Blues in Austria

Dancing Blues - nothing but the Blues

Blues is a ballroom dance that is in the same category as jazz dance and also lindy hop. Also If you want to think that these dances originated in America, all of these dances have one thing in common African origin. Blues is definitely a dance of emotions that doesn't place so much emphasis on movement and counting beat is placed. The emotions that are conveyed are much more important here. The blues as Dance is of course very closely linked to the blues music style. The music is also full of feelings and always has something melancholic. Tensions and resolutions are played out here, depending on how the music allows. At first glance, the blues always seems very sensual and presents itself with erotic tension. But Blues is much more than that. This dance also has subtle nuances and is more than just slow from one foot up to sway the other.

Blues - pure emotions, eroticism and intimacy

The blues is absolutely intense and music and the dance partners merge with their movements. Especially when In close dances, physical harmony between the dance partners is very important. This silent communication gives that certain something when dancing the blues. But above all, when it comes to blues, the music determines the dance. The dancer Here you can individually interpret and dance the mood of the music. Blues is sadness and joy, love and hatred, pain and sensuality at the same time. With the blues, all these feelings are processed and intense There are feelings in this dance, which actually seems very simple and simple. But blues stimulates them too Creativity and helps to let out your own emotions. So someone can dance the blues too be wonderfully functioning therapy for body, mind and soul.

What are the basics of blues dancing?

Blues dance can seem a bit tricky because it's not just one dance—it's like a big family of dances. It's a name for lots of different dances people do to Blues music, from when Blues was born to today, all across the US.

People who love Blues dance usually do two main things:

Dance with a unique style: They follow a special style that comes from a mix of African and European ways of moving. This includes cool stuff like moving their hips a lot, having different body shapes, and using energetic but controlled movements. There's a kind of cool vibe to how they dance.

Switch between different dance styles: Blues dancers have many ways to dance, like Mouche, Grind, Fish Tail, Slow Drag, Chicago Triple, Struttin', Funky Butt, Mess Around, and Savoy Walk. Beginners often start with Slow Drag, where you move sideways with your partner, keeping in time with the music.

Blues Dance Styles

Blues dance has two main styles: Juke Joint Blues and Ballroom Blues.

1. Juke Joint Blues (Juke, Jookin', Jukin'): Originating from the southern regions, Juke Joint Blues got its name from being danced in "juke joints"—small bars where early blues musicians performed. Due to the limited space in these venues, Juke evolved as a spot dance, focusing on a fixed position. Reflecting the music it accompanies, Juke is characterized by sharp and punctuated movements, with a strong emphasis on hip motion. It's closely connected to delta and electric blues, creating a distinctive and energetic style.
2. Ballroomin' Blues (Ballroomin'): Hailing from ballrooms in the Northeast, Ballroomin' Blues emerged when big bands slowed down the tempo for waltzes or foxtrots. Swing dancers then developed their own style, blending elements of swing, vernacular jazz, and ballroom dance movements. In Ballroomin', you'll notice influences from traditional ballroom dances, including box steps and ochos, seamlessly integrated into the blues dance vocabulary. This style is often associated with jazz blues and showcases a fusion of various dance forms within a ballroom setting.

What are the basic steps in blues dancing

Blues dancing does not have a single basic step pattern, as it values improvisation and a variety of movements. However, there are some common movements and techniques that are often used in blues dancing, such as the basic pulse, fishtails, side roll with stomp, figure 8's, and hip roll to the side. These movements are based on the rhythmic structures of the music and allow individuals to express themselves creatively while dancing to blues music.

Additionally, blues dancing emphasizes asymmetry, bent limbs and torso, polyrhythm, pulse, dancing behind the beat, everyday found movement, movement radiating through all parts of the body, call and response, lead and follow, and emotion.

Therefore, while there are no specific basic steps, blues dancing provides a multitude of steps, patterns, and intricate body movements for dancers to express themselves creatively and stylistically

Learn to dance the blues - a simple dance with a lot of feeling

If you would also like to express your feelings better and would like to learn to dance, then the blues would be the answer maybe the optimal start for you. The steps are very easy to learn. There's a lot more to it Blues dance depends on you listening to the music and noticing its intensity and implementing it. Here is Expressiveness and creativity are required. You can let yourself go while dancing the blues. It will be difficult Of course, if you don't have a partner for this couple dance. But that shouldn't stop you either. You can Register with Lets-Dance and perhaps quickly find the ideal one in your area Find a blues dance partner.