Shag’n’Bal Festival 2025

It’s always a pleasure to welcome you to the Alpine Jitterbugs – Shag ‘n‘ Bal Festival in Innsbruck. Based in the beautiful City of Innsbruck, we are able to offer you unforgettable alpine surroundings.
Our goal is to create a dancefloor where Shag and Balboa are enthusiastically danced together.

We truly believe that Shag and Balboa have a lot in common and that’s why we would like to encourage you to celebrate both dance styles at our festival.

Registration will open on 24.10.24 - 20:00 h.

Main Tracks with...

Arnas Razgūnas & Eglė Nemickaitė
(LT)

Eglė Nemickaitė is a swing dancer from Vilnius, Lithuania, passionate about Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag. She teaches at What a Jazz dance studio and inspires her community daily, also sharing her love for dance at international workshops. Dance brings her freedom and peace, connecting her to music and her partner. Arnas Razgūnas, a devoted swing dancer and teacher, co-founded What a Jazz Dance Studio. Inspired by African American vernacular jazz, he seeks a deep understanding of swing in both music and dance. Arnas is also the co-organizer of Swing Paradise, a Balboa & Shag festival in Vilnius.

Teaching: Collegiate Shag

Grace Babbes & Blake Thiessen
(US)

Blake discovered swing dancing and quickly became obsessed with Lindy, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. He has won international competitions and taught worldwide, focusing on partner connection, musicality, and vintage dance techniques. His favorite aspect of dancing is sharing a simple, deeply-connected social dance. Grace, a lifelong performer with a love for jazz and vintage fashion, fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2012. She teaches and competes across the US, winning top competitions, and is a member of The Hollywood Hotshots. Grace emphasizes joy, connection, and strong basics in her teaching.

Teaching: Balboa, Shag’n’Bal

Heiko & Larissa Heckendorn
(CH)

Larissa and Heiko have been dancing and teaching together for more than a decade now. They love to spread the joy of swing dancing in their local dance school Basel Jitterbugs and all around Europe. Both dance various swing dance styles and mix them based on the tempo and energy of the music. In class they share their immense passion for swing dancing to help you grow as a swing dancer and develop your own voice on the dance floor. You might have seen them in the teachers’ line up of many festivals like Rock that Swing, the Barcelona Shag Festival or Swing Paradise.

Teaching: Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Shag’n’Bal

Simona Pogosian & Rokas Borusevičius
(LT)

Simona and Rokas began dancing together in 2014, focusing on St. Louis shag to expand their skills and explore new styles. They have become ambassadors of this dance in Europe, combining Simona’s graceful movements and love for lindy hop and jazz with Rokas’ passion for tap and Charleston. Their shared dedication to preserving dance traditions drives their mission to honor the past while creating a lasting legacy. Frequently traveling to teach, they inspire others with their enthusiasm and belief that respecting dance history is a responsibility for those who love the art form.

Teaching: St. Louis Shag

Maria Acuñas & Luis Arredondo
(ES)

Luis Arredondo is known for his energetic dance style, detailed teaching, and positive approach to lessons. After ten years in Toronto, he returned to Spain to build the Balboa scene in Mallorca, teaching with a focus on creativity and technique. He has won numerous national and international competitions. Maria Acuñas, who began swing dancing in 2014, founded Jazz Bouncing studio in Mallorca. She is known for her fun, creative style and passion for high-energy swing music. Maria has competed and won in various Balboa competitions, becoming a key figure in Mallorca’s dance scene.

Teaching: Balboa

Grace Babbes & Blake Thiessen (US)

Teaching: Balboa

Masterclasses with...

Charlotte Liebenow (DE) & Jordan Hunter (US)

Teaching: Shine Bright like a Diamond – Competition Time!

Ania Mojle & Rafał Rendak
(PL)

Teaching: I can’t give you anything but ROLE SWITCH, baby

Tobias Hanny
(AT)

Teaching: Soul, Funk & Fun

Tracks & Schedules

You can book the Balboa Track on 3 different levels (Curious, Confident & Invitational). Each has 5 h of classes.

Teachers:
Grace & Blake
Maria & Luis

Check the level description >here.

*Please note there will be an application process for the invitational level. Each application will require a video of you dancing and a short summary of your dancing history, as well as the school where you teach.

