Grace & Blake
Jitterbugs Delight is all about swing dancing. Our goal is to help you improve your swing dancing skills, at any tempo, to any type of swing music and no matter who you dance with. You will have classes in several swing dances and you are guaranteed to broaden your horizons.
want to improve your social dancing skills - at any pace and with anyone.
want to learn different swing dance styles and improve your ability to mix them.
want to learn from some of the best international teachers.
The meaning of jitterbug has changed again and again in the history of swing dance. At the end of the 1930s, a jitterbug was a "swing fan". Today, jitterbug is often used as a generic term for various swing dances. We understand a jitterbug to be a swing dancer who combines the various swing dances and improvises with them.
The number of spots is very limited.
To maximize your learning experience, we have invited international instructors who all dance several swing dances and have years of experience. They will meet you where you are and help you improve your dancing.
On Friday and Saturday, The Big Five feat Nicolle Rochelle and the Daniel Duspiwa Quartet. On Sunday there will be a lavish goodbye party with 100% vinyl by DJ Matt Swift and Glencheck.
Thrilling live music, shows and competitions create an unforgettable atmosphere.
All parties are included in the workshop and party pass. The number of places is limited!
At Jitterbugs Delight we ask questions about your dance experience in different swing dances and your interests. This way we can form groups that fit together well and inspire you with different swing dances.
This year, all participants have 8.5-10.5 hours of courses:
1.5 hours Lindy
1.5 hours Collegiate Shag
1.5 hours Balboa
2 hours of free-choice classes - you decide what will help you progress
2 Masterclasses before the parties - Open Level with special topics from our teachers.
2 hours of solo jazz on Friday (optional)
Your level for Lindy, Balboa, and Shag can be completely different.
There are 6 levels and 7-8 groups per dance style to keep the group size small. Level 1 is for absolute beginners in Balboa and Shag and for beginners with previous experience in Lindy Hop. Level 6 is the highest level for ambitious dancers.
You can find more answers on the subject of levels in the FAQ. Just write to us if you have any questions.
We believe that you want to work with our great teachers as much as possible and get the most out of your weekend. That's why we offer full weekend passes. Solo Friday can also be booked separately.
299 CHF (249 discounted)
8.5-hour courses taught by international teachers
Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Shag (1.5 hours each)
2 hours of free-choice classes and 2 master classes
2 Parties withThe Big Five & DDQ Organ Special
Shows & Competitions
Sunday Ramble Night
Includes a 5 CHF sustainability fee
This year at kHaus—limited seating.
359 CHF (299 with discount)
10.5-hour courses with international teachers
Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag, and Solo Jazz
2 hours of solo jazz on Friday with Sonia & Héctor
2 hours of free-choice classes and 2 master classes
2 Parties withThe Big Five & DDQ Organ Special
Shows & Competitions
Sunday Ramble Night
Includes a 5 CHF sustainability fee
This year at kHaus—limited seating.
109 CHF (99 with a discount)
2 hours of solo jazz on Friday with Sonia & Héctor
1 Master Class
Friday Party with The Big Five
This year at kHaus—limited seating.
Experience in solo jazz is required. Saturday and Sunday parties are not included.
*Reduced price for students, dancers outside Switzerland (living & working) and anyone with a limited budget. Is the reduced price still too high? The sustainability fund can help! You can also get a further discount by helping out at check-in or the parties.
Hosting subject to availability, see registration form.
Party pass and tickets from approx. one month before the event, if available.
"In trying to force (...) dances into a clearly defined box, it often keeps the student from understanding the true nature of them. There are boxes, but some of the edges are weak, and the dances can spill over the sides."
Here you can find the rough schedule for the weekend. You can find the details in the festival booklet. Please note that there may be minor changes.
kHaus, Jitterbugs Studio, Wettsteinsaal
15:00 Check-In
15:30-17:45 Solo Friday with Sonia & Héctor
20:00 Masterclass*
21:00 Party with The Big Five
kHaus, Jitterbugs Studio, Wettsteinsaal
10:30 Check-In
11:00-17:30 Courses
20:00 Masterclass*
9:00 p.m. Party with The Big Five & DDQ
kHaus, Jitterbugs Studio, Wettsteinsaal
10:30-18:00 Courses
18:30 Party Ramble Night with DJs Matt Swift & Glencheck
*Masterclass: Open level class before the party for workshop participants, special topic of our teachers.
From the last editions.
I've never found such a welcoming community. Attending any Delight festival feels like coming home. The festival atmosphere is very accepting and open—no matter your role, style, or who you are, dancers are there to enjoy and share dances until the end of the night!
The Jitterbugs events are now a firm fixture in my dance calendar :-) Great teachers, wonderful bands and a very informal atmosphere. I always feel welcome here!
A weekend full of dancing, great music, new inputs...What more do you want?
My first time visiting Basel Switzerland, I was very impressed. First thing I noticed was they dance everything, Lindy hop, Shags, one step, two step and some Balboa, as I played music just to warm up it's one of the few places the dancers from lowest to highest levels changed dances according to tempo.
A handful of cities do all these dances and do them well, but I've never seen entire "class groups" change and adapt using all them as a way to easier social dance, I think we are going to see some swingin box steps on the floor now as well.
I just had to post and give a little credit to these Basel dancers.
I really love being in a place where you could basically dance all swing dance styles. Community were very open for this idea of multiple styles and self expression in dance. Keep the good work like this, an amazing place to be. Thanks a lot family.
Great organization of the workshop, everything worked out just like it should. One could see that the workshop was planned to form true jitterbugs and expand your level and knowledge in all dances. I would definitely come back for more.
Super organized workshop with small classes and very important inputs. A format in which every dancer can learn something and take something away with them. You can tell that the participants are open and interested: Very positive and pleasant atmosphere during the classes and at the parties! Thank you very much for the wonderful weekend!
Awesome festival! A combination of great teachers, amazing hosts and delightful dancers. The type of festival where you are not even asked what style do you dance, simple switch between styles and roles!
The concept of this festival is unique. Here, swing dances are not separated, but combined. This results in a special experience and lots of input on different dances.
Our dream is a dance floor where all swing dance styles coexist and the rigid distinctions between them blur. Freedom, creativity, and individualism are at the forefront. That’s why we encourage you to learn different swing dance styles and improve your social dancing skills. If you’re looking for instruction in just one swing dance style, this workshop probably isn’t for you. But if you want tons of valuable material and ideas that will transform your dancing, this workshop should be your first choice.