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We’re happy to share that Bluetopia will be bringing featured teachers in before every Bluetopia for the remainder of 2025! Our next featured teacher is Amanda Wanner, originally from Chicago but hailing now from the Pacific North West!
Cost?
Workshop + Bluetopia Entry: $35
Workshop + Bluetopia Entry (Student): $20
Workshop ONLY: $25
Workshop ONLY (Student): $15
When?
July 26th 3-5pm CT
Where?
Traffic Jam Studio, 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
What?
Hour 1: Connecting Socially on the Dance Floor
What if movement is just one part of dancing--and not even the most important one? What if the "soul" of Blues dance lives in social connection? In this class, we'll dive into one of the most basic (and often overlooked) elements of Blues dance: How we connect - not just in partnered steps, but in the shared space between us. We will explore three pathways to building connection: - When we witness each other, we connect. - When we move together, we connect. - When we sing together, we connect. It's simple. And might just be transformative. Come ready to connect outside your box.
Hour 2: Exploring Funky Blues foundations while adopting Waacking elements.
Diving into Funky Blues; we will explore how elements of Waacking, a grandchild of Blues — born in the LGBTQ+ Black and Hispanic communities of Los Angeles (typically done to disco and funk)— can help us unlock * Finding our groove, * Develop a strong sense of expression, * And figure out “what the fuck to do with my arms?!”
Important note: This is not a Waacking class. I am a surrogate of the dance, and I encourage anyone interested in learning this dance form to seek out instructors rooted in its culture and history. In this workshop, we'll approach Waacking with honor, appreciation and expression--as a way to expand your Funky Blues.
Who is Amanda Wanner (she/her)?
Amanda began dancing in her hometown of Chicago in 2004. After a journey, she has resided in Seattle since 2008 and supported the Blues community in the PNW, and beyond, for many years.
Amanda loves finding new ways to challenge her movement. After having a baby in 2013, she slowly transitioned her pursuit of dance to martial arts and family bicycling, by 2016. In 2022, she found her way back to dance, becoming the director of Blues Underground, returning to her role as a Blues educator, and jumping head first into 4 new dances.
Through her classes, Amanda focuses on grounding in pulse & blues aesthetic, culture, play, and social connection. She aims to lift up dancers by utilizing movement as a tool they can exercise to be fully themselves in their expression of Blues dance, while calling dancers in to being outside their comfort zone.
REGISTER:
https://forms.gle/zV5fjdt6R46iQf9WA
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