Big City Blues offers partnered tracks in 4 levels, solo tracks in 2 levels and one mixed-level Blues Addicts track.
All tracks include:
⭐ 3 workshops of 1,5 hours focussed on partnered Blues dance / solo Blues dance / a mix of partnered and 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, performances and a gospel concert
Hungry for more?
You can add up to three optional workshops on top.
More information below, registration info and pricing here.
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 4 levels. Check here to see which level is a match for you.
NEW! This year, we offer a track for total beginners. Learn to dance couple blues from scratch!
If you want more input, you can add optional workshops on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Solo Track
In the solo track we will offer a wide variety of social blues dancing input. You will 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, texas shuffles, piedmont to uptempo funky chicago blues, we will also explore a diversity of movement. The inspirers will make sure you feel relaxed and confident while exploring how to express yourself to blues music.
Within the solo track, we offer workshops for 2 levels. Check here to see which level is a match for you.
If you want more input, you can add optional workshops on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Blues Addicts Track
NEW! We offer for the first time a Blues Addicts Track. This Track approaches blues culture in all of its forms. We explore the thrilling fun or absolute challenge of deconstructing and reconstructing blues dance and music.
What does it mean to be an authentic blues dancer or musician? What is free and unconventional? How do we take responsibility considering the Black American roots and context of blues culture? Have you ever thought about these questions, or are you triggered to hear more? Then this is the right track for you.
This track is a matter of attitude, not of skills. However, since we will dive deep into the topic, some previous knowledge and experience with blues dance and music is a must. Hence, this track has not determined level.
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 oral tradition and storytelling by people from the Culture.
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 about the speakers and topics will be shared later.
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.