Blues Dance in Bern

SUMMER WEEK

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One Week Dance Training with Brenda Russel​l

A progressive week exploring the shared roots of

Jazz, Swing, Balboa, and Blues dances through

rhythm, groove, musicality, and embodied partner connection.

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3.-8. August 2026​

Monday to Saturday, from 5pm​

at The Rhythm Rebels, Aarbergergasse 40 in Bern​​​​

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Schedule:​

5-6pm: Spirit alive!

6-8pm: Workshop

8-9pm: talk, practice, go to Buskers festival 

 

The topics may change slightly!​​

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Registration is open!​​

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Spirit alive: (daily 5-6pm)

A somatic movement session to prepare the body and deepen musical understanding:
alignment, rhythm, coordination, and embodied pulse — directly supporting each evening’s topic.

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Workshop topics:

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Monday — ROOTS

 

Trad Jazz One Step & Ballroom Blues Foundations

Pulse, partner agreements, Dance Magic through Alignment, and followers shaping the aesthetic from the inside out.

Explore the groove and elegance that shaped early Ballroom Blues and Savoy Walk traditions through grounded rhythm, subtle communication, and deliciously clear movement.

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Tuesday — TURNS & FLOW

 

Jazz Blues, Styling & Partner Telepathy

Fluid magnetic turns, Invisible Lead techniques, and responsive follow technique that lets both dancers melt into the music.

We’ll explore turning from the spine instead of the shoulders, shared momentum, rhythmic flow, and how followers actively shape texture, timing, and aesthetic.

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Wednesday — SLOW BAL

 

Rhythm, Finesse & Invisible Connection

Apply pulse, groove, Dance Magic, follow technique, and elegant styling to the silky smooth sophistication of Slow Bal.

Shared momentum, musical timing, and refined movement pathways create the feeling that your partnership is reading minds.

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Thursday — CHARLESTON

 

Put the Afro in Your African American Jazz Dance

Spirals, layered rhythms, grounded bounce, rebound action, and juicy rhythmic propulsion.

Explore the Afro-diasporic movement aesthetics that shaped Charleston and evolved into the swing dances we love today.

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Friday — RHYTHMIC LINDY HOP

 

Swing Outs, Jig Walks & Groove Variations

Pulse, rhythm, timing, and direction create endless possibilities for styling, dynamics, and authentic musical connection.

Single, double, and triple rhythms combine with Charleston progression, swing-out variations, and groove-rich movement to make your Lindy feel alive and deeply connected to the music.

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Saturday — JUKE JOINT BLUES

 

Groove, Pulse & Blues Conversation

Apply pulse variations, deep groove, Dance Magic, and follow embellishment to rich Blues dance conversation.

Explore grounded movement, rhythmic variation, shared momentum, personal expression, and the deep cross-pollination between Blues and Swing traditions.​