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Blues You Can Use
Dust off your dance shoes… It’s time to Blues! We’re busting things wide open and showing you a world of blues-abilities! We’re deconstructing and reconstructing in new ways from the ground up. We’re throwing out a bunch of tools and letting you choose your own adventure. You’re dancing away with literally dozens of moves and grooves to build a Blues Dance that’s uniquely your own. Come prepared to be Bluesified!
**Coming Soon**
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Blues Music History
We’re discussing the history, the people, the songs, and the culture that formed the dance we love. If you want to geek out on all the nitty-gritty, this class is for you! If you want your pressing questions answered, remember that curiosity killed the cat… but this class is still for you! If you want to better understand the dance, this class is for you! Basically, you won’t want to miss this very unique offering! You won’t find anything like it ANYWHERE else!
**Coming Soon**
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The Shimmy Shakers Blues Team
The countdown is on! This June, we’ll once again defend Toronto’s honour at Blues Battle: Round 2 and we’re getting ready for some seriously fun, seriously (mostly) friendly competition in a seriously awesome way! If you’re ready to work hard, if you’re ready to push your dancing, if you love choreography, if you want to go to Battle, this advanced class is for you!
**Coming Soon**
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Blues Battle Cuttin’
In this seriously fun class, we’re stepping it up in a seriously awesome way! Want technique? Competition skillz? Show-stopping steps? We got you covered! Plus we have some extra-special secret type stuff planned… You’re just going to have to be there! If you’re ready to work hard, push your dancing, and step out of your comfort zone, you’ll be amazed at how this class will improve your dancing – both solo and partnered!
**Coming Soon**
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Blues Your Way
Take your Blues to new levels. Work on the things that you want. Schedule time when it works for you. Our Instructors are here to help!
Get Your Blues On
The Merchandise Building
155 Dalhousie Street
(near Church and Dundas)
Toronto, ON
Classes take place in the Dance Studio located past the gym. Buzz security to let you in and take the elevator to the Lobby (L) on the 4th floor. You’ll often find us hanging out there before class or you can have the concierge direct you to the Studio.
What's different about these classes?
The Instructors
Our Instructors have had a love affair with the Blues for over 10 years. They’ve danced, dj’d, and taught in Canada, the US, Europe, and Asia, and they rarely stay put for long! You’ll find them globe-trotting to Blues events most weekends… and they always bring back something authentic, fresh, and new.
The Approach
Not only will you get a solid grounding in Blues dance techniques, but you’ll walk away with an understanding of the history and the music… all woven into one entertaining package and delivered in a relaxed environment where you’re encouraged to be yourself, speak your mind, and really make this dance your own!
The Flexibility
No need to wait. You can join our weekly all-levels classes at any time! No matter if it’s your very first Blues class or you’ve been dancing Blues for years, this class will challenge and inspire you! There are no levels. Everyone is taught the same material at the same time. You’ll be guaranteed to have partners of all levels on the social dance floor. This has been a huge success and beneficial to all our dancers.
The Cost
Only $5-10 per class… but don’t let the price fool you! These are high quality dance classes for a fraction of the usual cost. When it comes to the dance we love, money should never be a barrier. Still skeptical? Take advantage of a Free Class to try it out!
A Passionate Team of Blues Fanatics
Brooke Filsinger
Head Instructor
For more than a decade, Brooke (CAN) has been hopping across Canada, the U.S., Europe, and Asia, dancing, djing, and teaching as she goes. She has been called an organic follower, accidentally creative, and a vagabond street dancer. She isn’t entirely sure what these all mean, but she’s proud of these labels nonetheless.
Brooke is known for classes that are unconventional, entertaining, and chock-full of good technique, historical tidbits, and new ideas. You can always count on full-bodied “scrumpditiliumptious” quality movement and moves – the kind that you can really sink your feet into!
Caitlin Wellman
Instructor
Caitlin teaches her students more than just a bunch of cool moves (but they get that too)! Her focus on solid technique – based on momentum and rhythm – helps her students enjoy the dance on a deeper level and become more connected to the music. Her teaching is clear and articulate, and full of fun and creative ways of improving your dancing.
She was a founding member of the multi-award winning performance troupe Minnie’s Moochers, from Ithaca, NY. She has been in demand as a teacher across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia for many years. With her Toronto partner Chachi, she was the Director & Choreographer for Capital Dance Productions, a performance troupe that specializes in 20th century North American partner and solo dances. She has also been the Artistic Director & Choreographer of The Flappettes, a sassy all female 1920′s Jazz & Charleston troupe.
Kyle Smith
Instructor
Kyle has been a constant fixture on the dance floors of Toronto’s Blues Bars and Festivals for many years. He’s constantly looking for new bands to enjoy and new dance partners to enjoy them with.
Kyle started dancing as a student with the Swing and Tap Academy of Toronto and he never looked back. He’s been a member of numerous troupes, performing in Canada and the U.S.
As an instructor, Kyle is known for his laid-back style and humorous approach. He loves of introducing new people to the dance… ensuring he’ll have dance partners for years to come!