Dance for Two

Summertime Blues 2026

Partner dancing, slow dancing, dancing as a couple?

Learn about my concept Zweisam Tanzen ("Dancing two-gether"). Here's an overview:

  • No fixed dance partners

    The dance partners find each other on the dance floor and rotate through the groups. You don't need to bring anyone with you. However, if you only want to dance with one person, please bring them along. It's possible that you might dance with people of the same sex for a while during the rotation.

  • Safe physical proximity

    Physical closeness and sensual movements here serve well-being and individual development. For me, the dance floor is a safe space for physical expression and is expressly not intended for matchmaking.

  • Leading and following regardless of gender

    I primarily teach according to the ELEF principle: Everybody leads, everybody follows. This means that all participants learn experiences and skills related to leading and following. Depending on the course, you can then take on the role that suits you best. A good leader also listens, and a good follower has their own voice. Sometimes these roles don't play a role in the lesson, as the focus is on the physical interaction, and it's not important that one person is "in charge" and another isn't.

  • Comfortable clothing and body

    Dress as smartly or casually as you like. Comfortable clothing and thin soles allow for maximum freedom of movement and connection. Avoiding strong odors (bad breath, sweat, strong perfume) is a big plus when physical contact is involved.

  • Intuitive, cross-genre learning

    I facilitate a dance connection between you, the music, and other people. I use methods that build upon the intelligence of your body and your existing abilities. Beyond physical techniques, it's about qualities like body tension and relaxation, grounding, and expression. Dancing together is like a good conversation, and every movement is a word.

  • Sensitivity to inclusion and diversity

    I offer a relaxed and resource-oriented learning experience. Due to my open teaching concept, most of my courses are also suitable for people with physical or other limitations (MS, ME/CFS, post-COVID/VAC, trauma) who are generally not severely restricted in their mobility. My approach is explicitly gender-neutral, and I strive for culturally sensitive instruction.

Here you can find information about my terms of participation and code of conduct.

Overview of offers for couple dance

Blues Dancing: A very versatile, especially musical partner dance – from no touching to very close, from fast to slow. Here your whole body moves and there is plenty of room for improvisation and individual expression.

Vintage Dance: From the Black Bottom to the Charleston to the One-Step: There are exciting dances and stories from the time of the Weimar Republic to discover, which originally come from African American communities.

Dancing in the Dark: Mindful and inclusive, suitable for people who are blind or visually impaired; dancing didactically and methodically without the sense of sight.

SlowSteps two-gether: Mindful and inclusive for people who benefit from an energy-saving, trauma-sensitive and intuitive approach to partner dancing.

Dance Explorers: This "partner dance laboratory" offers genre-spanning, scientifically grounded insights into biomechanics, psychosomatics, and intuitive body awareness. We also explore new approaches and findings together.


Videos

African American Blues Dancing: 

Blues Music in Motion. You'll learn the moves and aesthetics of African American Blues Dancing and gain insights into the dance's history. Musicality is at the heart of the dance and the lessons. In this intimate setting, an intuitive physical dialogue unfolds, respecting the individuality of both partners. You can dance in closed or open hold—even without touching, or in close embrace. Blues offers ample space for emotion, sensuality, and physical expression. As an African American dance, it emphasizes improvisation and provides an intense connection between music, soul, body, and fellow dancers. The broad musical spectrum of blues ranges from energetic dynamics to mindful slow dance, offering a particularly diverse experience on the dance floor. Let's connect! In addition to blues workshops, there's also the Summertime Blues Dance Weekend. Feel free to check it out.  

Vintage Dance: 

Partner Dances of the Weimar Republic. Learn some of the most popular dances of the Weimar Republic, such as the Black Bottom, Charleston, and One-Step! The One-Step is at the heart of it all. The original description from the 1920s reads: "While the steps of most dances require a certain science, in the One-Step they are quite natural, for this dance is nothing more than ordinary walking. The only challenge is to walk in time with the music." My research into dance history finds its way onto the contemporary dance floor: In class, you'll learn not only the carefully reconstructed steps and a coherent aesthetic, but also background information and anecdotes about the cultural and historical entanglements of African-American and European dance history. Immerse yourself in the dances of the Weimar Republic with me in stylish venues and elegant attire!  

