Blues
About Blues
Blues is a vintage dance that flourished with the growth of blues music in the juke joints, barrelhouses and rent parties in rural and urban America. Like Lindy Hop, Blues dancing evolved from African rhythms and movements combined with elements of European partner dancing.

Blues dancing has been exploding in popularity since the 1980s, with the revival of Lindy Hop and other ‘swing era’ dances. Edinburgh started one of the first blues scenes in Europe and there are now Blues communities in most major cities around the world.
Blues is a dance style you can pick up quickly – there are no routines or patterns to learn; once you’ve got the basics, every dance is created in the moment with your partner, inspired by the music – this is where the magic really happens.
While blues dancing didn’t start out as a performance dance, modern blues dance events feature showcases and competitions, allowing dancers to follow the grand tradition of showing off. Check out the videos on this page to see some experienced blues dancers do their thing!
The music
Blues is all about enjoying and expressing the music, and there are many styles of blues that you’ll get to play with in our classes and on the social floor. Here’s a playlist with just a small sample of the great blues music you’ll hear at the Tuesday Night Spoonful. If you like blues music, you’ll love blues dancing!
The community
Being part of a blues dancing community is one of the most rewarding aspects of the dance. In addition to dancing at local classes and getting together at live music nights in Edinburgh, avid dancers could spend almost every weekend at a dance workshop in Europe or further afield; seeing new cities, going to workshops during the day, and dancing through the night to live music with friends old and new. Start your journey with the friendly local classes at The Tuesday Night Spoonful!
Join The Tuesday Night Spoonful group on Facebook to connect with all things blues happening in Edinburgh.
Regular Classes
Tuesday Nights at The Newsroom, Leith Street, EH1 3AT
Blues Foundations: 7pm – 8pm
Suitable for beginners and anyone honing their basics.
No partner or experience required. Just turn up ready to have a good time!
Blues Improvers+: 8pm – 9pm
This is for you if you’ve been attending Blues Foundations for a few weeks, and for more experienced dancers.
Prices
One dance class – £6.50 // £5.50 student
Two dance classes – £10 // £8 student
Regular Social Dancing
Tuesday Nights at The Newsroom, Leith Street, EH1 3AT
Social Dancing: 9pm – 11pm
Regular guest DJs
Prices
£3.00 // Free (for those attending classes)
For the latest news, join our Facebook group
Upcoming Blues Events
- Edinbop’s Tuesday Night Spoonful 1 May Classes and social dancing on Tuesday nights at the Newsroom, Edinburgh. Blues Foundations: 7 ...read more
- Edinbop’s Tuesday Night Spoonful 8 May Classes and social dancing on Tuesday nights at the Newsroom, Edinburgh. Blues Foundations: 7 ...read more
- Edinbop’s Tuesday Night Spoonful 15 May Classes and social dancing on Tuesday nights at the Newsroom, Edinburgh. Blues Foundations: 7 ...read more
- Edinbop’s Tuesday Night Spoonful 22 May Classes and social dancing on Tuesday nights at the Newsroom, Edinburgh. Blues Foundations: 7 ...read more
- Edinbop’s Tuesday Night Spoonful 29 May Classes and social dancing on Tuesday nights at the Newsroom, Edinburgh. Blues Foundations: 7 ...read more
- See all blues events >
Latest Blues News
- Christmas Break… returning in 2018 We are now on a Christmas break for classes and socials but don't worry we will back and swinging in ...read more
- Edinbop’s 10th Anniversary Edinbop has a night of celebration and dancing planned. Bookings are now open. Come early and ...read more
- Edinbop swings the fringe Hey folks! Now normally we are out with no dancing during August. However, this year we are going t ...read more
- See all blues news >