The Cowboy Line Dance From '8 Seconds' Remains As Iconic As Back In 1994

Jun 17, 2020

The 1994 rodeo movie 8 Seconds celebrated the life and career of bull riding champion Lane Frost, who was killed by a bull named Takin' Care of Business in 1989. The movie was also a showcase for 90s' country music and country dancing. One scene in particular still gets reenacted at wedding parties 25 years later.

The movie starred Luke Perry as Frost. It depicted key moments from Frost's life that are still memorable to anyone who's seen the movie. Some of those scenes are etched on our collective memory. These include Frost and his wife's first date at Whataburger, his best friend Tuff Hedeman telling him to "cowboy up," and the dance scene at his wedding. The latter is one of the greatest dance competitions in any movie.

The dance scene is set to a version of the Linda Ronstadt hit "When Will I Be Loved?" performed by Vince Gills and Karla Bonoff. If you think Bonoff and Gills are too talented to be wedding singers, you're right, but they're just part of the movie's impressive lineup of country singers. In fact, the movie's soundtrack has also become a classic. It features songs by Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, and Mark Chestnutt.

In the wedding scene, Hedeman, played by Stephen Baldwin, challenges Frost to a dance competition. They take turns showing off their best country line dancing. The whole thing happens without either one saying a word.

The scene packs a punch, and it hasn't lost any of its power 25 years later. In fact, wedding parties are still reenacting it and posting their efforts on YouTube.

The movie 8 Seconds is a stirring tribute to a great rodeo star and the great country music of that era. Certain scenes are unforgettable parts of our shared popular culture.

Have you seen the movie? You can catch it here. Let us know if you or your friends think the dance scene stands out as much as we do and be sure to pass it on to them!