Dancing in the Dark: 

Partner Dance Without Sight. We dance with all our senses except sight. We use our empathy, sense of touch and balance, hearing, and body awareness. Basic movements include weight shifts and slow walking. Physical closeness and touch are adapted to individual needs. All participants learn elements of leading and following, and partners rotate roles. It is possible to choose a role or partner. However, changing roles and partners is a valuable learning experience for developing a deeper feel for the dance. In this slow, deliberate approach, you can connect mindfully with your body and others, learning to dance through your body awareness. The class includes content on musicality, establishing a strong connection within the dance partnership, and elements of African-American blues dance. This slow dance offers ample space for individual expression. As an African-American dance, it emphasizes improvisation and provides a creative and intense connection between music, soul, body, and fellow dancers. 

→ Click here to go to the project page and the dates.  

SlowSteps Two-gether Partner Dance: 

A Particularly Relaxing Way to Dance. We dance mindfully and with all our senses – let's take it slow! Basic movements include weight shifts and slow walking. Physical closeness and touch are adapted to individual needs. All participants learn elements of leading and following, and partners rotate roles. It's possible to choose a role or partner. Changing roles and partners is a valuable experience for developing a better feel for dancing as a couple. In this slower pace, you can connect mindfully with your body and with others, learning to dance through your body awareness. The class includes content on musicality, building a strong connection within the dance partnership, and elements from African-American blues and fusion dance. These dances offer ample space for individual expression. They emphasize improvisation and provide a creative and intense connection between music, soul, body, and fellow dancers. 

→ Click here for the project page and dates.  

Dance Explorers Fusion Partner Dance & Dance Lab: 

This genre-spanning "partner dance lab" offers scientifically grounded and interesting insights into biomechanics, psychosomatics, and intuitive body awareness. We will also explore new approaches and insights together. More information to follow.  

Feel free to check out my playlists on Spotify:

Weekend offers

Welcome to

Summertime Blues

15.-16. August 2026

Your relaxing blues weekend outdoors!

Amidst the picturesque scenery of the Herchen park on the Sieg river in Windeck, we invite you to experience the soul of the blues in wonderful nature: With dance lessons and a supporting program for dancing and relaxing together, a very special summer weekend awaits you here!

Here are a few impressions from last year:


What can you look forward to?


Relaxed program: We focus on the shared dance experience, social interaction, and the appreciation of African-American blues. Therefore, this is a particularly comfortable format where you can connect not only through dance:

Our outdoor living room invites you to relax, socialize, and be creative. You can expect workshops, entertaining taster sessions, communal "Fruity Dances" (more details in the program), a magical social dance, and optional leisure activities such as mini-golf or paddle boating!


High-quality instruction: Experienced instructors offer you carefully prepared lessons. We place particular emphasis on the roots of the blues, mindful connection within the dance partnership, and authentic, consensual interactions. The two workshops are for participants with prior blues dance experience. In addition, there are three taster sessions: entertaining introductory offers – for beginners as well as seasoned dancers.


Outdoor dancing: All events take place outdoors, rain or shine, so you can enjoy the blues in harmonious connection with nature. Plus, you can expect lovely decorations and enchanting lighting!


Community & friends: Your partner or your dog are also very welcome. Special offers are available for them. You can read more about them here.


Comfort, Consent and mindfulness are paramount at this event. We provide a safe dance floor for you. See the information about my partner dance concept as well as the code of conduct for more details.

No experience with Blues Dancing?

No problem! You can find some videos on my website, Facebook, and Instagram to give you a first impression. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by email.

You can get in the mood musically with this Spotify playlist.

Detailed information

  • Instruction

    With the Blues All-in Workshop Ticket, you can take advantage of all the weekend's offerings. Day tickets grant you access to the entire program except for the workshops. You can find more information in the ticket details.   

