CLASSES SPRING 2019

Dear Cottontails dancers,

We are about to kick off the spring semester with courses starting this week! Here is a little reminder of what courses we will offer and when they start:

BALBOA STARTWednesday 30.1.2019 at 19:00

Balboa 1 (newbeginner) — Asylbarnehagen

LINDY HOP STARTThursday 31.1.2019 at 18:30

Lindy 1 (continuous from autumn) — Asylbarnehagen
Lindy 2 — Danckert Krohn

SOCIALDANCE is the same day after courses at Asylbarnehagen 20:00.

(Lindy 1 dancers can just stay where you are and the rest will drop in!)
Social dance is for everyone, so balboa dancers please come as well!

To follow updates about upcoming classes, go to our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221341667925756/

A warm welcome to all new and old members. See you on the dancefloor!  

Swinging in the Rain’24

Come and enjoy the Autumn swing dance festival in Bergen!

Welcome to our workshops with guest instructors Elena and Jhonne from “Crazy Legs ” in Oslo and a special guest, Roza, from Odesa Wings, Ukraine. These amiable and cheerful dancers bring swing vibes and plenty of fancy moves for pleasant social dancing. Sign up now and join the joy!


Our focus is Lindy Hop for social dance and these workshops are aimed at Lindy Hoppers, Boogie Woogie and Swing dancers. Our main emphasis is social dance in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

Register now!

Our instructors

𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗼𝘃𝗮 – an IT specialist at the daytime

Photographer Olena Disiuk, Oslo

“In October 2014, I joined my first swing class and have been dancing ever since lindy hop, boogie woogie, collegiate shag, blues, and solo jazz. I’ve been to Herrang Dance Camp, The Snowball, Swing Paradise, Jazz Roots, Dragon Swing, and many smaller festivals. I started teaching in 2017: first in Bårdar Swing Club, then recently in Crazy Legs. But this is my first time teaching outside of Oslo, and I’m super excited!

My favourite thing about lindy hop is connecting to jazz and blues music: I try to follow the music as much as my partner. My modern-day inspirations are the lindy hoppers who take the time to be silly, like Nils and Bianca or Felix and Pamela. Mabel Lee is my favourite old-time jazz dancer because you can’t get enough of those twists. I also love to nerd out about the history of swing in Europe, so feel free to grab me for a chat about that!

𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 – a health-care worker in the day-time

“I first started dancing at around 2010. At that time, I was experimenting with boogie-woogie, Rock Step Swing and some Salsa. It was in 2011 that my Lindy Hop adventure started, and I’m still enjoying it to this day. I’ve been to Herräng, Lindy Shock, Snowball Helswingi, Winter Jump, Swinging Spring and many other small workshops/ exchanges around Europe. I’ve also participated in group shows and taught as a Lindy Hop Instructor during my Master’s degree in Trondheim from 2012-2015. At present, I’m teaching Lindy 2 at Crazy Legs with Elena.

When I dance, I like to focus on playfulness, musicality, and flow. There’s just something unique and fun when you and your partner find this middle ground of being our little silly selves while still dancing together. I like to express myself in dancing through rhythm, footwork, and body language.

Roza is a professional ballroom, swing, and show dancer, a champion choreographer and a judge. She’s is a powerhouse of dance!

Learn more about the Odessa Swing Week just before the Swinging in the Rain Festival!

Welcome to Odessa Swing Week

We are excited to announce a week of Lindy Hop with guest instructors from Odessa! Just before the Swinging In the Rain (SWIR) festival, we invited our Ukrainian friends Roza and Zhenya, professional dance instructors from our sister club, WingS Dance Studio.

Meet our instructors

Roza (b. 1992)

Roza is a powerhouse of dance! She’s a professional ballroom, swing, and show dancer and a champion choreographer and judge. As a multiple-time Ukrainian ballroom champion, Roza’s unique style blends precision with creativity. She has choreographed and directed countless national shows and events and brings her expertise in Lindy Hop and solo jazz to international stages. Roza’s classes focus on Lady style, partner connection, rhythm, and musicality, offering students and local teachers valuable insights. Having taught in Bergen at Summer Lindy Camp and festivals, Roza always delivers dynamic, fun, and enriching classes. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best!

