Our instructors will be teaching workshops for you all day Saturday and Sunday. Each class is loosely classified as a Technique (T), Creativity (C), or Blues Idiom (I) class. We also have a few Challenge (+) classes. Hover over a class to see the description, or read the full class descriptions below.
Technique (T) – Technique classes are intermediate classes focused around the physical and mental skills needed for blues-idiom dance in general.
Creativity (C) – Creativity classes are intermediate classes focused on learning to have fun and dynamic dances with the skills you already have.
Idiom (I) – Idiom classes are intermediate classes focused on the aesthetic and technique of a specific historical blues-idiom dance.
Challenge (+) – Challenge classes are non-rotating, partner-required advanced classes meant to push your dancing to the next level.
Solo (*) – Solo classes are classes where you'll be dancing mostly with yourself.
Workshops are only open to all-access pass holders. We enforce a strict 15-minute late policy. We encourage you to take public transit, but if you plan on driving, please allow extra time to find parking.
Technique (T) – Technique classes are intermediate classes focused around the physical and mental skills needed for blues-idiom dance in general.
Creativity (C) – Creativity classes are intermediate classes focused on learning to have fun and dynamic dances with the skills you already have.
Idiom (I) – Idiom classes are intermediate classes focused on the aesthetic and technique of a specific historical blues-idiom dance.
Challenge (+) – Challenge classes are non-rotating, partner-required advanced classes meant to push your dancing to the next level.
Solo (*) – Solo classes are classes where you'll be dancing mostly with yourself.
Workshops are only open to all-access pass holders. We enforce a strict 15-minute late policy. We encourage you to take public transit, but if you plan on driving, please allow extra time to find parking.
Saturday
11:00 – 12:00 |
Ease of Movement (T*) Nicole |
B90X (T*) Tim and Julie |
Bluest Blues (C) Damon and Heidi |
12:00 – 12:20 |
BREAK |
||
12:20 – 1:20 |
Latin Blues (I) Nicole |
Leader Flash (T+) Tim and Julie |
Talk with your Hips (T) Ruth and Mike |
1:20 – 2:20 |
LUNCH |
||
2:20 – 3:20 |
Floor Humpin' (C) Ruth and Mike |
The Blues Aesthetic (T) Damon and Heidi |
Polyrhythms (T*) Julie and Tim |
3:20 – 3:40 |
BREAK |
||
3:40 – 4:40 |
The Dance Off (C) Nicole and Nathaniel |
Texas Shuffle (I) Damon and Heidi |
Illusions (T*) Julie and Tim |
Partnered and Solo Throwdown competition prelims start at 5pm at Symbolic Dance.
Sunday
12:00 – 1:00 |
Minimalism (C) Nicole |
Harlem Slow Drag (I) Ruth and Mike |
Room Closed |
1:00 – 1:20 |
BREAK |
||
1:20 – 2:20 |
From Kintae to Krump (C) Damon and Heidi |
Apache Styling (I+) Nicole and Tim |
Feet Feats (T) Ruth and Mike |
2:20 – 3:20 |
LUNCH |
||
3:20 – 4:20 |
Assertive Following, Receptive Leading (C) Julie and Tim |
Vintage Drag Blues Seasoning (I+) Ruth and Mike |
Subtleties of Struttin' (I) Damon and Heidi |
4:20 – 4:40 |
BREAK |
||
4:40 – 5:40 |
Developing Partnership (C) Julie and Tim |
Body Care for Blues Dancers (T*) Ruth and Mike |
Bringing Sexy Back (C*) Nicole and Sarah Elise |
Click here to get the full class schedule in iCal format.
Class Descriptions
Ease of Movement (T*)
Nicole | Saturday 11:00 – 12:00 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Let’s unlock the secret of easy, effortless movement! In this class, we’ll delve into the internal body mechanics of our every movement. Every step, arm raise, head turn, we’ll use a combination of imagery, exercises and games to make our movement easier and more efficient, so we really can dance the night away.