    The lessons are taught in German and English.  


    Taster (introductory offers)  

    Here, beginners can learn the blues. Do you have blues dancing experience? Even then, you'll enjoy the entertaining instruction. Here, dancing and learning should be fun!

    You can come without a dance partner. Dance partners will form within the class and rotate between partners.


    Workshops  

    The workshops are aimed at dancers with prior knowledge.

    • Have you already attended regular classes and workshops?
    • Do you have an understanding of Blues Dance Aesthetics?
    • Can you generally follow the rhythms of the music?
    • Are you unsure about your dance level? Feel free to contact me.

    Some of the workshops follow the ELEF principle ("Everybody leads, everybody follows"). So you might find yourself briefly dancing in a role that's unfamiliar to you.


    Workshop I  

    More information to follow!


    Workshop II  

    More information to follow!


    INFO    

    At check-in, you will receive a button (Lead, Follow, Switch) that best corresponds to your dance role.    

    Are you already an experienced dancer and happy to dance with newcomers? Wonderful! Then we have a taxi button for you as a taxi dancer.    



     YOUR TRAINERS  


     Friederike Reif (Frida)  

    Since 1998, Friederike Reif has explored around 20 partner dances – from the World Dance Program to other Latin and African American dances, as well as contemporary partner dances. Her great passion lies with African American blues dance and fusion dance.

    As the founder of TanzBildung, she offers mindful and joyful approaches to partner dancing, drawing on 18 years of experience as a partner dance instructor in modern dance didactics.

    In blues dancing, she places particular importance on an intense, consensual connection within the dance couple, musicality, and authentic expression.

    Detailed information about her career and teaching concept can be found here.


     Sarah   

    Sarah has been a passionate dancer since childhood. She has learned a wide range of dances, from belly dancing and ballroom dancing to Lindy Hop. Ultimately, it was the African-American blues dances that completely captured her heart and her dancing feet. It felt like coming home, as she grew up with blues and soul music.

    Sarah has danced her way through countless international festivals and workshop formats and has been teaching in Cologne since 2018. In 2019, she further professionalized her skills by completing the Blues Teacher Training with international blues greats Adamo and Vicci.

    Sarah meticulously prepares her teaching content and places particular emphasis on the connection to the African American roots of the blues.

    In her classes, she invites students to discover and explore their own body and expression of dance with curiosity.

  • Program

    Click here for the schedule (PDF)   


    Private Pre-Party  

    Friday, August 14    

    The weekend kicks off on Friday with a relaxed, private pre-party at the organizer Frida's place in Windeck Werfen – weather permitting, this will include dancing on the 40 m² balcony overlooking the Sieg Valley. We'll be having a potluck buffet. This evening is privately organized and not included in the tickets for Saturday and Sunday.

    The party has a limited guest list!

    Registration


    Taster (introductory offer)  

    Here, beginners can learn the blues. Do you have blues dancing experience? Even then, you'll enjoy the entertaining instruction. Here, dancing and learning should be fun!

    You can come without a dance partner. Dance partners will form within the class and rotate between partners.


    Fruity Dance  

    The fruit bar, our outdoor living room, and the dance floor are freely available. There's a creative corner as well as time to relax, socialize, or watch. Feel free to bring whatever you like—snacks, instruments, or flow arts like poi or hula hoops.

    We enjoy the summer afternoon dancing and feasting!

    A drinks and snack package is included in all tickets (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, snacks, fruit bar).


    Social Dance  

    On Saturday evening, there will be a social dance on our beautifully decorated dance stage – we'll dance together into the summer night. The later the evening, the more mindful and slower the blues will be. Want a particularly intense experience? Eye masks are available so you can experience the blues and a deep, dance-based connection without using your sight.


    Dance Walk  

    A mindful walk through the spa gardens, accompanied by music and movement. The focus is on perception, rhythm, and experiencing the place.



    INFO    

    At check-in, you will receive a button (Lead, Follow, Switch) that best corresponds to your dance role.    