Eugene (b. 1980)

Eugene is a legend in the ballroom and swing dance world. A champion dancer, experienced coach, and judge, he has a career filled with titles—multiple Ukrainian champion, European champion, and organizer of numerous dance festivals. Eugene has been a driving force behind the swing dance scene in Odesa, developing one of the largest swing dance organizations in Southern Ukraine. With his background in choreography, event organization, and even DJ-ing, Eugene’s classes are packed with knowledge and fun. He knows how to create an engaging atmosphere while helping dancers of all levels grow in their craft. Join Eugene for a week of exciting dance and top-notch instruction!

Meet your dance instructors!

Anton – Lindy Hop Beginners and Lindy Charleston Teacher, Club Leader.

Anton has been an integral part of the Club since 2019, bringing both passion and dedication to the dance floor. With 5 years of experience in 

Lindy Hop, he quickly moved from a beginner student to a key figure in the club, contributing to the organization of courses, social dance, dance camps and festivals since 2022.

As the current club leader, Anton’s enthusiasm for dance is matched by his love for teaching. He leads both the Lindy Hop Beginners course and the Lindy Charleston course, where his expertise in fast-paced kicks shines through — both in dance and in his other passion, martial arts.

Outside the dance studio, Anton is a climate researcher with a Ph.D. in Ocean Studies. His academic background in understanding the vastness of the oceans complements his ability to navigate the intricate rhythms and steps of swing dance. With his unique blend of scientific precision and artistic flair, Anton is dedicated to helping his students find joy and confidence on the dance floor.

Kate – Vernacular Jazz Teacher

Kate is a dynamic force in our club, combining her passion for swing music with a deep commitment to teaching and community engagement. A member and board member since 2020, Kate has played a significant role in organizing local courses and festivals and has showcased her talents as a guest performer at cultural events throughout Bergen. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious Municipal Culture Prize in 2023.Kate’s journey in Vernacular Jazz began with her studies at the UK-based dance school “My Charleston,” where she mastered the basics and began to develop her own unique style and choreographies. Her inspirations are as diverse as they are legendary: Josephine Baker, the iconic performer, and Fritjof Nansen, a celebrated explorer and dancer who left a lasting impact on Bergen.In her Vernacular Jazz course, Kate combines dance exercises with routines set to the upbeat music of the 1930s and 1940s, designed for those with a passion for movement and rhythm. Whether you’re looking to dance solo or seek inspiration for your Lindy Hop, Kate’s classes will take you from the basics to intricate line dances and flash mob favorites like the Shim Sham and Tranky Doo. Fresh from an international dance festival in Sweden, Kate brings a wealth of new insights and inspiration from some of Scandinavia’s best swing dancers and teachers.

Ralu – Lindy Charleston Teacher

Ralu is a seasoned swing dancer with 12 years of experience and a background rooted in the vibrant swing scene of Barcelona. She joined the Club as a teacher in 2019, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in our community. By 2022, Ralu had stepped up as a board member, responsible for newsletters,  co-organizing a variety of dance events in Bergen, where her passion for fast-paced music and intricate dance styles truly shines.

Known for elegance and bright personality, Ralu has also been a familiar face in our Shag courses and workshops.

Despite being based in the neighboring town of Os, she demonstrates remarkable dedication by traveling weekly to Bergen to share her love of Lindy Hop with our students at Cottontails. Her commitment to the craft and the community is nothing short of inspiring, making her an invaluable member of our teaching team.

Balboa instructors

Mathias, Ingebjørg, Monika, Oguz, Nello are often performing at the local cultural events and bring vintage vibes to the city’s cosy environment.

Get Ready to Swing into Fall with Us!