Let’s unlock the secret of easy, effortless movement! In this class, we’ll delve into the internal body mechanics of our every movement. Every step, arm raise, head turn, we’ll use a combination of imagery, exercises and games to make our movement easier and more efficient, so we really can dance the night away.
B90X (T*)
Tim & Julie | Saturday 11:00 – 12:00 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Transform your dancing with the all new B90x movement workout schedule! 100% guarantee that by the end of the program your booty will shake like two plums in a sock… on fire! If you want to dramatically improve your range and quality of motion then read on. B90x is a 28 day workout schedule set to just three songs a day: One core toning exercise, and two finesse and control exercises. Learn the workout in this class, and continue it for 28 days for maximum effect. *Plums, socks, and fire not included.
Transform your dancing with the all new B90x movement workout schedule! 100% guarantee that by the end of the program your booty will shake like two plums in a sock… on fire! If you want to dramatically improve your range and quality of motion then read on. B90x is a 28 day workout schedule set to just three songs a day: One core toning exercise, and two finesse and control exercises. Learn the workout in this class, and continue it for 28 days for maximum effect. *Plums, socks, and fire not included.
Bluest Blues (C)
Damon & Heidi | Saturday 11:00 – 12:00 @ Symbolic Dance
Blues dancing was created by natural expressive movement to music that blended African rhythms and European orchestration together. Years of dancing brought about the rules that government movement and artistic choices that define this genre of dancing. We will closely examine how the music shapes our movement and become one with the Blues Aesthetic.
Blues dancing was created by natural expressive movement to music that blended African rhythms and European orchestration together. Years of dancing brought about the rules that government movement and artistic choices that define this genre of dancing. We will closely examine how the music shapes our movement and become one with the Blues Aesthetic.
Latin Blues (I)
Nicole | Saturday 12:20 – 1:20 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Let’s delve into the sultry rumba, or the fun boogaloo. In this class we’ll listen to a lot of music blues music, pull out latin inspired rhythms, and dance them, all while exploring the history of latin rhythms mixing in with standard blues music.
Let’s delve into the sultry rumba, or the fun boogaloo. In this class we’ll listen to a lot of music blues music, pull out latin inspired rhythms, and dance them, all while exploring the history of latin rhythms mixing in with standard blues music.
Leader Flash (T+)
Tim & Julie | Saturday 12:20 – 1:20 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Leader flash is super-fun, but sometimes when leaders take the spotlight, followers can feel unsure of what to do. In this class, leaders will learn some sweet moves and how to give clear instructions to followers while taking the spotlight. Followers will learn some cool options for styling during leader flash, as well as how to be strong and supportive, to create some new-and-awesome moves.
Leader flash is super-fun, but sometimes when leaders take the spotlight, followers can feel unsure of what to do. In this class, leaders will learn some sweet moves and how to give clear instructions to followers while taking the spotlight. Followers will learn some cool options for styling during leader flash, as well as how to be strong and supportive, to create some new-and-awesome moves.
Talk with your Hips (T)
Ruth & Mike | Saturday 12:20 – 1:20 @ Symbolic Dance
Expand your hips' vocabulary by exploring the dynamic ranges of movement available to your pelvis. We'll speak in smooth, gooey sentences, sharp, popping exclamations, and quick, excited flutters. This class will also explore ways to move your hips more efficiently, so that you can express yourself more freely.
Expand your hips' vocabulary by exploring the dynamic ranges of movement available to your pelvis. We'll speak in smooth, gooey sentences, sharp, popping exclamations, and quick, excited flutters. This class will also explore ways to move your hips more efficiently, so that you can express yourself more freely.
Floor Humpin' (C)
Ruth & Mike | Saturday 2:20 – 3:20 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Dial up the raunchiness, hit the floor, and get your sexy on. We'll take inspiration from sources including but not limited to Dancehall, Magic Mike XXL, and Shake Blues.
Dial up the raunchiness, hit the floor, and get your sexy on. We'll take inspiration from sources including but not limited to Dancehall, Magic Mike XXL, and Shake Blues.
