About Blues Dancing

Q:  What is blues dancing?
A:  By Heidi Fite and Charlie Fuller, blues instructors and founders of Blues-Dance.com

Blues dance, like Lindy Hop and Swing, originated and evolved from African rhythms and movements. However, Blues dance was never widely practiced as a "social" or performance dance in the United States; so it developed and thrived in smoky juke joints and at Blues house parties, giving it a more intimate feel.

Because Blues dance lacked wider social approval and appeal, it remained strongly entrenched in African principles of movement, not only in the motion of the hips, but in the characteristic creation of, and dancing within, a boundary.

In addition, Blues dance is strongly tied to Blues music, and many aspects of Blues dance (for example, call and response, emotional intensity, and tension and release) are directly related to the music to which it is danced. There are many types of blues music (rural, urban, up-tempo, slow, electric, delta, modern), and therefore many types of Blues dance, all with very different nuances and emotions.

Some observers and dancers who have not studied modern slow Blues dance other than simply by observation overlook the nuances of the dance beyond its "sexy" side. To their eyes, the sensual appearance of the dance may overshadow its basis and structure. Blues dance at its best is rooted in subtle physical communication and connection with your partner and is almost impossible to learn to execute well simply by watching.

Blues dance enables intense individuality in expressing the music, emphasizing that the music, not the dancer, leads the dance; the dancer is simply the interpreter. Blues dance demonstrates the passion of the entire range of human emotions - from sadness to joy - not just sensuality. If you don't have a visceral reaction to the music, your partner, and the environment, then you are missing the true beauty of Blues dance.

Learning Blues dance enables the dancer to more fully understand dance concepts such as simplicity, clarity, creativity, expression, intensity, and musical and emotional interpretation that are critical to advanced social dancing of any kind.

Q:  How can I find out more about blues?
A:  Check out these websites:
      gargleblasterblues.com - A national blues message board. 
      blues-dance.com - A really great comprehensive blues site.
      bluespulse.com - Another good message board
     

Q:  What if I've never danced before?  Is this workshop for me?
A:  Absolutely.  Its a workshop, which means you're going to learn how to dance.  While some of the classes will be geared toward intermediate and advanced dancers, many classes will be open to all and designed so that everyone will be able to get something out of them.  Including beginners!

About the Workshop

Q:  Are there different difficulty levels for the classes?
A:   While most classes are open to all levels, some classes will be for intermediate and advanced dancers only.

Q:  Do I have to sign up for the entire weekend, or can I pick and choose?
A:  Though we would love to have you stay for the entire weekend with us, we realize that that isn't possible for everyone.  So yes, we will be offering partial packages.  Check out the registration page for all that will be available.

Q:  I'm from out of town!  Is there housing available?
A:  Of course!  Why spend money on an overpriced NYC hotel when you can stay with friendly dancers for free?  We're working on housing options, which you will be able to choose when registration opens.

About New York City

Q:  How do I get around the city?
A:  Best way is the subway system.  Buy yourself a metro card at almost any subway station, and go, man, go!  There are several different types of metro cards available, and they're good on the bus systems too.  Check out www.mta.info for more information.  We've also got taxis galore, but they can be pricey.  Car rentals are also available, but we personally don't recommend driving in this city. 

Q:  How do I get there from the airport?
A:  Taxis from John F. Kennedy airport to anywhere in Manhattan is $45, plus toll and tip.  So really,  its more like $51.  You can call a shuttle, which tends to run under $20 from the airport, but takes a little longer.  Its also possible to take a subway from Queens, which is where the airports are.  Again, check out www.mta.info

Q:  I'm coming into town early/staying late.  Are there any good blues places in the city? 
A:  There's no official blues venue in New York City on Thursday nights, but Frim Fram Jam is lindy goodness, and they occasionally throw a litttle blues into the mix.  There is a Monday Nite Blues Practica at Ripley-Grier Studios, which includes an hour lesson, followed by an hours' worth of dancing for $6.  There is usually an outing to a blues club after the practica as well. 


If you've got any other questions not addressed here, email me @ kelly@rhythmic-jazz.com