What do we offer?

 Lindy Hop Beginners Course

  • Start: Tuesday, September 3rd, 18:15
  • Location: Ulriken Bydelssenter, Studio “Uldisco” (entrance from Erleveien)
  • Content: Join Anton & Kate for a 12-week journey into Lindy Hop, the lively couple dance that captures the spirit of vintage swing music. Perfect for beginners, this course will help you build a solid foundation in this joyful and energetic dance style.

Solo jazz

  • Starts: Tuesday, September 3rd, 19:30 – 20:30
  • Location: Ulriken Bydelssenter, Studio “Uldisco” (entrance from Erleveien)
  • Content: Let your feet do the talking in Kate’s dynamic Solo Jazz course, where you’ll move from the basics to classic routines like the Shim Sham and Tranky Doo. This course is perfect for those with an ear for swing music and a love for dancing solo or want to gain inspiration and cool embelishments for your Lindy Hop dancing.

Lindy charleston

  • Starts: Thursday, September 5th, 18:00 – 19:00
  • Location: Danckert Krohns Kulturhus, Dance Studio “Kultursal”
  • Content: For those who have a solid foundation in Lindy Hop and want to expand their dance repertoire, Ralu & Anton will guide you through the fast-paced kicks and techniques of Lindy Charleston. It’s the perfect way to elevate your dancing to the next level!

Balboa Weekend for Beginners

  • Starts: Saturday, September 14th, 12:30 – 16:00
  • Location: Ulriken Bydelssenter, Sofus cafe (entrance from Erleveien)
  • Content: Discover the elegance and precision of Balboa in our intensive weekend workshop. Learn the basics of this refined dance style, known for its intricate footwork and smooth rotations, from Bergen’s top Balboa dancers. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details of swing dancing.

Not sure which course is right for you? Come and experience the fun for yourself! The first class of each 12-week course is free to try. Just arrive 5 minutes early to change shoes and get familiar with the venue. Remember to bring indoor shoes (preferably with smooth soles), and for ladies, we recommend sneakers, canvas shoes, or low heels (2-3 cm). Don’t forget your water bottle!

Membership Opportunities

If you’re an experienced dancer or can’t commit to regular courses, you can still be a member of the club and support the local Lindy Hop community. Membership costs just 150 kr for Fall 2024 and gives you access to discounted passes for our events, even if you’re not attending regular courses.

When you enroll in our Intermediate Lindy Hop course, you can attend the Beginners course at no extra cost to refresh your basics. Additionally, if you’re enrolled in any level of Lindy Hop, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the Solo Jazz course. It’s a great way to keep dancing and improving all term long!

New Courses 2024 Spring

Come and learn the happiest Swing dances with us! 🕺💃 We start Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz dance courses. Cottontails is a dance club focused on the Swing era: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Charleston, Blues and Shag. Our main emphasis is social dance in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

