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Slow Blues & Balboa WeekendApril 17–19, 2026 | Zurich
A weekend dedicated to slow tempos, subtle rhythms, and connected movement—exploring Balboa and Blues through grounded technique, musicality, and ease.
Friday
18:00–20:30 —Pure Balboa (Willie Desatoff Syllabus)
20:45–00:00 — Social Dance @ Ella’s Fellas
Saturday
10:30–11:00 — Warm-Up
11:00–13:00 — Slicker
13:00–13:30 — Break
13:30–15:30 — Laminu
16:00–19:00 — Tea Time Swing (Social)
19:30–23:30 — Downtown Social
Sunday — Ballroom Blues & Slow Jazz Flow
11:30–12:20 — Movement Session
12:30–13:20 — One-Step to Two-Step
13:30–14:30 — Triple Rhythms (Polka & Shuffle)
14:30–15:30 — Lunch
15:30–16:20 — Relax Your Neck & Liberate Your Shoulders
16:30–17:20 — Turns in Jazz Blues
17:20–18:00 — Q&A / Recap
For Slow Balboa & Slicker register here:
https://forms.gle/ETxokCiEtG1DfPRr5
For Jazz Blues register here:
https://bluesli.ch/bluesli-brenda-april-2026/
Class Descriptions:
From foundational Balboa to classic slow forms like Slicker and Laminu, and into traveling Blues and Jazz rhythms, we’ll build a dance that feels smooth, responsive, and deeply musical.
✨ FRIDAY — Pure Balboa Foundations (Willie Desatoff Syllabus)
🕕 18:00–20:30
This class is the foundation for all of Brenda’s workshops — and the best way to get the most out of the weekend.
New to Balboa? Switching roles? Haven’t worked with Brenda before?
Or just ready to refine your technique and movement?
This class is for you.
We’ll work through the Willie Desatoff syllabus, building strong, clear fundamentals for single-time slow to medium Balboa (80–180 BPM).
You’ll explore:
• Core Pure Balboa patterns & transitions
• Rhythm, timing, and clean footwork
• Body shaping & efficient movement
• Connection that makes everything feel easier
Whether you’re brand new or experienced, this session will unlock comfort, clarity, and flow in your dancing.
✨ Highly recommended (and required for Brenda’s workshops)
20:45–00:00 — Social Dance @ Ella’s Fellas
✨ SATURDAY — Slow Balboa: Slicker & Laminu
10:30 — Warm-Up: Wake Up Your Dance
A guided movement session to mobilize the body, connect to rhythm, and prepare for dancing.
11:00–13:00 — Slicker: Smooth, Gliding Balboa
A classic slow Balboa style passed down from Willie & Lila Desatoff.
Slicker features:
Single-time rhythms
Smooth, gliding movement
Subtle control and musical patience
Perfect for slow, soft music without a strong double pulse—this class brings refinement and ease into your dance.
13:00–13:30 — Break (bring lunch)
13:30–15:30 — Laminu: Traveling Rhythm & Flow
A beautiful slow Balboa form shared by original dancers at historic gatherings.
Laminu includes:
Traveling steps with a polka / cha-cha-cha feel
Clear rhythmic structure for slow songs with a double pulse
Flowing movement across the floor
This class expands your vocabulary and helps you navigate slow music with more clarity and creativity.
✨ SATURDAY SOCIAL DANCING
16:00–19:00 — Tea Time Swing: Saisonabschluss
📍 Bananenreiferei, Pfingstweidstrasse 101, Zürich
19:30–23:30 — Down Town Social
📍 DowntownSwing Studio, Hohlstrasse 86a, Zürich
Dance the night away and put your new skills into practice.
✨ SUNDAY — Ballroom Blues & Slow Jazz
Ballroom Blues & Slow Jazz Flow
https://www.facebook.com/events/1624417151925870
https://bluesli.ch/bluesli-brenda-april-2026
Ballroomin’ Part 2 — Traveling Steps, Swing Walk & Connection
A continuation of our exploration into traveling partner dances, connecting Jazz and Blues through shared rhythms and movement principles.
11:30–12:20 — Movement Session: Wake Up & Align
Prepare your body with gentle activation, coordination, and rhythm work.
12:30–13:20 — One-Step to Two-Step: Traveling Foundations
Explore the roots of traveling dances like Swing Walk, Savoy Walk, and Ballroom Blues.
We’ll cover:
One-step review
Slows and quicks (two-step rhythms)
Body shaping, outside partner, and promenade
13:30–14:30 — Triple Rhythms: Polka & Shuffle
Add texture and play through triple step rhythms.
We’ll explore:
Polka and shuffle timing
How triples change movement quality
Integrating rhythm into traveling patterns
14:30–15:30 — Lunch Break
15:30–16:20 — Relax Your Neck & Liberate Your Shoulders
Release tension and improve comfort and connection.
16:30–17:20 — Turns in Jazz Blues
Incorporate rotation and expression into your dancing while maintaining connection and flow.
17:20–18:00 — Q&A, Recap & Integration
💫 What This Weekend Is About
Dancing with ease at slow tempos
Understanding rhythm across styles
Building a responsive, adaptable connection
Expanding your vocabulary while staying grounded in fundamentals
Come settle in, slow down, and let the music move you.
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Event Venue
Zeughausstrasse 56, 8004 Zürich, Schweiz, Zeughausstrasse 56, 8004 Zürich, Schweiz, Zurich, Switzerland
Tickets
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