Slow Blues & Balboa Weekend April 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. Mostra meno
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