 👉 Couple Courses (You don’t need to register with a partner, we will do our best to balance the count of leaders and followers and we rotate partners at our classes):
1️⃣ Lindy Hop Beginner: We will learn the basics of Lindy Hop dance.  9 weeks, every Thursday*, 18.15 – 19:15starting fromFebruary, 1st @Danckert Krohn Center
2️⃣Lindy Hop Begintermediate: You have taken at least one semester Lindy Hop with us or another school and know the basics. At the Begintermediate course you will enlarge your dance repertoire and some essential techniques and will learn fancy moves for social dancing.6 weeks, twice a month on Thursdays* (TBA)19.30 – 20:15, starting fromFebruary, 1st @Danckert Krohn Center3️⃣ Lindy Hop Intermediate / Shag – Stand-alone workshops with Oguz & Raluca: workshops for experienced dancers who did several semesters with us or have a solid background in swing dance from before. Here we focus on  special techniques, advanced moves and choreographies. Will be given as 2 hours’ workshops, approx 4 workshops during the Spring term. Details and dates will be announced separately.
 👉 Solo Courses (No partner needed, you are all by yourself here!):1️⃣Solo Jazz/Solo Charleston (Beginner): Basics of classic Charleston dance and vernacular jazz. We will learn and practice at least 2 dance routines.  10 weeks, Tuesdays* between18:15 – 19:00starting fromFebruary, 6th@Ulriken Bydelssenter 
2️⃣Solo Jazz/Solo Charleston(Intermediate):  If you took any solo jazz course before or  have some experience in solo jazz or if you are an experienced swing dancer. We will learn at least 2 dance routines. 10 weeks on Tuesdays* between 19:15 – 20:00 starting from February, 6th@Ulriken Bydelssenter *Breaks on winter vacations and public holidays.
👉 Course fee:
Lindy Hop Beginners course (per person) – 1000 KrLindy Hop Begintermediate course (per person) – 600 kr
⚠️ If you register for a Solo jazz course in addition to a Lindy Hop course, you will get the second course at 50% discount.⚠️ 20% discount for students or for those who register as a couple for couple courses (20% is the maximum discount)⚠️ Course registration includes the semester membership fee which gives you benefits of the membership advantages freely: discounts for the live music parties (Klub Kavaler), workshops, events.👉 Membership fee is normally 100 kr per person.⚠️ Course fee is non-refundable unless the course is cancelled by the organizers.
📌 Drop-in fee: 150 kr per lesson / 100 kr for students.
📌 Stand-alone workshop fee – 200 kr / 150 kr for students.

New Courses 2023 Fall

We are starting Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz dance courses for this semester. Learn the most happiest Swing dances with us! 

  1. Lindy Hop (Beginner): We will learn the basics of Lindy Hop dance. https://youtu.be/dFtX8RlGRrw 8 weeks, every Thursday between 18.20 and 19:20 starting from August, 24th @Danckert Krohn Center
  2. Lindy Hop (Couple Charleston): Basics of Couple Charleston dance for faster swing songs. https://youtu.be/CmY_QNOFvRY 8 weeks, every Thursday between 19.30 and 20:30 starting from August, 24th @Danckert Krohn Center
  3. Solo Jazz/Solo Charleston (Beginner): Basics of classic Charleston dance and vernacular jazz. We will learn and practice at least 2 dance routines. https://youtu.be/3RVwZl_WU6A 10 weeks, every Tuesday between 18:15 and 19:15 starting from August, 22th @Ulriken Bydelssenter
  4. Solo Jazz/Solo Charleston (Intermediate): If you took any solo jazz course before or have some experience in solo jazz or if you are an experienced swing dancer. We will learn at least 2 dance routines. 10 weeks, every Tuesday between 19:30 and 20:30 starting from August, 22th @Ulriken BydelssenterDetails are in the registration form: 

https://forms.gle/WqgpGiDDFU5mft3y7Come and enjoy these beautiful music and dances with us. 

New Classes in 2023 Spring

Come and learn the most happiest Swing dances with us! 🕺💃 We are starting Lindy Hop, Balboa and Solo Jazz/Charleston/Blues dance courses for both complete beginners and upper levels.  

👉 Couple Courses (You don’t need to register with a partner, we will balance the number of leaders and followers):
1️⃣Balboa 1(Beginner):  8 weeks of new beginner course to learn the basics of balboa dance . Balboa is the most elegant style of swing dance family – as elegant as tango and as upbeat as Lindy Hop. If you want to enjoy any fast swing music without too much effort, this dance is just for you. Every Wednesday between 18.30 and 19.45, starting from January, 25th @Gnisten Laksevåg . (After each Balboa class, you will also have additional 1 hour of practice/social time specific for Balboa dance. Right after we finish 8 weeks of classes, we are planning a continuation course)
2️⃣Lindy Hop 1(Beginner): 10 weeks of new beginner course for you who want to learn the basics of Lindy Hop dance. First 6 weeks will be about learning the fundamentals, and during the last 4 weeks we will be working on a choreography which will enable you to use all the moves you learned and also adding new ones!  Every Thursday between 19.30 and 20:30 starting fromFebruary, 9th@Danckert Krohn Center
3️⃣Lindy Hop 2 (Intermediate): 10 weeks of continuation course from the last semester. If you have some  experience , know the basics and can do swing out, it is also for you. First 6 weeks we will be adding new moves to our vocabulary, and during the last 4 weeks we will be working on a choreography which will enable you to use all the moves you learned while adding new ones! Every Thursday between 18.15 and 19:15 starting fromFebruary, 9th@Danckert Krohn Center


