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Curious about Blues dancing or looking to build a strong foundation? This May, we bring you a 4-week class series introducing you to the core elements of Blues Dance in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment!
The fantastic Ruby Red & Mark Castillo will be teaching each class, helping build on what you learn week-to-week, and the classes will take place on Thursdays in May 2026!
💙 No partner or prior experience required!
Just come ready to move, learn, and have fun!
Dates & Times:
Thursdays (May 7, 14, 21*, 28)
7–8 PM: Class
8–9 PM: Open Practice
*Optional post-class field trip on May 21 to Rosa's Lounge for 12-Bar Blues Monthly Dance event!
Cost:
4-Week Class (Includes Open Practice) - $70
- If cost is a concern, please reach out to [email protected] to ask about financial aid.
In this series, you can expect to:
💙 Learn the fundamentals of Blues rhythms, posture, and grounded movement
🩵 Build connection skills across close embrace, open embrace, hand-hold, and break-away
💙 Develop solo Blues movements to groove confidently on your own or with a partner
🩵 Practice foundational turns (both connected and free), which you can use right away in social dancing
💙 Explore partnership dynamics that help clearly communicate movement and musical ideas
🩵 Gain comfort transitioning between solo and partnered dancing
💙 Post-class open practice where you can comfortably explore and practice what you learned in a safe space!
When the series wraps up, come show off your new moves on May 30th at our favorite monthly blues social dance, Bluetopia at Hairpin Arts Center in Logan Square!
💙 Let the front desk know you were part of the Blues Fundamentals class to get in for just $5 (regularly $15 for DJ nights).
🩵 At Bluetopia, you can enjoy a beginner-friendly lesson from 7–8pm, followed by social dancing and great vibes from 8pm–12am.
Who is Ruby Red?
Ruby started swing dancing in 2001 and quickly fell for Blues. She’s taught and DJ’d internationally, placed in competitions as both lead and follow, and is known for her focus on connection, musicality, and clear, effective technique.
Who is Mark Castillo?
Mark first got into blues dance after spotting a flyer in a California hostel. Over a decade later, he still travels the country for live music and late-night dancing. He loves how improvisational the dance is and is excited to share what he has learned.
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