By Kathleen Hokit, Published on June 26, 2026 | Featured Photo by Made You Look Studio
The Kern Magazine team first witnessed the magic of Jesus Rojas and Symone Gilmore on a Sunday evening inside the historic Fairfax Grange, where the timeless sounds of The Soda Crackers and country music legend Dale Watson filled the dance hall. While the music echoed through the historic venue, the pair effortlessly guided dancers across the polished hardwood floor, creating an atmosphere that felt equal parts tradition, hospitality, and pure joy. We knew we had to learn more about the people inspiring so many others to step onto the dance floor and helping keep Bakersfield’s country dance culture alive, one two-step at a time.
On any given Wednesday night at the historic Fairfax Grange, the sound of boots gliding across hardwood floors mixes with laughter, introductions, and the occasional nervous first-timer wondering if they have two left feet.
According to Rojas, that’s exactly who he hopes walks through the door.
Symone Gilmore and Jesus Rojas at Kern Magazine’s Art Meets Storytelling Debut at Fairfax Grange, Credit: Made You Look Studio
“If I can dance, you can dance,” he says with a laugh. “Please don’t be afraid to try it. We’d love to have you here.”
Together, Rojas and Gilmore founded Bakersfield Country Dance Co., a grassroots organization dedicated to bringing country dance, community, and dance-floor etiquette back into the spotlight. Through their weekly Western Wednesday lessons, the pair is creating something that goes beyond line dancing and two-stepping. They’re building community.
Symone Gilmore and Jesus Rojas at Kern Magazine’s Art Meets Storytelling Debut at Fairfax Grange, Credit: Made You Look Studio
For Gilmore, dance has always been part of who she is.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, she spent her childhood exploring different styles, from ballet to jazz, while finding joy in movement wherever she could.
“What does dance represent to me?” she says. “Dance is a freedom of expression. Whenever I have any emotion that I cannot put verbally into words, that’s when I use dance to express myself. Whether it be anger, sadness, happiness, frustration, anything. It really is just an expression of myself.”
That passion eventually found its way into country dancing.
“Within the last three years, maybe almost four, it’s just been country dance,” she says.
Rojas’ journey looked very different.
Despite coming from a family full of dancers, he never considered himself one.
“My entire family, they were all great dancers except me,” he says. “To this day, I say I have two left feet.”
Everything changed when he moved to Texas to attend college.
There, he found himself immersed in a culture where dance halls served as gathering places and strangers became friends through music and movement.
Symone Gilmore and Jesus Rojas at Kern Magazine’s Art Meets Storytelling Debut at Fairfax Grange, Bakersfield Sound Guard can be seen performing in the background Credit: Made You Look Studio
“I absolutely fell in love with dance halls and dance culture out there,” he says. “I’ve been a country music guy my whole life.”
A fellow student took him under her wing and taught him the basics on the dance floor.
“I learned how to dance in a bar room,” he says.
Years later, after returning to Bakersfield, he reconnected with Gilmore, whom he had known since high school. One spontaneous outing to a local line dancing event became the beginning of a partnership both on and off the dance floor.
“There was a random night where we had a bonfire,” Gilmore recalls. “And we were like, ‘What if we went line dancing tomorrow?’”
Rojas already knew where to go.
“I know the spot,” he told her.
That night eventually led to years of dancing together and, ultimately, the creation of Bakersfield Country Dance Co.
The organization’s signature weekly gathering, Western Wednesday, was born out of a simple realization: people kept asking them to teach.
“All the people that we have met over the years are like, ‘We want to do what you do. Can you teach us how to dance?’” Rojas says. “It’s a space for them to come and we can actually give our little inkling of knowledge about country dance.”
But the lessons extend far beyond footwork.
Zane Adamo of The Soda Crackers with his wife Haley at a Bakersfield Country Dance Co lesson
One of the biggest influences on their approach comes directly from the dance halls of Texas.
“The kind of community and respect that is out there is something we really wanted to bring home,” Rojas says.
That means teaching newcomers how to introduce themselves to a dance partner, how to navigate a crowded dance floor, and how different styles can comfortably share the same space.
“We teach proper dance-floor etiquette,” he explains. “There could be line dancing, swing dancing, and progressive dancing all happening at the same time. In order for all of that to happen, there has to be a certain level of etiquette.”
