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The route to weight loss has never sounded so good.

At Club Revelation each and every Tuesday night, a group of 60 or 65 line dancers and newcomers hit the dance floor and get moving to the sounds of a different beat. The conjured-up image of young and old dressed in cowboy boots, overly large silver belt buckles and hats, swaying to the tunes of country music stars like Garth Brooks, are wiped away. In its place are young and old -- from elementary school to senior adults -- putting their dance moves to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, the O'Jays and other contemporary rhythm and blues favorites.

Husband and wife William and Nikki Goodwin began offering the classes about five weeks ago at this club in Fairpark Plaza in Maryville. Nikki said similar classes are being offered across the river in Knoxville, but she and others wanted something closer to home. She teamed up with dance instructor Lashelle Hamilton and hasn't had time to look back.

"We average about 60 people every week," Nikki said. With a little more growth, she said they might add an additional class through the week.

"This is line dancing with a soulful twist," explained Hamilton, who was preparing to get the evening stated with an electric slide. "This is not what most people think of with line dancing."

Drawing them in

Judy Poole, 56, and friend Jeanette Bailey, 62, are hooked. They saw the announcement in the newspaper about the new classes and came the first night, and every week since. Poole and Bailey line dance at another club also but wanted to add this one to their weekly routine.

"Here we can learn new and different dances," Poole said.

The social aspect has been a blast, but these two said they are also getting health benefits from two hours of moving and grooving across the dance floor. Poole has lost over 30 pounds, while Bailey has lost more than 40 in the last few months. They said this weekly exercise can take some of the credit.

Alanna Marcello is Bailey's 9-year-old granddaughter. She comes to Club Revelation every Tuesday as well. It has helped her with balance in her dance class at school, Bailey said.

Nearby, Betty Roach has grabbed her water bottle, eagerly awaiting the night's instructions. She had done a little line dancing previously but said Hamilton's class has motivated her more than any she has taken. Hamilton is also very patient when it comes to teaching new dances, Roach said.

"Everybody here is having fun," Roach said.

Lovers of dance

It was easy to spot that enthusiasm out on the dance floor with Gene Palermo, in classes here for the first time. A long-time lover of all types of dance, Palermo said he used to line dance years ago and now wants to get back in.

Wife Lynn said he earned the nickname "Dr. Gene the Dancing Machine" because of his fun-loving ways. She is the one who encouraged him to come out Tuesday.

The Texas twist, cha-cha, Cupid shuffle, electric slide and other line dance moves were taught and practiced that night, and when it was over, a few more people left with the intentions of getting their friends to join in.

Clarence Irvin said he wasn't a good dancer before he came to class and he isn't one yet. When asked if he could become one, he answered "Maybe. It will take a little practice."

Good dancers or not, these participants have met new people, tested their skills and made progress with fitness goals.

They couldn't have done that being couch potatoes.