over the country to give large classes.
Three years ago, Kristen Buttrey and Jack Heeren were looking for ways to spend their Saturday night that weren’t just going to the bar and drinking. Luckily for them, they found line dancing. They started taking classes of their own and watching YouTube videos to learn how to dance. Then, they got good enough where they could start teaching people how to dance.
When they figured out they wanted to teach dance, Buttrey and Heeren created the Honkytonk Hammerheads. What started as a small group of eight people that began learning how to dance in Heeren’s living room turned into a large group of people that meet up every Monday to dance.
Maggie Bourgholtzer discovered Honkytonk Hammerheads last year. She had already known how to line and swing dance, but wanted to take her friends and find a group that was faith-based. She found the Honkytonk Hammerheads, and hasn’t turned back since. Now, she helps instruct their Monday line dance classes.
The Honkytonk Hammerheads take pride in their ability to teach people of all skill levels. However, what really drives Buttrey and Heeren is their faith and “glorifying Jesus.” Their motto is Matthew 5:16, which says “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in Heaven.”
For more information and a full schedule of classes, visit their Instagram page @honkytonkhammerheads.
