Downtown Blues
Blues dancing classes and live music nights in Dublin city centre
Downtown Blues has been teaching Blues dancing in Dublin since 2013, when three local swing dancers — Raphael Desmaison, Rosie Van Den Broeck, and Marta Martinho — organised a blues party and discovered a waiting community.
Before your first class
All-level classes designed for complete beginners; the studio explicitly welcomes newcomers and emphasises a friendly, non-judgmental environment.
Free first class; €10 per drop-in class (includes social); €55/month for a 4-week Stepping Up Course; free social dancing after class.
About this studio
Downtown Blues has been teaching Blues dancing in Dublin since 2013, when three local swing dancers — Raphael Desmaison, Rosie Van Den Broeck, and Marta Martinho — organised a blues party and discovered a waiting community. What began as one night in November has grown over 13 years into weekly classes, social dances, and a welcoming community of dancers across all levels.
Every Tuesday at Mind the Step Café on Strand Street, you'll find a structured evening of Blues dancing. Classes run from 7:30pm to 11pm and include a Stepping Up Course (7:30–8:15pm, €55/month for a 4-week session), a Beginner Drop-In Class (8:15–9:00pm, €10 per class), and Social Dancing with DJs (9:00–11:00pm, free). The Stepping Up Course is designed for dancers who have attended at least 8 drop-in classes and focuses on technique and style to help you refine skills beyond the basics, with personalised feedback. The drop-in class teaches fundamentals in a relaxed, all-level environment — no partner needed, and you'll rotate through dance partners during class and be encouraged to ask people to dance during the social.
Downtown Blues also hosts regular live music events under the DTB Live Blues & Dancing series, welcoming bands like The Frank Carbery Blues Band, The Clara Rose Band, The Urban Mojo Blues Band, and others. Past events include workshops with international instructors like Kasia and Mateusz, Annette Kühnle, and Dan Repsch. The studio celebrates its anniversary each November with special live music nights. They also run themed socials, such as Groovin' at the Duck and the Winter Social, offering a relaxed evening of dancing and community.
The studio is volunteer-run by a rotating team of teachers who donate their time to grow Dublin's Blues scene. Their volunteer DJs bring variety to every evening, curating playlists of classic and contemporary Blues tracks. Beginners are genuinely welcome from day one — reviewers consistently praise the warm, non-judgmental atmosphere and the skilled, welcoming teachers who make newcomers feel at ease immediately.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first class is free. You'll arrive at Mind the Step Café on a Tuesday evening, join a beginner-friendly all-level class from 8:15–9:00pm, rotate through dance partners, then stick around for the social dancing with live DJ music until 11pm. No experience or partner required.
Instructors
Who teaches here
A rotating team of volunteer teachers — including founders Raphael Desmaison, Rosie Van Den Broeck, and Marta Martinho — lead classes each week. They are passionate dancers rather than professional instructors, donating their time to share Blues dancing and help grow Dublin's Blues scene. Volunteer DJs curate the music for every social night.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
All-level classes designed for complete beginners; the studio explicitly welcomes newcomers and emphasises a friendly, non-judgmental environment.
Studio history
Downtown Blues began in November 2013 when three local swing dancers — Raphael Desmaison, Rosie Van Den Broeck, and Marta Martinho — organised a blues party and discovered a thriving community waiting to happen. Over 13 years, it has grown into weekly classes, social dances, and a warm, passionate community of Blues dancers across Dublin.
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Downtown Blueshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Downtown Blues, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Downtown Blues
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Downtown Blues teach?
Downtown Blues teaches Swing, Blues dancing. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Downtown Blues located?
Downtown Blues is located in Dublin. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Downtown Blues offer private lessons?
Contact Downtown Blues directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Downtown Blues teach kids and adults?
Downtown Blues welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Downtown Blues?
The fastest path is to visit Downtown Blues via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.