Aleah Nothstein grew up rebelling against her dad’s love for country music. Now, she’s strutting across the dance floor teaching line dancing and dreaming of owning a country line-dancing bar of her own one day.
Nothstein is the heartbeat of Seven Sirens’ weekly line-dancing nights, where country, pop, rock and rap blend with the rhythm of stomping feet.
She discovered line dancing six years ago, spending nearly every weekend practicing steps with friends — something she said they always looked forward to.
That passion quickly turned into teaching.
“I enjoy line dancing so much,” Nothstein said. “I would help others on the fly, and people told me I should start teaching classes, so I gave it a shot. Here I am three years later. It’s an awesome journey to get myself into.”
Her favorite dance, set to “Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen, is one she choreographed herself and has since become a crowd favorite.
Nothstein welcomes dancers of all skill levels, emphasizing that she encourages beginners and enjoys seeing new people join the dance floor.
Scott Cameron, a bartender at Seven Sirens, said Nothstein’s classes have brought in younger crowds.
“There’s a lot of new people coming into the brewery that normally wouldn’t,” Cameron said. “It’s been going really well for her and for us. Even if you’re not dancing, just watching it is pretty exciting.”
While the dance floor fills on Wednesdays, Cameron watches from behind the bar. He tried line dancing once and said it was a good time. Over time, he’s built friendship with regulars, Nothstein and her partner, Codi Sigley, who goes by DJ Mullet.
For some, the classes have been life-changing.
Ashley Patterson said she first stumbled into a class last February during a difficult period in her life.
“The last year of my life has been one of the toughest years,” Patterson said. “One day, I went to the bar after work, and it was probably the best experience I’ve ever had. It’s just the best place you could be.”
That night, Nothstein gave Patterson not just a business card, but a new community. She’s attended classes at least twice a week ever since.
When the opening beats of “Georgia Peaches” hit, Patterson and others rush to the floor. For her, it’s the highlight of the night.
Patterson, who works as a service support professional for people with disabilities, often brings her clients to dance.
“It’s such a privilege to bring my clients on the floor and see what they do,” Patterson said. “(Nothstein) is so helpful with them as well. It’s an amazing place to bring everyone of all abilities.”
Inspired by the experience, Patterson began teaching a class at Solo Expressions, a dance studio for people with disabilities.
She said Nothstein and Sigley make every effort to play requests and ensure their events appeal to everyone who attends.
She said that same energy carries through every event Nothstein runs.
“It’s such a beautiful thing that (Nothstein) created — no matter who you are, what song you’re running to request, or where you come from, it’s the same energy and excitement at every venue they’re at,” Patterson said.
For Patterson, the impact has been deeply personal.
She said Nothstein introduced her to a supportive community that’s had a meaningful impact on her life and creates a welcoming, safe environment where people can momentarily forget personal struggles.
One running joke began when dancers turned Nothstein’s instructions into a drinking game.
“When I would say ‘Does that make sense to everybody?’ they would cheer (for) one another and tell me, ‘Hey, you’re doing it again,’” Nothstein said.
She later turned the phrase into her own line of T-shirts.
“The community is what makes (line dancing) so special,” Patterson said. “Everyone is just so welcoming and encouraging. It doesn’t matter what your skill is. Everyone’s just so happy to be there.”
Cameron said Nothstein’s warmth and positive energy stand out.
He said Nothstein and Sigley are genuine people who draw a loyal following, with many of the same faces returning each week and forming connections with the staff.
Cameron said the atmosphere is rowdy, loud and fun every Wednesday.
For Nothstein, line dancing is more than steps — it’s connection. She said she enjoys watching new dancers build confidence and create lasting memories.
She’s now working to turn that passion into a business.
“I would love to have line dancing and my own country bar,” Nothstein said.
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