Schedule:

Curious
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday11:00 – 13:00Balboa | CuriousMaria & Luis
Sunday
11:00 – 13:00Balboa | CuriousMaria & Luis
14:00 – 15:00Balboa | CuriousGrace & Blake
    
Confident
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday
14:00 – 16:00Balboa | ConfidentMaria & Luis
16:30 – 17:30Balboa | ConfidentGrace & Blake
Sunday
12:00 – 13:00Balboa | ConfidentGrace & Blake
14:00 – 15:00Balboa | ConfidentMaria & Luis
    
Invitational
DayTimeClassTeachers
Friday17:30 – 19:30Balboa | InvitationalGrace & Blake
Saturday16:30 – 18:00Balboa | InvitationalMaria & Luis
Sunday15:30 – 17:00Balboa | InvitationalMaria & Luis

You can book the Collegiate Shag Track on 3 different levels (Curious, Confident & Invitational). Each has 5 h of classes.

Teachers:
Arnas & Eglė

Heiko & Larissa

Check the level description >here.

*Please note there will be an application process for the invitational level. Each application will require a video of you dancing and a short summary of your dancing history, as well as the school where you teach.

Schedule:

Curious
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday
12:00 – 13:00C. Shag | CuriousHeiko & Larissa
16:30 – 18:30C. Shag | CuriousArnas & Egle
Sunday11:00 – 13:00C. Shag | CuriousArnas & Egle
    
Confident
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday11:00 – 13:00C. Shag | ConfidentArnas & Egle
Sunday
14:00 – 15:00C. Shag | ConfidentArnas & Egle
16:00 – 18:00C. Shag | ConfidentHeiko & Larissa
    
Invitational
DayTimeClassTeachers
Friday17:30 – 19:30C. Shag | InvitationalHeiko & Larissa
Saturday14:00 – 16:00C. Shag | InvitationalArnas & Egle
Sunday17:30 – 18:30C. Shag | InvitationalArnas & Egle

Join our Shag ‘n’ Bal Track, where the elegance of Balboa blends with the energy of Shag!

Explore the nuanced similarities and exhilarating differences between these dance styles and how to switch fluidly inbetween them. We will foster a vibrant learning environment for you to thrive in and evolve your skills in both dance styles on their own and together. You can book the Shag’n’Bal Track on 2 different levels (Curious & Confident). Each has 5 h of classes.

Teachers:
Heiko & Larissa
Grace & Blake

Check the level description >here.

Schedule:

Curious
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday
11:30 – 13:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | CuriousGrace & Blake
14:00 – 15:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | CuriousGrace & Blake
Sunday
11:30 – 13:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | CuriousHeiko & Larissa
14:00 – 15:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | CuriousHeiko & Larissa
    
Confident
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday15:30 – 18:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | ConfidentHeiko & Larissa
Sunday15:30 – 18:00Shag ‘n’ Bal | ConfidentGrace & Blake

You can book the St. Louis Shag Track on 2 different levels (Simple Basics – Curious & Confident). Each has 5 h of classes.

Teachers:
Simona & Rokas

Check the level description >here.

Schedule:

Simple Basics – Curious
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday11:00 – 13:30Simple Basics – CuriousSimona & Rokas
Sunday14:30 – 17:00Simple Basics – CuriousSimona & Rokas
    
Confident
DayTimeClassTeachers
Saturday14:30 – 17:00ConfidentSimona & Rokas
Sunday11:00 – 13:30ConfidentSimona & Rokas

You can book the Invitational Combo Pass with 8 h of classes.

Teachers:
Arnas & Eglė
Maria & Luis

AND

Grace & Blake
OR
Heiko & Larissa

Be aware, for Friday you have to decide on one of the two options Collegiate Shag OR Balboa. 

Check the level description >here  and please note there will be an application process for the invitational level. Each application will require a video of you dancing and a short summary of your dancing history, as well as the school where you teach.

