The Blues Joint
Blues dancing in Amsterdam and Amersfoort, from crash courses to weekly socials
The Blues Joint is a community-driven blues dance organisation active in Amsterdam and Amersfoort.
Before your first class
Specifically designed for absolute beginners; monthly crash courses teach fundamentals in two hours, and you need no prior experience or partner.
Comfortable shoes.
€20 for monthly crash course (2 hours); €5 suggested donation for community practice sessions and Backroom Blues social (donation-based).
About this studio
The Blues Joint is a community-driven blues dance organisation active in Amsterdam and Amersfoort. They teach blues dance, an African American vernacular dance that developed alongside blues music in the Deep South of the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and is still evolving today. The organisation offers monthly crash courses for absolute beginners, weekly community practice sessions, private lessons, and regular social dance nights with live music. They also organise international festivals including Trippin' Blues Amsterdam and The Blues Retreat.
In Amsterdam, classes are held at Studio Borgerstraat (Borgerstraat 112, 1053 PX Amsterdam) and at De Nieuwe Anita (Frederik Hendrikstraat 111, in the basement). In Amersfoort, classes take place at De Bik (De Bik 1, 3828 AM Hoogland, Amersfoort). The monthly beginner crash course runs each first Tuesday of the month from 19:00 until 21:00, covering all the fundamentals needed to get on the dance floor or join a practice session.
After completing a crash course, beginners can join the weekly Community Practice Sessions, which are donation-based (suggested donation €5) and cover everything from fundamentals to advanced moves. These sessions emphasise learning, practicing and exploring together in a less formal setting than lessons, with new material each week chosen by experienced dancers. The community is very active on social media via Facebook and Instagram.
Every Tuesday evening, Backroom Blues runs from 21:00 to 23:00 as a donation-based social where you can dance what you've learned or simply drop by to join the vibrant blues social. The Blues Joint also hosts one-off tasters, in-depth workshops, and festivals throughout the year. The organisation is run by volunteers including board members Frank Lyaruu (chairman), Richard van Os (secretary), Paul van Meelis (treasurer), and Federica Parisi (board member), with teachers Emma and Federica Parisi leading classes.
The Blues Joint emphasises that blues dance is for every body and no partner or prior experience is required. They recommend taking beginner classes for a year or joining several crash courses to deepen the groove and skills involved.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive for the monthly crash course (first Tuesday of the month, 19:00–21:00) and spend two hours learning the fundamentals: grooving, turning, walking. By the end you'll have the foundation to join the weekly Backroom Blues social that follows, or continue with community practice sessions. No partner needed, just comfortable shoes and a smile.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Emma teaches and coordinates socials. Federica Parisi teaches and helps organise festivals. The source names these instructors and notes that teachers are "passionate about Blues and eager to share their knowledge with dancers of all skill levels", but does not provide their full credentials or background.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Specifically designed for absolute beginners; monthly crash courses teach fundamentals in two hours, and you need no prior experience or partner.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable shoes.
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
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The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
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Frequently asked about The Blues Joint
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Blues Joint teach?
The Blues Joint teaches General, Juke Joint Blues. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Blues Joint located?
The Blues Joint is located in Amsterdam. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Blues Joint offer private lessons?
Contact The Blues Joint directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Blues Joint teach kids and adults?
The Blues Joint 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 The Blues Joint?
The fastest path is to visit The Blues Joint via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.