Dance the Blues

Dance the Blues was started in 2016 by Brian Stewart, Sheryl Tobin, Therese Lefebure and Marcel Giermanski to help grow the blues dancing community in Brisbane, Australia. At the time of formation it was the only dance school in Brisbane catering exclusively to blues dancing. The studio teaches two main categories of blues dance: Jukin' and Ballroomin'.

Jukin' blues includes dances found at house parties and small juke joints, typically danced on the spot with rhythmic footwork and body movements that connect to the music. Dance the Blues teaches Jukin' styles including Piedmont Triple, Texas Shuffle, Chicago Triple, Struttin', Grinds, Fishtails, Funky Butts, Four Corners, Mooche, and Camel Walks. Ballroomin' blues dances were created in various ballrooms throughout America, like the Savoy Ballroom in New York City, and generally travel around the room in the flow of the dance. They are danced to the more jazzier end of the blues music spectrum. The Ballroomin' styles taught here are Savoy Walk, The Strut, and The Stride.

Three experienced instructors lead classes. Marcel (Lead) first stepped into a dance class in 2008 with Argentine tango, travelled to Buenos Aires to learn from top tango dancers, and started swing dancing in 2011 before discovering blues in 2012. He has travelled to many blues exchanges and been invited to teach tango-blues fusion interstate. He organised the first regular rent parties of Brisbane, which were instrumental in growing the community. Therese (Follow) has been dancing and performing since 1998, learned 10 different dance styles including traditional Mauritian dancing, Latin styles, vernacular jazz and swing dances, and travels across Australia and overseas performing and teaching. She is currently studying music and researching the origins of blues music. Natalie (Follow) started dancing in 2012 and fell in love with blues at first sight after attending a local social. She helped establish the first Borderline Blues exchange in 2015 and 2019, and encourages creativity, connection and playfulness in her classes.

Dance the Blues offers classes, workshops, private lessons, group privates, and regular rent parties. The studio is committed to growing the blues community in Brisbane by raising public awareness of blues dancing and getting people dancing blues whenever and wherever they might be. All three instructors offer private sessions and can be contacted via email. The studio maintains a detailed code of conduct adapted from Sundown Blues, effective July 20, 2018, dedicated to providing a harassment-free and safe social dance experience for everyone. Dance the Blues supports the idea that dance roles (lead and follow) are not tied to gender and encourages all dancers to dance their preferred role.

You'll learn one of two blues dance categories: Jukin' (rhythmic footwork and spot dancing) or Ballroomin' (travelling styles danced to jazzier music). Classes are offered alongside workshops, private lessons, and regular rent party socials. Instructors emphasise creativity, connection, and playfulness.

Marcel (Lead) discovered blues dancing in 2012 and has travelled to blues exchanges and taught tango-blues fusion. Therese (Follow) has danced since 1998 across 10 styles, travels to perform internationally, and is studying music with a focus on blues origins. Natalie (Follow) helped establish the Borderline Blues exchanges and emphasises creativity and connection in her teaching.

Classes are designed for all levels and interests, with instructors who emphasise playfulness and welcome dancers exploring blues for the first time.