This edition is going XL! We offer multiple activities before and after the festival.
You can sign up for the panel conversation and the teacher’s training when registering for Big City Blues 2025.
Panel conversation 13/2
with Charlley Ward, Jamica Zion and Chisomo Selemani
Historical and contemporary cultural perspectives on Lindy Hop, Blues and other Jazz dances
Explore the beautiful Black American dances we all love so much through its history and culture. Nothing beats the opportunity to listen to someone from the Culture itself: we are blessed to hear stories, ideas and concepts from within Black African American music and dance culture. We are inviting three of our inspirers on stage to share their perspectives: Chisomo Selemani, Jamica Zion and Charlley Ward. This is a unique opportunity for the Ghent and Belgian scene, beyond the scope of the festival!
Afterwards, we go together to Missy Sippy Blues & Roots bar for live music.
Date & time: Thursday February 13th, 19h30 – 21h00
Location: Danspunt (Sint-Salvatorstraat 18A, Ghent)
Price & registration: €15 => you can add this activity when registering
Teacher’s Training 17/2
with Jamica Zion
In this workshop for (aspiring) facilitators and dance teachers we will explore and question ideas to guide people in their learning process as (blues) dancers. A lot of the content is also applicable to jazz, Lindy hop and other black American dances. We will combine teaching methodologies and working more appropriately on how to present black American dances through quality movement, rhythm, communication and expression. We have the luxury to work with Jamica Zion for this training.
Date & time: Monday February 17th, 19h30 – 22h00
Location: TBA (Ghent centre)
Price & registration: €40 => you can add this activity when registering
Free taster class Solo Blues 3/1
with Els Houttequiet
In the weeks leading up to the festival, we organize free tasters solo and partnered Blues dance to get you back in the groove! For this taster, we collaborate with Practice Your Moves, a monthly social in Ghent organized by De Gentse Hoppers. They create a cozy and welcoming environment for all Swing and Blues dancers to socialize and train their dance skills. Right before the social starts, we invite inspirer Els for an open-level Solo Blues taster. Join us!
Date & time: Friday January 3rd, 20h00 – 21h00 (with social afterwards)
Location: Danshuis De Ingang, Hurstweg 8, 9000 Gent
Price: free entrance, no need to sign up
Free taster class Solo & Partnered Blues 23/1
with SEp
In the weeks leading up to the festival, we organize free tasters solo and partnered Blues dance to get you back in the groove! This taster takes place in the legendary Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club. In juke joint style, we explore solo and partnered dancing togehter with inspirer SEp. Come for the taster, stay for a night at the Missy Sippy, where we will be treated to live music that keeps you moving, all night long.
Date & time: Thursday January 23rd, 20h00 (with live music afterwards)
Location: Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club, Klein Turkije 16, 9000 Gent
Price: free entrance, no need to sign up
After-party 17/2
@ Missy Sippy with live music
More info will be shared on the parties page.
After-party 18/2
Missy makes you swing @ Missy Sippy with live music
More info will be shared on the parties page.