The Blues Aesthetic (T)
Damon & Heidi | Saturday 2:20 – 3:20 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Blues dancing was created by natural expressive movement to music that blended African rhythms and European orchestration together. Years of dancing brought about the rules that govern movement and artistic choices that define this genre of dancing. The debate ends here. The dancing STARTS here. Learn what makes Blues Dancing - and Blues Music - the art of the people.
Blues dancing was created by natural expressive movement to music that blended African rhythms and European orchestration together. Years of dancing brought about the rules that govern movement and artistic choices that define this genre of dancing. The debate ends here. The dancing STARTS here. Learn what makes Blues Dancing - and Blues Music - the art of the people.
Polyrhythms (T*)
Julie & Tim | Saturday 2:20 – 3:20 @ Symbolic Dance
Rhythm is at the heart of blues dance. To handle all that rhythm, we'll learn how to create different rhythms in various parts of the body simultaneously (i.e. move polyrhythmically). This is a difficult and exciting skill that can enhance your solo dancing, cutting, and partner dancing. Challenge yourself to move in new ways.
Rhythm is at the heart of blues dance. To handle all that rhythm, we'll learn how to create different rhythms in various parts of the body simultaneously (i.e. move polyrhythmically). This is a difficult and exciting skill that can enhance your solo dancing, cutting, and partner dancing. Challenge yourself to move in new ways.
The Dance Off (C)
Nicole & Nathaniel | Saturday 3:40 – 4:40 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Description coming soon!
Description coming soon!
Texas Shuffle (I)
Damon & Heidi | Saturday 3:40 – 4:40 @ Women's Building Auditorium
A Funky-yet-smooth hybrid blues/swing dance, Texas Shuffle is known for its footwork and its cool laid back style. We'll be teaching the basics and some cool footwork variations.
A Funky-yet-smooth hybrid blues/swing dance, Texas Shuffle is known for its footwork and its cool laid back style. We'll be teaching the basics and some cool footwork variations.
Illusions (T*)
Julie & Tim | Saturday 3:40 – 4:40 @ Symbolic Dance
Many historical dancers, such as Earl “Snakehips” Tucker, created incredible illusions when they danced: they could make it appear as though their legs were broken or made of rubber, or that their feet could glide on top of the floor. Watch some of these masters at work and learn how you can create these illusions as well.
Many historical dancers, such as Earl “Snakehips” Tucker, created incredible illusions when they danced: they could make it appear as though their legs were broken or made of rubber, or that their feet could glide on top of the floor. Watch some of these masters at work and learn how you can create these illusions as well.
Minimalism (C)
Nicole | Sunday 12:00 – 1:00 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
“At the still point, there the dance is.” —T. S. Eliot
Join me to strip down your dance to a step, a hold, a breath and discover the power of simplicity.
“At the still point, there the dance is.” —T. S. Eliot
Join me to strip down your dance to a step, a hold, a breath and discover the power of simplicity.
Harlem Slow Drag (I)
Ruth & Mike | Sunday 12:00 – 1:00 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Combine fabulous spinal action with diagonal footwork patterns in this challenging and dynamic dance. Warning: this dance is highly addictive- you may find yourself wanting to sway the night away.
Combine fabulous spinal action with diagonal footwork patterns in this challenging and dynamic dance. Warning: this dance is highly addictive- you may find yourself wanting to sway the night away.
From Kintae to Krump (C)
Damon & Heidi | Sunday 1:20 – 2:20 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
This class will discuss and discover through solo and partnered movement the values of the Black communities that created Swing, Blues, and Jazz dance and how it brought together technique and artistry to influence not just contemporary American dance but our ideas of what is hot and cool.
This class will discuss and discover through solo and partnered movement the values of the Black communities that created Swing, Blues, and Jazz dance and how it brought together technique and artistry to influence not just contemporary American dance but our ideas of what is hot and cool.
Apache Styling (I+)
Nicole & Tim | Sunday 1:20 – 2:20 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Apache is a style of movement characterized by abrupt, stylized, or even seemingly violent movements. While not a style of blues in itself, it is a challenging and visually compelling layer we can add to our dance.
Apache is a style of movement characterized by abrupt, stylized, or even seemingly violent movements. While not a style of blues in itself, it is a challenging and visually compelling layer we can add to our dance.
