When people talk about the dance scene in Belgium, you’ll often hear about contemporary, ballet, or urban genres. But quietly weaving through social halls and vintage clubs across cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent is a deeply emotive, often overlooked genre—Blues dance.
Rooted in African American culture and closely tied to the evolution of blues music, Blues dance is grounded, improvisational, and expressive. It’s not about big moves or competition—it’s about connection, musicality, and feeling.
Here’s a guide to the people, places, and events making Blues dance thrive in Belgium.
What is Blues Dance?
Blues dance is a family of social dances created by African Americans in the early 20th century, evolving alongside blues music. There are many regional styles—solo, partnered, fast, slow—but all share a focus on grounded movement, body rhythm, emotional storytelling, and connection.
Blues dance invites vulnerability, play, and deep listening—to your partner, the music, and yourself.
Here are four key places and communities shaping the Belgian Blues dance scene:
🔹 Blues Remix Festival
Location: Brussels
Learn more: facebook.com/events/1224686525764787
This annual festival brings together dancers from across Europe to explore Blues and Fusion dance through workshops, social dancing, and live music.
🔹 Apollo Swing – Blues Classes
Location: Throughout Belgium
Learn more: apolloswing.be
Apollo Swing’s Blues program offers regular group classes that dive into solo and partnered Blues styles, musicality, and improvisation, suitable for dancers at any level.
🔹 Big City Blues
Location: Ghent
Learn more: bigcityblues.be
Big City Blues runs classes and workshops focused solely on Blues dance, with a strong emphasis on historical context, improvisation, and inclusive community building.
🔹 Boulevard Blues
Location: Hasselt
Learn more: boulevardblues.be
Boulevard Blues hosts casual jams, socials, and beginner-friendly workshops designed to help you explore Blues dancing in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Across Belgium, small collectives and passionate dancers are creating inclusive, meaningful spaces to dive into the blues history and movement. If you’re a dancer seeking a new style to try, Blues just might be it.
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Thanks for Reading,
Briana
“Keep going even when you’re scared”
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