Schedule:

INVITATIONAL COMBO PASS
DayTimeClassTeachers
Friday
17:30 – 19:30Balboa | InvitationalGrace & Blake
or
17:30 – 19:30C. Shag | InvitationalHeiko & Larissa
Saturday
14:00 – 16:00C. Shag | InvitationalArnas & Egle
16:30 – 18:00Balboa | InvitationalMaria & Luis
Sunday
15:30 – 17:00Balboa | InvitationalMaria & Luis
17:30 – 18:30C. Shag | InvitationalArnas & Egle

 

Shine Bright like a Diamond – Competition Time! | Charlotte Liebenow & Jordan Hunter
Date & Time: Fri, 20:15 – 21:15 h

Learn how to thrive in your next competition or spotlight! Charlotte & Jordan have competed at events such as Barcelona Shag Fest, Warsaw Shag Fest, and recently won the Shag contest at the National Jitterbug Championship at Camp Hollywood 2023. Together we’ll work on the essential skills and strategies needed for competitions, including choreography, stage presence, and performance techniques to enhance your competitive edge. This class is open to both shag and Balboa dancers. No partner required.

I can’t give you anything but ROLE SWITCH, baby | Ania Mojle & Rafał Rendak
Date & Time: Sat, 18:45 – 19:45 h

Switch seamlessly without fighting for the lead! Join Ania & Rafał, winners of the 2024 Valencia Balboa Festival Val Switch Contest. They will cover a range of transitions, from simple to challenging, and dive into the underlying principles so you can create your own unique moves. No partner required. Solid Lead and Following necessary.

Soul, Funk & Fun | Tobias Hanny
Date & Time: Sun, 19:00 – 20:00 h

Enjoy a funky and funny introduction to modern Streetdances with Tobi Hanny. He is a well known Artist, Dancer and Choreograph for modern Streetdances including Hip Hop, Funk and Soul, all around Europe and the US. He was multiple times the winner at IDO – Austria Hip Hop Championships in solo-, duo- and formation-battles with his Crew! 

Schedule:

Masterclasses
DayTimeClassTeachers
Friday20:15 – 21:15Shine Bright like a Diamond – Competition Time!Charlotte & Jordan
Saturday18:45 – 19:45I can’t give you anything but ROLE SWITCH, babyAnia & Rafał
Sunday17:30 – 18:30Soul, Funk & FunTobias Hanny

Bands

This year we will have a great variety of local and international bands performing for you!

Lester's Blues (BE)

Young, Count Basie and their peers, Lester’s Blues made a debut album in 2018 ‘Hommage to Lester Young & the Basie-ites’ and played many jazz venues & dance festivals since. Their second album ‘Radio Rhythm’, which was recorded around one stereo microphone was released in 2022. They are working on a new recording this time with original music.

The Big Five (DE)

Inspired by the wild hot sounds of 1930s/40s Harlem and Chicago jazz, The Big Five have established themselves as Berlin’s most authentic swing-era combo. They know how to turn a mild-mannered dance party into a raging frenzy of swing-outs. With their sharp attire and an intense passion for authentic swing-era jazz, these cats will certainly make you Jump for Joy!

Roaring Cats (NL)

Roaring Cats, based in Amsterdam, took the challenge of giving value and new significance to the roots of jazz. Their repertoire consists of original arrangements of the finest tunes by the top artists of the 30’s and 40’s. On top of that, they are presenting original compositions in style. Swell notes for hyperactive swing dancers and for sedentary drinking listeners.

Syncopated Birds (AT)

The new international Septet “Syncopated Birds“ is formed purposely for Swing Dancers. With a mix of energetic hot jazz and the finest swing, their virtuosic performances and authentic arrangements revive the rhythms of the past, creating an atmosphere full of energy and joy. Inspired by legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie they get dancers’ feet shuffling and kicking.

Meschugge QuintETT

The Innsbruck-based “Meschugge Quintett” was founded in March 2021 and is entirely dedicated to the tradition of Jazz Manouche also known as Gypsy Jazz. The band plays music from the ballrooms of the 30s in the tradition of the legendary Sinti guitarist Django Reinhardt, who is considered a pioneer of European jazz.

DJ Lord Arnas (LT)

DJs

This year we will welcome 3 international DJs for you.

DJ Su (FR)

Susana has been rocked by music since she was a child. Discovering one style after another, her curiosity led her to fall in love with the blues at the age of 18. Her love for music & dance has led Susana to DJ since 2004. Today, she loves the challenge of making people get up and dance during parties, whether it’s to lindy hop, balboa or blues. A true music lover who will bring fresh sounds for the pleasure of your ears.

DJ Ale G (IT)

Alessio Grimaldi, aka Ale G, is a swing DJ who offers a constantly evolving musical proposal inspired by the passion for contamination between genres, sounds and musical languages. He works as a resident or guest DJ in important national and european music festivals and events. Currently his DJ set ranges between original music and modern reinterpretations of the 30s to 50s, aimed at an audience of dance enthusiasts of the time.

