Blues Workshop Series – #1

Jo and Andy are back with not one, but three Intermediate level Blues Workshops in 2025 – check out the details including class descriptions below.

What is Blues?

Blues is a beautiful African American art form, danced to Blues music and with its own unique aesthetic. It was created by enslaved people’s, who out of unimaginable hardship, created a rich and diverse art form with it’s own distinctive aesthetic, core principles, history and cultural values, all rooted in African musical, dance and cultural traditions.

Why learn Blues?

Because it’s amazing! As the original American art form (it pre-dates Jazz) it’s the root of many other dance styles such as Lindy Hop, so an understanding Blues makes ALL your dancing better. Blues music is one of the most diverse genres out there, so there is always more to learn, more songs to dance to and explore, and more to enjoy.

Time: 2.15-5.45pm (3 hours with breaks)

Where: Vine Church Hall, 196 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Cost: $60

Transport: Nearest station is Central, limited street parking available (check signs)

SCHEDULE:

2.00pm – Doors open

2.15-3.15pm – Class 1: Travelling Ballroomin’ Blues

In this class we’ll be taking a deep dive into travelling in the line of dance, with a focus on building excellent technique, beautiful connection, and musicality. The class will start with some fundamental technique drills, before we ramp it up with some more advanced skills and moves.

3.30-4.30pm – Class 2: Texas Shuffle and Chicago Triple Jukin’ idioms

Next we’ll be exploring two of the most popular Jukin’ styles of Blues: Texas Shuffle and Chicago Triple. Both idioms are suited to specific types of Blues music and are perfect for faster tempos, with plenty of shuffling fun! We’ll introduce the footwork for each style, talk about some of the key differences and techniques, and give you plenty of time to practice and play.

4.45-5.45pm – Class 3: How to be the partner that everyone wants to dance with!

How can you be the kind of dance partner that people fight over – what can you do to be the best dancer that you can be? We’ll examine how you can build a wonderful conversation with your partner that will make for magical connection and make you a partner in hot demand!

WORKSHOP LEVEL:
These classes will be aimed at Intermediate and above level dancers, and will be too hard for people who are new to partner dancing. Experience in Blues dancing is ideal, but if you are an intermediate level dancer in Swing or another partnered dance style, you should be OK. We will also have some tricky moves and technique for anyone who is up for a challenge.

If you are new to Blues dancing, then a great place to start is the All-Levels Blues classes at North Sydney with Jo and Andy. We are planning to run these on April 1st, June 3rd, August 5th, October 7th and December 2nd 2025.

You can find more information about the workshops here.

WAITLIST:
If your preferred ticket type is sold out Text Swing Patrol on 0412 309 311, with your name, the workshop title, and which tickets you want, and Swing Patrol will text you back if tickets become available, giving you an exclusive Access Code to use for booking within a specific window of time.