    Are you already an experienced dancer and happy to dance with newcomers? Wonderful! Then we have a taxi button for you as a taxi dancer.    

  • Community & friends

    Friends and family are also welcome. Therefore, in addition to the workshop ticket, you have the option of purchasing a community ticket for only €60, and your dog or small children are also welcome.

    • The Community Ticket is for accompanying persons (partner, friend, and family) who are not (yet) dancing – fruit bar, buffet, and drinks included. This allows you to relax and enjoy the entire event, participate in all tastings, use the sunbathing and play area, and spend time together in the park. The ticket can only be booked in conjunction with a workshop ticket.
    • Your dog is also welcome: well-behaved and on a leash, a shady spot and water will be provided.
    • For safety reasons, children and dogs are not allowed on the dance stage. The Sieg River is freely accessible. For organizational and insurance reasons, parents and dog owners are solely responsible for their animals and children at all times. Thank you.
    • Summertime Blues is designed to allow adults to have a wonderful dance weekend. To enable parents with young children to participate, children up to 5 years old who require supervision are welcome, provided they are accompanied at all times. We ask for your understanding that there is no childcare available and the setting is not suitable for children (or dogs) playing freely.

  • Tickets

    • With the Blues All-in Workshop Ticket, you can take advantage of all the weekend's offerings.
    • With day tickets, you can participate in the entire program, except for the workshops. See the program for detailed descriptions.
    • A beverage and snack package is included with all tickets (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, snacks, fruit bar).

    Blues All-in (15.-16.8.26)

    2 workshops; Fruity Dance on Saturday and Sunday with fruit bar, music, hula hoops, and a creative corner; 3 taster sessions; 1 dance walk; large social dance; buffet; drinks and snacks included; free use of the dance floor and the sunbathing/play area all day


    • Previous Blues Dance experience required
    • Optional: Community ticket for non-dancing guests for €60
    • Payment in installments is possible (50% upon registration, 50% by July 15th).
    • Please contact me beforehand: kontakt@tanzbildung.info
    1. Very early bird (until 10.5.): 105 €
    2. Early bird (until 15.7.): 115 €
    3. Late bird (from 16.7.): 130 €

    Community ticket (€60) for the workshop ticket:  

    • Intended for accompanying persons (partner, friend, and family) who are not yet dancing – fruit bar, buffet, and drinks included. This allows you to relax and enjoy all the weekend's offerings (except for workshops requiring prior experience), participate in all tastings, use the sunbathing and play area, and spend time together in the park.
    • This ticket can only be booked in conjunction with a workshop ticket.


    Or book day tickets without the workshops - also well suited for beginners in blues dancing or as a short escape from everyday life to a summery dance paradise!  

    Advance ticket sales for day tickets start on May 30, 2026:      


    Blues Social Saturday 15.8.26  

    2 tasters, Fruity Dance with supporting program, social dancing until late into the night

    (€46 advance booking fee via rausgegangen.de)


    Blues Social Sunday, August 16, 2026  

    1 dance walk, 1 taster, extensive Fruity Dance with supporting program

    (€34 advance booking fee via rausgegangen.de)



    INFO    

    Special ticket for Windeck residents:      

    Should the event not be sold out, residents from the region (Windeck and Eitorf) can purchase day tickets on site to "get a taste" at a greatly reduced price (Saturday €20, Sunday €15).    

  • Food and drinks

    Buffet  

    For you there is an Eritrean-Ethiopian buffet with Timto, Alicha and Sambusas from the wonderful Cologne restaurant Injera.


    The buffet is included in the workshop ticket!  

    For everyone else it costs 20 euros - only while stocks last.    


    Feel free to bring something for a picnic if you like!


    INFO Drinks and snack package    

    A drinks and snack package is included in all tickets (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, snacks, and an additional fruit bar for the "Fruity Dance").    

  • Inclusion & Well-being

    All information here refers to day tickets or the day program - the workshops may be somewhat more physically demanding, but always offer the possibility of individual adaptation.