 👉 Solo Courses (No partner needed, you are all by yourself here!):1️⃣Solo Jazz/Charleston (Open level):  10 weeks of Solo Jazz for you who want to learn thoroughly the basics of classic Charleston dance and vernacular jazz and may be have had some previous experience with us or another dance club. We will learn and practice at least 2 dance routines that we eventually plan to perform at different social events: “Yes, Sir, thats my baby”, “Pennies from heaven” 🌦️☂️🎶 (+ Jitterbug Stroll). Every Tuesday between18:15 and 19:15 starting fromJanuary, 24th@Ulriken Bydelssenter 

2️⃣ Solo Blues course (Open level): 8 weeks of blues course. We learn at least 2 dance routines that we later plan to perform at different social arrangements: “Let’s do it” (3-4 weeks), “Three little  monkeys” (4-5 weeks).  Every Tuesday between 19:30 and 20:30 starting from January, 24th @Ulriken Bydelssenter


💥 First week classes are free: Come and try these beautiful dances yourself.
👉 Semester fee:
1 course (one dance style, per person): 900 Kr
2 courses (two dance styles, per person): 1100 Kr
3 courses (three dance styles, per person): 1300 Kr


⚠️ We offer a 20% discount per person, for students or for those who register as a couple for couple courses. (Maximum total discount is 20%).⚠️ Course registration includes the semester membership fee which lets you benefit from the membership advantages freely; discounts for the live music parties (Klub Kavaler), workshops, events. (👉Membership fee is normally 100 kr per person📌 Drop in fee: 150 kr per lesson)


💰🗓️ For couple dance courses, to make sure that we have enough applicants with the balance of the leaders and followers, we first collect the applications with this form. After we have enough applications for the  related course, we will confirm your registration. For solo dance courses, we don’t send confirmations. If you don’t hear from us, you are definitely enrolled and we look forward to seeing you in the studio. 
Course fees can be paid; 
-by a direct bank transfer to the account 1503.10.35667
-by Vipps: 94745, Cottontails Danseklubb-by cash or card  in the first week of each course  (please let us know with an email) All payments need to be completed before the 2nd week of each course. Please, have a PrtScr of payment available for control at the 2nd week of each course. 


💥Every Thursday , we generally have practice/social time between 20.30 till 22.00, you can practice what you learned and meet other dancers. We are also planning additional workshops for Blues, Shag and Lindy Hop!

*Cottontails is a dance club dedicated to the dances of the Swing era: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Charleston, Blues and Shag.

The Cottontails

Shag Dance Workshop

Let’s learn the Shag dance together!Yeah, you heard this correctly! We are organizing an awesome week with teachers from Barcelona again! 5 hours of memorable shag classes, where you will be able to sweat, lose weight and have tons of fun! 

This workshop is planned for the second week of September and will be an open level with super fun moves, so you are welcome to join and test!The days we propose are the following:● Thursday, 8th of September, from 18:30 till 20.00, @Danckert Krohn senior center● Friday, 9th of September, from 19:00 till 20.30, @ Ny-Kronenborg center (Danmarksplass)● Saturday, 10th of September, from 15:00 till 17.00, @ Ny-Kronenborg center (Danmarksplass)● Sunday, 11th of September – open floor and self practice / drills with feedback from the instructor, @ Ulriken bydelssenter (Landås)After these 5 hours and self practice, you will be very well familiarized with the basic notions of shag, a wide range of cool moves and you will be able to actually dance at fast swing music in a social environment! We will also teach you how to “glue” the steps together, no worries, the vocabulary does not come alone! 

