Rising Stars: Meet Kristin Clove of Los Angeles County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Clove

Hi Kristin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in La Crescenta CA, my mother was a soprano and sang in many musicals and city events, she was a singer in a band called the Gold Diggers in the early 70’s and has been My #1 supporter for my entire dance career and life. My dad, was a US Marine, a History and English major, lover of music, dancing, and entertainment. I grew up watching lots of musicals and I would create and direct neighborhood performances, parades, and shows.
Showbiz, creating, and directing were my talents.

I spent most of my childhood 10-23 as a competitive dancer. Spent long hours and nights training and held several titles and awards at Dance Competitions like Showbiz, Showstopper, Dance Rave Etc. then went on to teaching and choreography for competitions and performances. I eventually ended up married, having a son, and moving into a solid career as a Food Service Director in Business dining.

In 2016 while going through a divorce I fell in love with Line Dancing. I was my medicine, ie. my escape from reality, Line Dance gave me a new purpose, filled my heart with joy, gave me new friends and a new dance family, and it was just everything I needed for healing. I quickly became a staple face on the Cowboy Palace Saloons dance floor.

I lost my dad in 2020 and that’s when my life truly took a big turn. My dad was a hard worker, he loved what he did. He started as a box boy in an optical company and worked his way to VP of the biggest supplier in the country. One thing my dad would always tell me is,

You won’t work a day in your life if you LOVE what you do.”

At the time of his death from Pancreatic Cancer, COVID-19 had just ended my 10 career as a Food Service Director in corporate dining when the country was shut down.

Line Dancing was truly my hobby and everything I loved. It was then that I knew Line Dance was my future.

I saw an opportunity to create a business as Line Dance was growing. Lots of young adults were wanting to Line Dance, filling the 18+ club dance floors.
It was about then when I was asked to do a favor for the popular local band (Rebel Heart). They had a gig at Conejo Valley Days and asked me to teach Line Dance and fill the floor with dancers to engage the audience.
I came up with the Bootscoot Bosses Line Dance Crew, got us shirts, and gave Conejo Valley Days a performance that solidified by path.

I created Bootscoot Bosses Line Dance Crew with the help of my friends, students and fellow Line Dancers. Bootscoot Bosses is an entertainment and instruction crew that elevates guest engagement. We spread out to all areas and create excitment that draws people to the dance floor. Remove the fear one might have to get up and dance.
We are not just any old Dance crew though. We are different because everyone is welcome to join our team. No audition, no judgment, no dance experience. Bootscoot Bosses Line Dance crew is for EVERYONE!

In just 2 short years The Bootscoot Bosses Line Dance Crew has been booked instructing, entertaining, and getting people on their feet all over Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Instructing and performing at Large city-wide festivals such as SCV Cowboy Festival, Culver City’s Fiesta La Ballona, Oktoberfests, local bars around the city, 4 music videos, and even Motion Pictures.

Bootscoot Bosses also offers classes in the Foothill and Santa Clarita areas., Private and Group Lessons, Corporate Lessons, partner and wedding dance choreography. Creating Bootscoot groups around the Los Angeles Area.

I have worked for huge musicians creating one-of-a-kind Line Dances to their music. Some of the musicians I have had the chance to work with include:

Cupid
Elektrohorse
Nitty Gritty GR
SMO
Dusty Leigh
Gentry Jones
Decon Blu
Papa Fresh
Jessie Boyles
Brei Carter

SB the Queen and so many more.

I have also collaborated with some of the world’s best Line Dance choreographers, such as Mark Paulino and Country Fusions Elizabeth Mooney.
I am now teaching at the biggest Line Dance and Country swing workshop in the state, and have goals to be judging the World Line Dance Competitions in the future.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, entrepreneurship isn’t a smooth road to success, and I wouldn’t quite call it a successful” business yet, but we are on the right path.

I have faced many challenges along the way. Learning to switch from ballet terminology to Line Dance terminology wasn’t as easy as I thought. I was shown a lot of rejection by other instructors in the area. I’ve created classes no one came too, I’ve put out dances that no one danced, and I’ve created parties that no only few attended. It is not easy to get people to do something that isn’t on their normal weekly agenda. Building my classes outside of the Local bars has been the toughest struggle.

I’ve put 4 years into building up my classes, nothing happened overnight. Once a person lets Line Dance into their lives it becomes the foundation and truly everything works around it.

All we have to do is get people to try it and they get hooked. As and instructor I’ve brought many people into the Line Dance world because spreading this joy is my purpose,
However, without my students, our supporters and friends and the people who put their time, hearts and soul into Bootscoot Bosses we would not be a CREW. Without them we couldn’t succeed, they are the seeds and with them I grow the fruit..

“Uniting Boots One Line Dance at a Time”

My dad’s statement runs through my head every day…

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
You can see all my choreography on our Youtube page or can visit our website to direct you to anything you want to know about Bootscoot Bosses. We are also on TikTok, IG, and Facebook and have over 250 dance Videos on YouTube.

I’m most proud of the standard I have set. Bootscoot Bosses is about spreading joy and teaching the people,
We are about supporting the art opening our arms to all. This is what sets us apart from others. Uniting all people together.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
AS more and more people are experiencing the joy of social dancing I don’t see Line Dance going anywhere else but BIGGER.

I have already seen a HUGE shift in the last 2 years. Many Line Dance teams have been started, artists are reaching out to dancers directly to create a custom dance to their new song.

young adults are partner dancing again like it’s the 50’s, Clubs are adding dance spaces. Bands are hiring Line Dancers just to dance, workshops and huge dance events have been created, and even training to jumpstart you into the community of instructors. It has come a long way and has made huge strides in just 2 years, I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.

Bootscoot Bosses will soon be coming to a town near you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bootscootbosses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootscootbosses_linedancecrew
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088359973863
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thedancinboss?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Image Credits: Bootscoot Bosses Line Dance Crew