DJ Lord Arnas (LT)

DJ Arnas is also known as DJ Rhythm Lord or just One O’Clock Jump DJ, Arnas is selecting tunes as if he was dancing non-stop on the dance floor. Many big name events like Herräng Dance Camp, Rock That Swing Festival, Balkan Lindy Hop Championships and The Snowball cover his reputation as a great competition, social dance, party DJ and DJ-coordinator with professional work ethics and great taste in dance music.

Evenings

Speakeasy Welcome Night

Location: Cantina Vecchia, Andreas-Hofer-Straße 43, 6020 Innsbruck
Date: Thursday, 10.04.25
Time: 20:00 – 02:00 h
Price: 15 € – not included in festival ticket
Limited to 80 Participants
– book your ticket in advance

Band: Lesters Blues

Friday Night

Location: Congress Messe Innsbruck – Orangerie, Herzog-Otto Straße, 6020 Innsbruck
Date: Friday, 11.04.25
Time: 21:15 till late
Band: Big Five & Lester’s Blues

Saturday Night

Location: Congress Messe Innsbruck – Orangerie, Herzog-Otto Straße, 6020
Date: Saturday, 12.04.25
Time: 20:30 till late
Band: Syncopated Birds, Roaring Cats & Big Five

Competition is held Saturday. Check details below.

Sunday Pizza ‘n’ Beer Farewell

Location: Tribaun, Museumstraße 5, 6020 Innsbruck
Date: Sunday, 13.04.25
Time: 18:00 – 21:00 h

Price for Beer & Pizza:
10 € – Padawan IPA + Margherita Gialla
15 € – Choose between various Beers and Pizzas
DJ-Music and Dancefloor provided. 

Sunday Night

Location: Congress Messe Innsbruck – Orangerie, Herzog-Otto Straße, 6020 Innsbruck
Date: Sunday, 13.04.25
Time: 20:15 – 01:00 h
Band: Roaring Cats & Meschugge Quintett

 

Merch

💚 We love good quality Merchandise! 💚
That is why we only order the best. Therefore, we can not accept returns, once ordered we have to charge for the products. 
Thank you for understanding. 

Cotton Bag

Our new cotton backpacks are made of recycled cotton. They have a very convenient outer compartment where you can store your dance shoes, for example. They will be a perfect partner for every festival and in the summertime!

Price: 15 €

Drinking Bottles

Get yourself one of the best drinking bottles (500 ml) on the market available from 720Degree. It’s perfect for hot and cold drinks and is made out of stainless steel and BPA-Free plastic components. Thanks to 720Degree we can offer you the lowest price you will find on the web. And we even have some more good news for you: If you want, you can personalize your drinking bottle by adding your name. Just add a comment in the text field of the registration.

Price: blanco 20 €, engraved 22€

Shirts

Man: T-shirt 70 % Eco Viscose + 30 % Organic Cotton Fair Trade. Loose fit.

Women: T-shirt 50 % Eco Viscose + 50 % Organic Cotton Fair Trade. Regular fit. 

We want you to enjoy our T-shirts, that’s why we have chosen these eco-friendly products with a great fit.

Price: 25 €

Prices

Prices
Early Bird
Regular Bird
Full Pass

1 Track | 5 h of classes | 3 Evenings | 5 Bands

220 €
235 €
Invitational Combo Pass

Invitational Balboa and Shag | 8 h of classes | 3 Evenings | 5 Bands

260 €
280 €
Evening Pass

3 Evenings | 5 Bands | Limited to 20 People

110 €
Masterclass

per Unit

20 €
* Info

EARLY BIRD PRICES apply only to the first 30 people registering. First come - first serve. 😉 
Good luck! 

Registration will open on 24.10.24 - 20:00 h.

Good to know

Levels St. Louis Shag:

Simple Basics/Curious St. Louis Shag:
You want to learn the St. Louis Shag Basics, or have you already taken your first steps?
This level will take both the Beginners and the slightly more experienced St. Louis Shagsters onto a new level. Let yourself be blown away by Rokas and Simona’s positive energy and dive into the world of St. Louis Shag!

Confident St. Louis Shag:
You definitely have experience in this dance and have enjoyed many classes in the past couple of years. Then this level is the place to be. Even if you are quite experienced in St. Louis Shag you will be challenged in this class. Freak out!