The result is a welcoming environment where experienced dancers and complete beginners feel equally at home.
“Our students tell us we’re patient,” Gilmore says with a smile.
“That’s intentional,” she says. “We want to create a space and community that’s warm. We encourage everybody here to dance with each other. All ages. All skill levels.”
The road to the Fairfax Grange came through a shared passion for Bakersfield’s country music scene. After attending numerous performances by The Soda Crackers, Rojas and Gilmore became friends with frontman Zane Adamo, whose appreciation for traditional country music mirrored their own vision for dance.
“We got in contact with the Grange through Zane,” Rojas says. “We’ve gone to so many Soda Crackers shows, and we just became such good friends. We all have that same passion and love for country music. There is specific music that has a dance, and we just want to bring all of that back to Bakersfield.”
Today, the Fairfax Grange has become the perfect home for that mission.
With its historic charm and polished hardwood floor, the venue feels like a natural fit for country dancing.
“The floors are the best,” Gilmore says. “It’s such a beautiful environment, and it really is a warm environment for dance.”
Rojas agrees.
“We’d like to call ourselves honky-tonk ambassadors,” he says.
Their vision reaches beyond a single weekly event.
Both see themselves laying the groundwork for a larger country dance culture in Bakersfield, one that honors the region’s deep ties to country music while creating new opportunities for community connection.
“We just want to lay the foundation for a nice, full-swing country dance hall,” Rojas says.
That foundation starts with making people feel comfortable enough to take that first step onto the floor.
“Don’t be afraid to try it,” Gilmore says. “That’s our biggest thing.”
Music plays a major role in keeping that excitement alive.
The pair eagerly follows artists such as Zach Top, Braxton Keith, and Ella Langley, often introducing new songs and dances to their students.
“I’m excited to see the line dances that come out of her new music,” Gilmore says of Langley.
Their shared love of country dance has also taken them beyond California. One particularly meaningful trip brought Gilmore to Texas, where Rojas introduced her to some of the dance halls that shaped his own journey.
Courtesy of Bakersfield Country Dance Co
Among them was Hurricane Harry’s in College Station, a venue that was preparing to close its doors.
“There was not a dry eye,” Rojas says of dancing there one final time. “There was just something amazing about dancing that last song.”
Moments like that reinforce what country dance means to both of them.
It’s not simply entertainment.
It’s memory.
It’s community.
It’s belonging.
That spirit comes to life every Wednesday night when newcomers walk into the Grange, some unsure of themselves and uncertain of the steps, some ready to pick up where they left off last week.
By the end of the evening, they’re dancing.
And that’s exactly the point.
Whether someone arrives with years of experience or no experience at all, Bakersfield Country Dance Co. offers a simple invitation: come as you are, find the rhythm, and join the community.
After all, as Rojas likes to remind people, if a self-proclaimed dancer with two left feet can learn, anyone can.
Kern Magazine’s Signature Questions
What Do You Love Most About Your Kern County Community?
Symone Gilmore: “I love Bakersfield, and I love Kern County because not only was it the place that I grew up in, but it’s more of a melting pot than people make it seem. There are so many different walks of life that you can run into here. Community is such a big pillar for me, and I love the warmth that comes from all the different people who call Kern County home.”
Jesus Rojas: “Definitely the people. I grew up moving around a lot and was raised by a single mom, so when we finally settled in Bakersfield, so many people showed up for me. They’ve supported me, given me opportunities, jobs, and encouragement throughout my life. The people are what I hold most dear in my heart.”
When You’re Eating Local, Where’s Your Go-To Spot?
Symone Gilmore: “Lately I’ve been loving Fredo’s downtown. Their margherita pizza is amazing, and they have a mango salsa that I’ve been obsessed with.”
Jesus Rojas: “If it’s not my mom’s backyard, it’s definitely Sandrini’s. That’s my spot. The food is great, the people are amazing, and they definitely know my name.”
When You Need to Get Out of Town, Where Do You Go?
Symone Gilmore: “I love the California coast. Redondo Beach is my favorite beach, and Long Beach is probably my favorite beach city. I just love being by the ocean.”
Jesus Rojas: “Texas. I love going back and visiting all the dance halls where I learned to dance. Hurricane Harry’s in College Station will always have a special place in my heart. We were lucky enough to dance there on its final night before it closed, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the building. There was just something unforgettable about dancing that last song.”
