Big City Blues offers 4 different tracks with 6h of classes, 2 talks and the option to add 1 or 2 optional class(es).
What’s it about?
PARTNERED TRACK
In the partnered track you have 7,5h of input:
- 2 classes of 1h30 partnered dance, organized within your level
- 2 pick ‘n’ mix classes of 1h30 (you choose a teacher/topic, these classes are open level)
- 2 talks of 45 minutes
In the partnered track we’ll 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’ll work with both ends of the spectrum. The focus will be on expression, rhythm, partner communication, ‘blues’ philosophy and movement. Because your solo movement is an important aspect of partnered dancing, we offer the option to choose a solo class in the pick ‘n mix, included in your partnered track.
For who? Dancers who want to learn and grow their dancing skills, insights and ways to express themselves in the context of social dancing.
If you want more classes, you can choose an optional class (solo or partnered) on Saturday and/or Sunday.
REFLECTIVE PARTNERED TRACK
In the reflective partnered track you have 7,5h of input
- 3 classes of 1h30 partnered dance, organized within the reflective partnered track
- 1 pick ‘n’ mix class of 1,5h (you choose a teacher/topic, these classes are open level)
- 2 talks of 45 minutes
In this reflective partnered track the focus will go beyond social dancing; think training, reflecting on your partnership, how to share the dance, what are our cultural limitations (facilitated by Katrina & Kenneth) working with blues dance. You are embarking on a more reflective and self aware growth process, with possible uncomfortable yet very valuable input. The classes can have other formats than the rather classical set up like: training challenges, self awareness games and group work. For most of the content you won’t rotate and you will stay with your own partner or team.
For who? You are a blues dance teacher, facilitator, an organizer, performer or a dance partnership that wants to grow beyond social dancing.
This track will only happen if we have sufficient participants. We will update you one month after registrations opened. Welcome for more info on this ‘new’ concept.
If you want more classes, you can choose an optional class (solo or partnered) on Saturday and/or Sunday.
SOLO TRACK
In the solo track you have 7,5h of input:
- 4 classes of 1h30 solo dance with 4 different teachers
- 2 talks of 45 minutes
In the solo track we’ll offer a wide variety of social blues dancing input. You’ll be guided through different types of blues dancing that can be both raw and sensual forms of expression just like the music can vary from slow jazz ballads to uptempo or funky chicago blues. The inspirers will make sure you feel relaxed and confident while exploring how to express yourself to blues music. You will have class with four (!) different top-notch international inspirers: Els, Kenneth, Helena and more tba. All with different approaches and topics.
If you want more classes, you can choose an optional class (solo or partnered) on Saturday and/or Sunday.
PERFORMANCE TRACK
In the performance track 7,5h of input:
- 4 classes of 1h30 in the performance track
- 2 talks of 45 minutes
The performance track with Helena and Els will be all about you shining as a performer. Blues is not only a social dance, but is also a great way to train your skills as a good ‘mover’ owning rhythm, creative ideas and your way of expressing a ‘routine’. With Els and Helena, who are both very experienced performers, you are sure to have the finest guidance while having fun working on your ‘moment’. Both inspirers have a lot of experience working with groups towards a ‘show’ moment. The performance will take place on Sunday evening at 6pm and if possible a second round at the last party too!
See these videos of previous performance tracks!
Helena for Big City Blues
Helena and Tyedric for Upside Down
Els for Crazy Legs
OPTIONAL CLASS
For everybody that wants more input, or for solo dancers that also wants a partnered class and vice versa.
We offer 4 optional classes: 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. You can register separately for this optional class.
LECTURES, TALKS & EXCHANGES!
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. Therefore we invite a professional team of artists that are capable of guiding you in this process. During these sessions we’ll work with video material, having African American and black folks share their stories and we will offer the space to exchange.
We organize these moments as part of your curriculum at Big City Blues, not just as an extra.
SCHEDULES
LEVEL
For now, we don’t have an absolute beginners track. If there is enough interest, we may organise something extra. Please write to us if you would be interested so we can keep you posted.
Partnered track – Jukers
Over the last year you have started to explore dancing to blues music or you have some experience in other styles of partnered dances. You are familiar with concepts such as rhythm, shapes and connection, therefore you start expressing yourself while dancing in couple. You already took some partnered classes or have been dancing socially in the past and you’re eager to learn more about the many textures of blues music and dance? We are excited to welcome you to the Jukers!
Partnered track – Shufflers
You have been dancing blues for one to three years now. You’re accustomed to specific blues body movements, lead/follow dynamics and rhythmical dancing have no real secrets anymore, you feel the need to express yourself to blues music at home, in socials or international events. You eagerly want to grow as a solid social dancer and you are ready to dig deeper. Great! See you in the Shufflers!
Partnered track – Draggers
You are a very solid blues dancer, dancing for more than three years with devotion, or even 10 years with periods of different intensity. You’ve taken a big amount of classes and/or you are familiar with dance practice. You have danced socially a lot (if possible daily 😉 ) and maybe you perform and have competed in the past. Some of you might even teach in your local scene. With this track, we like to challenge the more advanced blues dancers. In these classes we’ll pay more attention to details and more difficult exercises. We will also reflect on the deeper dynamics in the dance and your role in its culture. If you doubt this group, feel free to contact us.
Reflective Partnered track
You are a blues dance teacher, facilitator, organizer, performer or dance partnership that wants to grow beyond social dancing.
This track will only happen if we have sufficient participants. We will update you one month after registrations open. Welcome for more info on this ‘new’ concept.
Solo Track
You are comfortable with dancing to blues music and you want to learn more? This track aims at the more experienced dancers, but we invite beginning blues dancers that don’t mind a challenge to join in. Beginners will be able to join the solo track, but the tempo will be higher than what is expected in a ‘beginners class”
Performance track
open level
LOCATION
Classes will take place at Danshuis De Ingang and Danspunt
Danshuis De Ingang. Hurstweg 8, 9000 Gent.
Danspunt, Sint Salvatorstraat 18a, 9000 Gent