Levels Collegiate Shag & Balboa

Curious:
The Curious level is suitable for those who have a solid knowledge of all the basics. Numerous rhythm and footwork variations, variing leading/following techniques and concepts, and moves are now waiting for you. Also, you will gradually get used to different tempos and improve your feeling for music. Let the learning begin!

Confident:
After many years of experience in this swing dance, numerous local or international workshops and festivals, you are always confident on the dancefloor at all tempos and with every dance partner. Here you can work intensively on details and techniques and get in touch with unusual combos. Freak out!

Invitational:
You are totally confident in your dancing, and that’s all there is to say.
You understand the concepts and underlying structure of the dance and see it as a form of communication. You compete in different swing dances, teach them actively in your home scene or internationally – or you would say about yourself, that dancing is the one thing in your life, that takes it ALL.

At this level, you will play with the quality of your movements, enhance your improvisational skills, use different levels of musicality, and bring the finesse of your leading or following to a whole new level. Let`s explore together!

*to ensure a very high level of this class, we ask for a formal application during the registration process (text and video). Thank you for your understanding.

Levels Shag ‘n’ Bal

Curious:
You have a solid understanding of Collegiate Shag AND Balboa?
You dance both dances at social dances frequently and you dabble in mixing them in a single dance?
Come and join this level to spice up your fluency in both dances and explore ways to connect them together. Your Shag ‘n’ Bal Journey begins now!

Confident:
You dance Collegiate Shag and Balboa for several years, travel to festivals frequently and you are completely in love with switching between them?
You consider yourself in one or both dances as an “Advanced” dancer? You have competed in one or both dance styles already? In that case, this is the place to be: your Shag ‘n’ Bal Heaven!

Our Main Locations for this festival will be: 

StreetMotion Studio
|| Workshop Location ||

Ing.-Etzel-Straße 7-10
6020 Innsbruck

Ferrari Schule Innsbruck
|| Workshop Location ||

Weinhartstraße 4,
6020 Innsbruck

Congress Messe Innsbruck – Orangerie
|| Workshop & Evening Location ||

Herzog-Otto Straße
(riverside)
6020 Innsbruck

Cantina Vecchia
|| Thursday Welcome||

Andreas Hofer Straße 43,
6020 Innsbruck

Tribaun
|| Sunday Pizza & Beer ||

Museumsstraße 5,
6020 Innsbruck

Please note, that on Google the entrance of the Orangerie Messe Congress Innsbruck might differ: However you will be able to reach it via the entrance ON THE RIVERSIDE – indicated by the arrow:

Check in times

THURSDAY 10.04.25
Cantina Vecchia
20:00 – 22:00 h
Not included in Festival Ticket!

FRIDAY 11.04.25
Orangerie
19:45 – 20:15 h for Masterclass
21:15 – 23:00 h for Evening

Saturday 12.04.25
Streetmotion Studio 10:30 – 12:00 h 
Ferrari 10:30 – 11:00 h

Orangerie 10:30 – 11:00 h

Please be punctual to allow our check-in team to get you in in time. If you are late – we still request you to properly check-in and you might be late for class at your own risk. 😉 

If you arrive later than Friday Evening 23:00 h please come to the bar and find our team there. 

You have to book your participation in the competition on advance, otherwise we can not guarantee you a spot to compete. 
Check the registration form, for more info.

Format: Mix ‘n’ Match Shag ’n’ Bal
Price: 15 €
Prelims: Saturday 19:45 – 20:30 h
Finals: During Saturday Night

This year's additional info

Accomodation

There are two local partner accommodations Nepomuk Hostel Innsbruck and Montagues Hostel– we can warmly recommend them. Many more hotels you can find on innsbruck.info.

Please contact them directly if you would like to book a stay with them – after the registration opens we will have some space blocked for you, so please mention the festival and the code dancingweekendapril15.

we hope to be a green event again!​

…by the way, we have been repeatedly a green event.


Find out more about all the measurements we take, for social and environmentally friendly behavior on our green event page of 2024’s festival.
There you will find lots of additional information regarding travel and transportation, as well as your stay in Innsbruck. Stay tuned for the 2025 edition of being green again. 

First thing to notice – do NOT arrive by car, parking is expensive and inconvenient in Innsbruck.

Use public transport with us. 💚

logo green event tirol 2023