BsB Tip Toe into Blues Beginner Workshop (Winter 2024) [Oakland]

For Who: Beginners, brand new to partnered social dancing, or anyone wanting to work on fundamentals

What is it? A way to learn partnered social dancing! For beginners! To Blues Music! But really, whether you want to start building the skills to dance with someone for that upcoming New Years Eve party (and look good while doing it) or just want some dedicated time to improve your dancing, this solid 4 hours of instruction will be an excellent way to build confidence out on the dance floor (or in your kitchen!) We'll be covering the same dances as the intermediate workshop running on the same day, at the same location (but in the studio next door), but at a cozy beginner pace. You'll learn the basics of partner dancing in the context of Blues Music including what it means to lead or follow (with excellent fundamentals on how to do both well), how to create a comfy-cozy dance partnership (while negotiating your personal space), what Blues Dance aesthetics encompass, and ways to explore your personal style and creativity on your own and in partnership.

How Much: $50-70 sliding scale pre-registered, $80 cash at the door. If cost is an issue, please reach out at info@bayshoreblues.com before December 13th (No one turned away for lack of funds!)

Workshop does not include a social dance. Want to get some dancing in? Check out the bonus hang outs below.

What is Blues Dancing? Glad you asked, check out our About page for a brief overview! Where can I find updates? Event updates and day-of information will be posted primarily through the Facebook Event Page. (Though an e-mail with finalized info will be sent to the e-mail you register with) Be sure to mark yourself as going to the event page!

Doors Open at 12:45p and shut fully at 1:15p.

About Your Instructors: Sarah Elise Sarah Elise is a dedicated Blues dancer who has a graduate degree in educational pedagogy, and brings her dynamic classroom experience and style to teaching dance. Sarah Elise has taught at local dances and events around the country, including Boston, San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Albany, Fort Collins, Pittsburgh, Providence, Seattle, and Phoenix. Always inspired and driven by the music, her grounded, gritty style has brought them national and international recognition.

Pomona Lake After falling in love with Lindy Hop as a teenager, Pomona quickly begun sneaking out to go to blues and fusion parties. Her approach to dance is playful, raw, and rhythmic, with a focus on improvisation and self-expression. Drawing inspiration from unexpected sources like contact improvisation, clowning, and her work as a dancer in the film industry, Pomona’s teaching is a joyful exploration of musicality and movement. She encourages her students to find freedom and creativity in their dance, embracing the spontaneity that comes from deep listening to yourself and the music.

Covid Precautions:

KN95, KF94, N95 or higher rated masks required (well fitting, no vents) for duration of the class. We will not be checking vaccination record, but we highly encourage you have your booster shots. If you feel sick or like you might be getting sick, please do not attend. If you have had COVID recently, do not attend unless you are testing negative and 10 days have passed since your first symptoms or positive test. If you cannot attend, please reach out and we'd be more than happy to offer you a full refund upon request.  We also encourage you to take a test prior to showing up to class if you do feel well just to double check, but tests are not required as efficacy is not as high of a spread prevention method as masking up.

Bonus Hang Outs [Make a weekend of it!]:

Saturday 12/21

     - Social hang outs at Soba Ichi: Join us after class, a few blocks away, for food, drinks, and chats (Vegan options also available). No cover, counter service, no official dancing.

     - DJ's Social dancing at Breakaway Blues. Intermediate Class 6:30-7:45PM. Beginner lesson at 8pm, Dancing 9PM-Close, cover $20 for both classes + social dance, $15 for dance only.