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Logo Boulevard Blues (alternate)

LEVELS

What level should I take?

Please read the information below before you choose your level.
 
It is very important that you are realistic & honest about your skill level. You will gain the most if you participate in classes that match your own skill level. Don’t overestimate yourself, or you and your fellow students won’t have any fun. Even when a higher level sounds great, you should only register for that level if you already have the required skills. This will allow the instructors to meet your specific needs to the best of their abilities.
 
We know it is hard to set yourself at the right level, especially since levels mean different things in different cities and communities. To help you pick the appropriate level, we have provided detailed level descriptions below. 

 

If you are still in doubt, you can ask your/our teachers for a recommendation.
 
If you register with a partner, make sure to choose the level that fits both of you. If your level/expertise/experience doesn’t match, we prefer you to register at different levels. It will still count as ‘registering with a partner’.
 
The best advice we can give you is not to rush to get to a higher level. If you want to become better, you will benefit the most in the correct and not at the highest level.

 

Teachers will check during the first class whether everyone is at the right level, and may request changes if they feel a couple or an individual would be better off at another level.

COUPLE TRACK
BEGINNER*

* At least one of the conditions below must apply. Please note that our beginner level is only for people who have taken partnered dance classes before (any other style is fine).

  • I’ve never danced blues before (but I do have experience in other partnered dances).
     

  • I had a few blues workshops or tasters.​
     

  • I’ve been taking blues classes for a few months, dancing blues for less than a year.
        

  • I only participated in the previous edition of BB and haven’t taken regular classes since.
    ​​

  • If one of the 4 descriptions above applies to you, this is your group!

COUPLE TRACK
INTERMEDIATE
  • I have taken regular (weekly) classes or workshops for 1-3 years.
     

  • I can lead/follow the basic steps, and I know a nice range of vocabulary to play with on the social dancefloor.
           ​

  • I can switch between different types of connections (close embrace, open, closed, side by side, etc.).
           

  • I can dance to different tempos, but the very fast (or very slow) ones can still be challenging.
     

  • I understand the importance of each partner's role in blues dance.
     

  • I want to develop my skills and build confidence.

COUPLE TRACK
INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED
  • I have taken regular (weekly) classes or workshops for at least 3-6 years. 
     

  • I feel comfortable dancing to different tempos and styles of blues music.
     

  • I can incorporate different rhythms into my dancing.
     

  • I know about different styles of blues music and try to change my dancing to fit the music.
     

  • I go to socials frequently and can easily mix steps.
     

  • I have a sound understanding of the blues aesthetic and solid partnering technique.

COUPLE TRACK
ADVANCED
  • I have been blues dancing regularly for many years, and I am amongst the most experienced dancers in my community.
     

  • I (might) teach locally .
     

  • I am able to lead/follow a very wide range of moves.
     

  • I am confident in dancing to a large variety of blues music styles and a range of tempos (Latin blues, Texas Shuffle, Chicago triple,...).
     

  • I love to join jam circles, competitions or performances. 
     

  • I am a musical dancer and capable of improvisation.
     

  • I have a sound understanding of the blues aesthetic and solid partnering technique.
     

  • I have great quality of movement

SOLO TRACK
SOLO*

*This solo track aims at the more experienced dancers (intermediate/advanced). The tempo will be higher than what is expected in a ‘beginners or all levels class’.

  • I have taken regular (weekly) classes or workshops for at least 1-3 years, dancing solo.
     

  • I know several steps from the solo blues vocabulary.
     

  • I feel comfortable dancing to different tempos and styles of blues music.
     

  • I am a musical dancer and capable of improvisation.
     

  • I don’t mind learning a choreo.

COUPLE TRACK
INVITATIONAL

We also organize an invitational track. If you believe you would be a good fit, please email us to express your interest. We will then send you a special questionnaire to complete. Email to: Sway.vzw@gmail.com

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