Edinburgh Queer Lindy Mini-Festival 2024

Join us on Saturday 1st June for a day of exploration and expression through discussions and dancing || Register here: https://edinburghqueerlindy.dancecloud.com/dance/35566 || -------------------------------------------------------------------- *What makes this a queer dance event?* Between us, we have danced in lots of different cities and at lots of different events across Europe, and we’ve consistently found that we enjoy ourselves the most when we don’t feel any pressure to conform to any one dance role or social identity. The times we’ve felt the most ourselves have been when we were surrounded by queer dancers, in an environment where everyone was allowed and encouraged to take part in this dance in a way that fits who they really are – no judgement of one another, simply being able to express yourself and appreciate others. The joy and positive energy we’ve experienced in these places has been exceptionally freeing, and in running this event we want to share that feeling of freedom and expression with you. *How are we working to achieve this?* We want to challenge the implicit idea that all dancers identify as either men or women – an idea that ignores the existence of non-binary/gender-diverse dancers – and that they should dance a particular role according to that identity. It’s great to see that in many communities it’s becoming more common for dancers of a wide range of genders to choose to lead and follow – or do both! – and for non-heteronormative couples to be seen dancing together. However, we all too often see that the binary is still upheld, both in terms of gender as well as dance roles. To us, Queer Lindy means to not be limited by gendered structures in our choice of role, style of dancing, and who we dance with. Do you want to follow? Lead? To choose a different role depending on the dance? Or do you and the person you’re dancing with agree to switch roles during the dance? We want you to make the choice for yourself. Part of this is helping bring awareness to the structures – that we sometimes don’t realise are there – that can limit us. We can then each decide how we want to use, or not use, those structures. One of our further-reaching aims is to use this questioning of structures and hierarchies to examine our place in the Black American culture of dancing and music that we are guests in. As a group of White European dancers, we are very aware that we will always have work to do when it comes to taking part in this culture with appreciation and respect. This event was inspired by Gothenburg Queer Lindy Festival. Having run our first mini-festival in 2019, we want to continue creating this space in Edinburgh where anyone can explore different dance roles and/or switching between them, regardless of their gender, presentation, level of experience, or anything else for that matter. Taking further cues from the wonderful folk at GQLF (who very generously gave us their blessing to use a similar name for our event), we also want to provide a platform for the LBGTQ+ community to be more visible within the Scottish swing dance scene. In short, Edinburgh Queer Lindy Mini-Festival is a space for anyone who doesn’t feel dancing environments should be heteronormative and wants to dance where they are welcome and accepted for who they are. -------------------------------------------------------------------- *Learning & Exploration* Structured Class (10am-midday) We'll start our day off with classes in the format you may be most familiar with for weekend festivals. The Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz streams will run side by side and both streams will focus on exploring your self-expression in your dancing. Exploring Our Dancing (2.15-3.45pm) A collaborative, minimally-structured session where trying things out and sharing ideas about dancing will be encouraged. Rather than have teachers, the event organisers will act as facilitators with the role of supporting individual and shared exploration. This will be led by ideas and questions from dancers. Switching class (4-5pm) A class to explore moves used to transition between following and leading roles. Our teachers will bring some of their favourites for you to try, then it's up to you to share your own with us all! -------------------------------------------------------------------- *Group-led Discussion* We think it’s important to have an ongoing conversation about the swing dance community and how we can make it more open and welcoming to as many people as possible. This will be a dedicated space for sharing ideas and experiences with each other. -------------------------------------------------------------------- *Social Dance* Of course we’ll have a fabulous social dance too! Take to the floor with the openness of being able to genuinely dance with every person in the room. Lead, follow or switch, it’s entirely your choice. -------------------------------------------------------------------- *Schedule* ---------- Friday welcome drinks -- 19:00-???: Venue: Hot Toddy Come and say hi! We'll be able to choose the music so you could get those first couple of dances in. Hot Toddy is right next to Edinburgh Waverley train station if you're travelling in. ---------- Saturday Venue: Inch House Community Centre Here's how the day is going to run: 09:00-10:00 -- [Registration] 10:00-12:00 -- Sructured class (Lindy Hop or Solo Jazz) 12:00-12:45 -- [Lunch] 12:45-14:00 -- Group-led Discussion 14:00-14:15 -- [Break] 14:15-15:45 -- ‘Exploring Our Dancing’ session 15:45-16:00 -- [Break] 16:00-17:00 -- Switching class ----- 20:00-01:00 -- Social Dance with live music from Castle Rock Jazz Band ---------- Sunday Hangout -- 11:00-14:00: Venue: Summerhall, then maybe the Meadows If you're still in Edinburgh on Sunday then join us for some more chats, brunch, tea and/or coffee. One of our favourite parts of the other editions was spending time with you all on Sunday afternoon. If the weather stays nice we'll be outside and have our own music for that extra bit of dancing! -------------------------------------------------------------------- *Passes* We want to make this event accessible so please choose the pass which is right for your circumstances. The Patron tier is there if you’re able to contribute a bit extra towards our running costs and help more people to attend on the Concession tier. Full Day Pass - including the classes, discussion and Saturday night social dance £55 Patron £45 Regular £35 Concession Social Pass - including the discussion and Saturday night social dance £20 Patron £15 Regular £10 Concession || Register here: https://edinburghqueerlindy.dancecloud.com/dance/35566 || -------------------------------------------------------------------- For updates, keep an eye on the event, our page, insta and website: https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghQueerLindy/ https://www.instagram.com/edinburghqueerlindy/ https://edinburghqueerlind.wixsite.com/mini-festival