SOLO JAZZ
SEP
LENI
ANN-SOFIE
What is Solo Jazz?
Solo Jazz is a rich blend of dance styles and steps, popular in Harlem in the 1930s and emerging from African-American dance cultures such as Charleston and tap dance. Personal expression and improvisation are key. Jazz is a solo dance form, but a social one: we stay connected with each other throughout the dance.
From Apple Jacks to Tacky Annies, in this class series you will become familiar with a lot of movements and bits of classical routines. We dance to swing music, with ample attention to (syncopated) rhythms and personal flair.
No experience necessary - this is all about discovering rich jazz history in an enjoyable way. We encourage you to push your creative boundaries. At Upside Down, everyone brings their own expertise and experience. That's why we regularly change teachers and themes, so you can explore freely.
*Solo Jazz classes at Shoonya Dance Centre are organized in collaboration with Upside Down.
What to Bring to Class?
Comfortable clothing
A bottle of water
A napkin to wipe off sweat
SEMESTER 1: SEP 2025 - FEB 2026
SOLO JAZZ
Level 1
WEDNESDAY 21:00 - 22:10
Studio Ananta 2 (Ground floor)
€192/ €169 for students (-25j)
80% Social Discount UiTPAS
16 sessions
Language: EN/NL
Age group: 12+
UPSIDE DOWN
Upside Down is a Ghent-based organization that, in addition to organizing many swing, jazz and blues events and festivals, is now happy to spread its passion for these dance cultures at Shoonya.
Our classes are accessible and playful, aimed at developing social connection, sense of community, improvisation, personal expression and sense of rhythm. Technique and fun go hand in hand.
Thanks to a customizable approach and the Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows principle in our partnered dance classes, anyone can participate. No experience is required - the only requirement is respect for the dance culture and a hearty dose of enthusiasm! Together we set the mood to discover, move and connect.
SEP VERMEERSCH
Sep is a Ghent-based dancer, active as a teacher, versatile artist, MC, DJ and artistic director at Upside Down. His excellent reputation reaches far beyond the borders. Thanks to his great passion for the historical background of dance cultures, and an inexhaustible creativity, he knows how to move young and old.
Photo Credits: Juls Sobron
LENI DENORME
Leni is an experienced and passionate teacher of swing dance, known for her commitment to the swing community in Ghent. She knows how to inspire dancers from diverse backgrounds in a playful and accessible way. Besides teaching, Leni never tires from organizing and performing within the scene as part of Upside Down.
Photo Credits: Robyn Coggans
ANN-SOFIE VAN ENIS
An eternal student, Ann-Sofie likes to delve into the history of jazz music and dance, sharing her learning in each class. She introduces everyone to musicality and personal expression in an approachable way. In Addition to teaching, she organizes events and projects for Upside Down.
Photo credits: Leyla Hesna