Dear Swing Fellows,
this Balboa workshop No. 14 is traditionally our best answer to the November blues. Join us and you´ll feel better in a cold and foggy season. On this page we will guide you through everything interesting for you and convince you to register! In case we missed something do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
The Teachers
Andreas Olsson and Mette Herlitz live in Stockholm, Sweden. They are swing dance instructors who teach, compete and perform Balboa, Lindy Hop, Charleston, St. Louis Shag and more. As a couple they are known for their musicality, creativeness, elegance and presence on the dance floor. As instructors, Andreas and Mette emphasize basics, musicality and follow-leading abilities. They have an easy going, relaxed way of teaching. Their ambition is playful and well planned classes with a content made up by useful technique and original figures, all with the goal to have their students enjoying themselves while improving their dancing.
Patrick and Polett founded a vital Balboa scene in Bonn in 2022. They are based in Cologne, where they’ve been teaching Balboa since 2018 and added Slow Bal to their repertoire in 2024. The focus in their classes is to convey the joy of dancing. They encourage a creative and respectful communication that allows both dance partners to contribute equally to the dance and develop their own style. Good lesson preparation is just as important to them, as being able to respond spontaneously and adapt the lesson material to the participants and to the specific teaching situation.
The Venue
The entire workshop including the saturday night party will take place at our homebase venue Kulturwerk, Ostendstr. 106a, 70188 Stuttgart.
The Parties
Friday Night Pre Party
We are pleased to present you the band for our pre party on friday night: Velvet Swing Voices (Stuttgart).
Four voices, one sound – The Velvet Swing Voices transport their audience to the golden age of swing, jazz, and vintage pop. Inspired by the close vocal harmonies of the Boswell Sisters, they blend rich four-part vocals with the warm, intimate sound of acoustic instruments. Guitars, ukulele, and violin provide the charming foundation for their distinctive harmonies, creating an elegant and nostalgic concert experience.
Time: 08:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Venue: Kulturwerk, Ostendstr. 106 A,70188 Stuttgart
Costs: Check Infos further below on this page.
Saturday Night Party
We are very happy to have the The Big Five (Berlin) for our saturday night party.
Inspired by the wild hot sounds of 1930s/40s Harlem, Kansas City and Chicago jazz, The Big Five have established themselves as Berlin's most authentic swing-era combo and for the last 6 years have thrilled dancers and audiences in 20 different countries around the world. Combining a driving rhythm section, a fiery horn-led frontline and dynamic song-arrangements, this international band makes a deep-dive into the ornate and irrepressible repertoire of the Swing Golden Age - as well as a strong emphasis on original compositions.
Of course you can register just for the party, if you cannot make it to the workshop classes. You can find all other information regarding times, registration and whatnot further down on this page!
Time: 09:00 pm - 01:00 am
Venue: Kulturwerk, Ostendstr. 106 A,70188 Stuttgart
Costs: Check Infos further below on this page.
The Comprehensive Guide to Happiness
What is when?
What to know about the classes?
We offer 4 classes, split in 2 levels. You can register for each class seperately. All classes will have a different content, so feel free to register for more than one class. But please make sure, that you choose the right level according to your personal experience and abilities.
Shoe Shine I and II (Int to Int/Adv):
You have been dancing Balboa regularly for a good while. You feel comfortable combining basic and more complex steps and figures creatively on your own and you totally feel comfortable with faster tempos with different dancers.
Sugar Foot I and II (Int/Adv to Adv):
Your Balboa is at a high level and you have been dancing regularly and for quite a while. Basics and variations are no problem for you to fast music. You want to expand your repertoire and work on style at fast tempos.
Special Workshop on Friday 6th of November 2026
18:00 - 20:00 Slow Balboa Workshop mit Polett & Patrick, GER
Check in 5:45 pm
Slow Balboa Workshop for beginners and improvers
While Slow Bal has evolved from Balboa (and is sometimes referred to as Slow Balboa), it is considered a distinct dance form - or rather, a collective term for various dances performed to slow jazz music - incorporating influences from a range of different styles. Currently, an increasing number of swing dance events are featuring Slow Bal, ranging from taster classes to specific Slow Bal weekends. With this mini workshop, you have the opportunity to get involved with a dance that is rapidly gaining popularity - and to play a part in its ongoing development. Much like in Blues dancing, the primary focus lies on the interpretation of the music.
Whether you are completely new to Slow Bal or already had some fun on Slow Bal dancefloors, we’ve got you covered! After a brief introduction of the basics, we will show you moves and variations to give your dancing more flow and variety.
When can you register?
The registration starts here on August 4th, 6:00 pm.
How much is it?
Each Class: 43€ regular / 35€ reduced* per class and person (2,5 h of teaching including a 15 minutes break)
Price for the 2 hours of the special Slow Balboa Class on Friday evening: 20€ regular/ 18€ reduced*
Friday Night Party: 15€
Saturday Night Party with Live Music: 20€ / 15€ reduced*
*We are happy to offer you that discount, if you are still going to school or are a student, if you volunteer in social projects or own the Stuttgarter Bonuscard (or a corresponding card). In case you do not apply to any of these, but are in need of financial support to make the workshop happen, please get in touch with us.