Feet Feats (T)
Ruth & Mike | Sunday 1:20 – 2:20 @ Women's Building Audre Lorde Room
Your feet connect to the floor, starting the movements that make dancing awesome. About a quarter of your bones are in your feet, making them capable of amazing feats. We’ll look at how to make your feet more stable for great balance, and more articulate, for powerful steps. Come make your blues more awesome through greater understanding of your feet.
Your feet connect to the floor, starting the movements that make dancing awesome. About a quarter of your bones are in your feet, making them capable of amazing feats. We’ll look at how to make your feet more stable for great balance, and more articulate, for powerful steps. Come make your blues more awesome through greater understanding of your feet.
Assertive Following, Receptive Leading (C)
Julie & Tim | Sunday 3:20 – 4:20 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Typically we think of leads as being assertive (dictating what moves happen) and follows as being receptive (receiving moves from the lead). But in reality, the best follows know how to be assertive (without taking over) and the best leads know how to be receptive (while still leading). In this class, we'll do some fun, break-your-brain exercises to improve your listening skills as a partner, and your clarity as a leader or a follower.
Typically we think of leads as being assertive (dictating what moves happen) and follows as being receptive (receiving moves from the lead). But in reality, the best follows know how to be assertive (without taking over) and the best leads know how to be receptive (while still leading). In this class, we'll do some fun, break-your-brain exercises to improve your listening skills as a partner, and your clarity as a leader or a follower.
Vintage Drag Blues Seasoning (I+)
Ruth & Mike | Sunday 3:20 – 4:20 @ Women's Building Auditorium
Spice up your drag blues with pivots, slides, skips, dips, and more.
Spice up your drag blues with pivots, slides, skips, dips, and more.
Subtleties of Struttin' (I)
Damon & Heidi | Sunday 3:20 – 4:20 @ Women's Building Audre Lorde Room
This class will work on body shaping, subtle footwork variations and other ways of expressing the music while Struttin'. Some experience with Struttin' is recommended.
This class will work on body shaping, subtle footwork variations and other ways of expressing the music while Struttin'. Some experience with Struttin' is recommended.
Developing Partnership (C)
Julie & Tim | Sunday 4:40 – 5:40 @ Mission Neighborhood Center
Great Followers do more than “just following.” You have to learn to interpret the music and communicate your ideas through motion, energy, and timing. And great Leaders do more than cool move after cool move. By addressing the concepts of pulse, momentum, frame and connection, both roles will learn how to contribute to the dance as equal partners as they bring their unique voice to the dance.
Great Followers do more than “just following.” You have to learn to interpret the music and communicate your ideas through motion, energy, and timing. And great Leaders do more than cool move after cool move. By addressing the concepts of pulse, momentum, frame and connection, both roles will learn how to contribute to the dance as equal partners as they bring their unique voice to the dance.
Body Care for Blues Dancers (T*)
Ruth & Mike | Sunday 4:40 – 5:40 @ Women's Building Auditorium
"Ooh, my body is killing me!" is a refrain we often hear at dance events. Using Franklin Method and other modalities, we will focus on some of the most oft-complained-about spots, giving you exercises to keep your body feeling more in tune. Your body will feel better, and it will show in your dancing. Wear comfy clothing that you can sit on the floor in.
"Ooh, my body is killing me!" is a refrain we often hear at dance events. Using Franklin Method and other modalities, we will focus on some of the most oft-complained-about spots, giving you exercises to keep your body feeling more in tune. Your body will feel better, and it will show in your dancing. Wear comfy clothing that you can sit on the floor in.
Bringing Sexy Back (C*)
Nicole & Sarah Elise | Sunday 4:40 – 5:40 @ Women's Building Audre Lorde Room
Move like you love your body! We can be sexy without being objectified or objectifying, and there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. Come take some time with Nicole and Sarah Elise to release your inner “sexiest human in the room” vibe!
Move like you love your body! We can be sexy without being objectified or objectifying, and there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. Come take some time with Nicole and Sarah Elise to release your inner “sexiest human in the room” vibe!
