Big City Blues 2026 offers partnered tracks in 5 levels, an open-level social solo track and a performance solo track.
All tracks include:
⭐ 3 workshops of 1,5 hours focussed on partnered Blues dance / solo Blues dance, organized within your level. The workshops are spread over the weekend: 2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday.
⭐ 1 pick ‘n’ mix workshop of 1,5 hours on Sunday afternoon. You choose your inspirer or topic out of 7 options. All workshops are open level.
⭐ 1 talk on Saturday and 1 talk on Sunday, on the topic of Blues culture.
⭐ 3 Blues parties with live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including warm-up tasters and performances.
Hungry for more?
You can add up to three optional workshops to your program.
Partnered Track
In the partnered track we will focus on the earlier and more vernacular styles of social blues dancing and music. These styles mainly, but not exclusively, originated in two different types of dance venues: the juke joint and the ballroom or dance hall. We will work with both ends of the spectrum.
Musically we work within the scope of black blues and Black American Music (BAM). The focus will be on expression, rhythm, partner communication, blues aesthetics and movement. Because your solo movement and the relationship to the music, culture and its history are the foundation of any dancing, the inspirers may spend a considerable time on this.
Within the partnered track, we offer workshops for 5 levels, going from total beginners to (semi-)professional dancers. Check here to see which level is a match for you. On the same page, you can also see which inspirers will facilitate the workshops in your track.
If you want more input, you can add optional workshops on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Social Solo Track
Just like the music can vary from slow jazz ballads to, Texas shuffles, piedmont to uptempo or funky chicago blues, we will also explore a diversity of movement. The inspirers will strive to support you in more relaxed and confident dancing, while exploring how to express yourself to blues music.
The Solo Track is focused on social dancing and is open-level. The inspirers will make sure both experienced and newer dancers will be challenged in class.
We offer 2 types of solo tracks. Check here to see if the level is a match for you. On the same page, you can also see which inspirers will facilitate the workshops in your track.
If you want more input, you can add (partnered) optional workshops on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Performance Solo Track
NEW! We offer a Performance Track for Solo dancers. Over the course of 2 days, you will learn and perform a brand-new piece for the Big City Blues crowd, under the guidance of Breonna Jordan and Sep Vermeersch (read about your inspirers here). The Performance will take place on Sunday during the Lunch talk.
This track will require a basic understanding and familiarity with Blues and Jazz dances. The tempo of movement practice will be more high-paced than in the solo track.
We offer 2 types of solo tracks. Check here to see if the level is a match for you. On the same page, you can also see which inspirers will facilitate the workshops in your track.
If you want more input, you can add optional workshops on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Pick ‘n’ Mix Workshops
All Track participants will be able to join a Pick ‘n’ Mix workshop of 1,5 hours. You can choose from no less than 7 options. All workshops are open level and happen at the same time on Sunday February 16th, 16:15 – 17:45.
More information will be shared here in the weeks before the festival.
Talks & Storytelling
Big City Blues believes that if we want to grow as dancers and community members, we can also grow in understanding the context, culture and black African American roots of blues music and dance.
During the festival, we create a space for exchange by people from the Culture and other guests.
The talks are scheduled at a central time and when no workshops take place, so that all participants can share this valuable learning opportunity.
More information will be shared here in the weeks before the festival.
Parties
At night, we party hard with fine musicians and DJ’s. Join us on the dancefloor on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and emerge yourself in the blues throughout many live sets, performances, competitions and more.
Line-up of bands, DJs, tasters and performances will be shared soon.