What is a blues practica?

Blues Feets blues practicas are not dances. Intended as an evolving project based on collective participant input, they are opportunities for dancers who are interested in improving their skill, technique and style to practice in a safe and supportive environment. Each practica will be hosted by two or more dancers who have been invited to facilitate the evening and provide a theme or idea for participants to work on if they choose to. These hosts may make themselves available to answer questions or offer feedback or critique -- though each participant is expected to take responsibility for his or her own dancing and improvement.

Dancers are encouraged to support one another and offer constructive critique or suggestion, upon request. Please be tactful, considerate and aware of other dancers' openness to feedback -- and we suggest remaining open to others' ideas, even if you feel completely comfortable in your dancing! Blues Feets practicas are meant to be a safe place for participants to play with new ideas, grow, and develop their dancing.


Which levels are welcome?

All levels are invited to participate in Blues Feets practicas. Since lessons are not offered, we recommend having some experience in blues dancing. If you are completely new to blues, check out Seattle's weekly blues venue Burn Blue at Waid's. Admission to Burn Blue includes a beginner lesson at 8pm.


What is expected of me as a host?

Each practica, two or more hosts will be invited to offer their experience and ideas to Blues Feets participants. If you are one such host, you will be asked to arrive at the beginning of the practica (7pm) and stay for two to three hours (though we'd love it if you wish to stay through till the end!), and assist dancers with questions about blues technique, styling and skill.

If you wish, you may prepare a "theme" for the session. Themes are ideas meant to direct the focus of the evening and provide a framework for dancers to work within. Themes may involve videos, concepts, things learned from recent workshops, or simply discussions on an element of blues such as frame, musicality or styling. Participants are encouraged to suggest ideas for themes for upcoming practicas or even be hosts for a session.

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