    For your visit, the following information is important:


    • This offer is generally suitable for people who are challenged with fatigue but generally mobile (post-Covid/Vac, MS, ME/CFS, etc.) and for those who prefer a mindful, nervous system-friendly setting.
    • People with minor walking or visual impairments should not encounter major obstacles on site, but I would not recommend to attend alone due to the infrastructure of the region. Also, there are no tactile paving or on-site support.
    • Barriers: There are three steps with a handrail leading to the dance stage. It is possible to dance on the ground level in front of the stage. This area is not completely level everywhere. The restrooms are approximately 100 meters away. Herchen train station is a short distance from the spa park. Please see the information under "Location & Directions"!
    • An "outdoor living room" awaits you with seating and lounging options – rainproof and comfortable!
    • A small "care team" will also be available throughout the day: Do you have a problem or need information? We are here to help!
    • Being extrovert or do you need some time to yourself? No problem. The park, our outdoor living room, and the program offer many opportunities to connect with others or simply enjoy some time to yourself. Two pairs of noise-canceling headphones are available if you'd like some peace and quiet. People wearing "Taxi" buttons are always available for Blues beginners to join in the dancing, and there's the "I want to dance!" corner: Here you can find like-minded people for the next dance or for special activities like "Blind Blues" (eye masks are provided) or "Dancing without Touching." You can come without prior experience or a dance partner. Couples form on the dance floor and rotate partners. Everyone, regardless of gender, can lead or follow. Of course, you can choose the role you prefer. There are buttons for Follow, Lead, and Switch (both roles) so others can see how you like to connect.
    • You can come without any prior experience and without a dance partner. Couples form on the dance floor and partners are swapped throughout.
    • Anyone can participate in the dance, regardless of gender. Also, people of the same gender may dance together for some time in some exercises. You are, of course, free to choose a role you prefer. There are buttons marked ‘Follow’, ‘Lead’ and ‘Switch’ (both roles), which let others know how you prefer to connect.
    I have questions

  • Location & Directions

    Summertime Blues takes place in the Herchen spa park. We have a rainproof dance stage and a covered forecourt. Additionally, the park itself can be used if the weather is dry.

    Address:

    Kurpark Herchen, In der Au 1, 51570 Windeck  

    • Arrival by car is possible. There are parking spaces in the village, but they are limited.  
    • Arrival by train is possible at Herchen station (40-50 mins from Cologne Central Station, 45-55 mins from Bonn Central Station). The station is 2 km from the park and can be reached on foot, by bicycle or bus (lines 547 & 579, please note the timetables).    
    • Bringing your bicycle is highly recommended for more athletic people: there are great cycling routes along the Sieg river.  

    Info    

    Having a car or bicycle is very helpful in the area. There is a WhatsApp group for participants to organize carpooling and accommodation arrangements.  

  • Accommodation & Leisure

    There is the option to stay overnight in the surrounding area, and there are a number of leisure activities available.


     Overnight stays  

     with recommendations for cyclists  

    Info    

    Having a car or bicycle is very helpful in the area. There is a WhatsApp group for participants to organize carpooling and accommodation arrangements.  


     Leisure activities and destinations  

     Right next to the spa park:  

    • Mini golf
    • Pedal boating

     In the neighborhood:  

  • Event regulations

    By registering, you agree to these event terms and conditions:

    • The Park: We are in a nature setting. Please do not leave any trash or food behind under any circumstances! We do not want to attract rats or pollute the environment. Sufficient trash bags are available and attached to the dance area.
    • Cancellation policy: 8 weeks before the event begins: 90% of the ticket price will be refunded (10% processing fee). 8 to 3 weeks before the event begins: 50% of the ticket price will be refunded. No refunds are possible from 3 weeks before the start of the event, but a voucher for TanzBildung events worth 100% of the ticket price can be issued. Tickets can be transferred to another person at any time. Please email us the name and email address of the new participant at least 48 hours before the start of the event.
    • General regulations to be observed: Code of Conduct, Data Protection Regulations, and General Terms and Conditions
Preliminary Schedule (PDF)

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