Through this workshop, our goal is to help you master super quick dances as well and enjoy fast songs. So, you will not hide under an umbrella anymore when you hear a fast song, but you will surely wanna dance them all! Besides this, you will laugh and you will have lots of fun!Please let us know if this is an interesting opportunity for you and we will be happy to launch it!

 Workshop fees:

 All around pass: 600 Kr

 For Cottontails members: 500 Kr

 Drop in: 200 Kr/class
Sunday practice – free of charge 

Use the follwing link to register and we will contact you.https://forms.gle/VZMjGSbGEq4zcPtn8Check this awesome dance out:
https://youtu.be/uUGsLoZYXb4

New Classes for 2022 Fall

We are starting Lindy Hop, Balboa and Solo jazz/Charleston dance courses for beginners and higher levels.

Come and learn the most happiest Swing dances with us! 🕺💃 We are starting Lindy Hop, Balboa and Solo jazz/Charleston dance courses for both complete beginners and upper levels.
💥 Free Lindy Hop Taster class: Come and try this beautiful dance yourself. Date/Time:  Thursday, September 8th, 17:30 Location: Danckert Krohn Center

 👉 Course Information:

1️⃣ Lindy Hop (Beginner): 10 weeks of new beginner course for you who wants to learn the basics of Lindy Hop.  Every Thursday between 19.30 and 20:30starting fromSeptember, 15th@Danckert Krohn Center
2️⃣Lindy Hop (Intermediate): 10 weeks of continuation course from the last semester. First 5 weeks will be about learning new moves, and during the last 5 weeks we will be working on a choreography which will enable you to use all the moves you learned and also adding new ones! Every Thursday between 18.15 and 19:15starting fromSeptember, 15th@Danckert Krohn Center
3️⃣Balboa (Beginner):  8 weeks of new beginner course for you who wants to learn the basics of balboa dance. Every Wednesday between 18.30 and 19.30, starting from September, 21th @Gnisten Laksevåg 
4️⃣Balboa (Intermediate)
:  8 weeks  of continuation course from the last semester. This is also suitable if you have some experience with Balboa basics; up hold, down hold, come around, out and ins.. This class will be adapted to the level of participants and follower/leader balance.  Every Wednesday between 20.00 and 21.00, starting from September, 21th @Gnisten Laksevåg 
5️⃣ Solo Jazz/Charleston (Open level):  10 weeks of Solo Jazz for you who wants to learn the basics of classic Charleston dance and vernacular jazz and may be have had some previous experience with us or another dance club. We will learn and practice some easy routines that we eventually plan to perform at different social events. No partner needed, you are all by yourself here! Every Tuesday between 19.00 and 20:00starting fromSeptember, 13th@Ulriken Bydelssenter 
👉 Semester fee:
1 course (one dance style, per person): 800 Kr
2 courses (two dance styles, per person): 1000 Kr
3 courses (three dance styles, per person): 1100 Kr

📌 Drop in fee: 150 kr per lesson

⚠️ We offer a 20% discount per person, for students or for those who register as a couple. (Maximum total discount is 20%).
💰🗓️ To make sure that we have enough applicants with the balance of the leaders and followers, we first collect the applications with this form. After we have enough applications for the course, we will send you an email with the payment information. After the completion of the payment, we will confirm your registration.

See the application form:
https://forms.gle/sbdCo9iDGKH73GPUA


💥Every Thursday , there will be practice/social time for both Lindy Hop and Balboa between 20.30 till 22.00, you can practice what you learned and meet other dancers. We are also planning additional workshops for Blues, Shag and Lindy Hop!

*Cottontails is a dance club dedicated to the dances of the Swing era: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Charleston, Blues and Shag.