Our Aims

With these workshops, we want to make an affordable, creative space, trying things a little different. This means we have a clear purpose: to experiment and try new things together. When you sign up, please tell us about your dance background (eg Lindy Hop, Balboa, Boogie-Woogie, Blues, etc.) and any access needs you might have. Providing this information will help us create the best possible experience for you.

Everyone Is Equal 

Students will not be separated by level during the weekend, as we want to encourage students to come together outside of “high level” and “low level” system ideas. This helps us with our overall aims on community, connection and musicality. A supportive space for people to come together through music and dance and inspire each other.

The workshop will draw on the ELEF (everybody leads, everybody follows) teaching method – so we ask for patience with classmates who may be less experienced with this.

The Result 

At the end of the workshops, we’re confident you’ll leave with new skills you can show off on the social dance floor, an improved relationship to the music, and a better understanding of the history and African-American culture these dances came from.

Registration

Registration is open here.

Weekend Pass (700 NOK):

• 6+ hours of workshops (Saturday & Sunday)
• Entry to Friday and Saturday parties
• Saturday lunch culture Q&A with Grey
• Sunday farewell hangout

Friday and Saturday Social Passes:

100 NOK per night, entry on the door (via VIPPS) 

One Day Passes:
If you cannot attend the whole weekend but would like to attend part of it, you can email cottontails.bergen@gmail.com to arrange.

We are proud to present the two dancers leading us on this jazz and partnered connection journey. Each with different personal interpretations and experiences to dancing, who together will bring a range of creative topics and ideas for us to explore together.

Gabs Novellino (she/her)

Gabs started dancing at four years old and has never stopped. While spending a year abroad in Leeds, UK in 2012, she discovered the Jazz dances, fell hopelessly in love, and decided to dedicate her life to this passion. She is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, researcher, DJ and event organizer primarily in Brazil, and other Latin American communities. She specializes mainly in Lindy Hop, Authentic Jazz, 1920s’ Charleston, and Collegiate Shag.

In 2023, she became a Frankie Manning Foundation Scholar and also a part of the team that organized two editions of ILHC Latin America. She also works for iLindy, where she writes blog articles, weekly newsletter, and leads the production of new courses and projects.

Gabs is also a huge history geek and loves to dig deeper into the roots of Jazz music and dance. As a guest in the culture, she honors the opportunity to share the legacy and culture of Black American artists who created this art form.

Grey Armstrong (he/him)

From regular panic attacks after classes to an international dance instructor, Grey’s dance journey has been intense and yet he never forgets those early days. Bringing opportunities for growth and confidence building, Grey loves to help dancers find their style within the foundations set by the Black culture. Although he loves the speed of Lindy Hop, Grey enjoys highlighting other and lesser explored aspects of Lindy hop, like rhythmic variation, the pocket/lag, groove, and challenging well worn beliefs. Join him for fun classes where we find your artistry and voice in dance and daily life.

Beyond the dancefloor, Grey¨s cultural writings focus on unpacking unconscious bias, cross-cultural communication, in addition to culture formation. He is the founder of the popular blog and website Obsidian Tea, which explores themes of the Black experience and culture, Anti-racism Praxis, developing cultural competency, and the evolving relationship between Black and white Americans in the United States from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade onwards.

To keep the event accessible and affordable we are not hosting live music this time. 

We have several great DJs who will be looking after the social music over the weekend – DJ Sirin (Oslo), DJ Karoline (Oslo), DJ Grey (USA) and DJ Steph (Bergen).

We also hope to have 1 or 2 “mentor slots” if there is enough time. In these slots, a new DJ can work with and learn from a more experienced DJ.

How to Join Us

Are you already a DJ in your city? Or do you want to apply for one of our DJ mentorship training slots? Contact us via cottontails.bergen@gmail.com

Both workshops and social dances during the weekend are being held at Ulriken Bydelssenter

Location:

Ulriken Bydelssenter 

Landåsveien 31A, 5097, Bergen

Getting There:

Buses from Sentrum:

5 (towards Sletten), 6 (towards Birkelundstoppen), 16E (towards Nesttun Terminal): Hagerups Vei stop

12 (towards Lægdene Montana): Vognstølen stop.

Monday 15.05.26 Bonus Teacher and Facilitator Session – 

18:30-20:30 Teacher & Facilitator session with Grey & Gabs 

Free – Registration: here

After the weekend we are hosting a teacher support session with Grey and Gabs. This is a great opportunity, both if you are already a teacher or active within community organising, and if you are new and curious about some of the basics around sharing these dances. 

Location:

Storsalen, Gnisten

Håsteins Gate 3, 5160, Laksevåg

Getting There:

Buses from Sentrum

6 (towards Lyngbø): Laksvåg stop

Payment Condition: Payment is taken at registration checkout. After payment, an email confirming the completion of your registration will be sent to your email address.

Can I cancel my registration?: We have a no refund policy, it is not possible to cancel the paid tickets.

Can I sell my ticket? Unfortunately we cannot refund your purchased pass for any reason, but you may transfer your pass to someone else with. If you do so, let us know by email to whom you sold your pass so we can update the registration. (Inform us by sending us an email at cottontails.bergen@gmail.com, with your full name, email, together with the name of the person you sold the ticket with their email). While you are allowed to transfer your pass to someone else, please note that we do not take any responsibility for issues that may arise during the reselling/transferring process. Additionally, please be cautious of fake accounts on social media claiming to sell passes. Always verify the authenticity of the buyer or seller before completing any transaction. While we can assist by verifying that the full names and emails match our records, it is your responsibility to manage all other aspects of the transfer.

Time, Location & Program: We reserve the right to change the time or location or the program of the courses, instructors, dance evenings and social activities, and will communicate any changes on the website and/or Facebook Event Page.

Photography & Videography: By registering for the event you agree to pictures and video being made, shared and used on social media and for our own marketing purposes. If you for some reason don’t want this, email us at cottontails.bergen@gmail.com with a picture of yourself so we can give the photo to the photographer and they will take those pictures out after the event. You will still be photographed at the event since its easier logistically.

Liability: All participants are attending the event at their own risk. Cottontails Dance Club does not take any responsibility for incidents and/or injuries nor for personal items or valuables that are lost, stolen or damaged during the event. Look out for yourself and for others as well please.

Personal Data: By registering for the event, you consent to your information being stored and used for matters regarding the event.

Code of Conduct: Please read Code of conduct below. If you disregard our code of conduct, you may be asked to leave without any refunds given.

A Welcoming Space for Everyone
At the event, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all dancers and music enthusiasts feel welcome. We celebrate diversity and welcome participants of all genders, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, religions, body types, sexual orientations, and ages.

We Prioritize Safety and Respect
Your safety and well-being are our top concerns at our event. We do not tolerate any form of harassment. If someone engages in inappropriate behavior, they will be asked to leave the event immediately. Depending on the severity, further actions could include banning from future events or involving law enforcement.

Honoring Personal Boundaries
Always Confirm Before ContinuingRespecting each other’s personal space and boundaries is essential, both in social interactions and on the dance floor. Communication can sometimes be challenging, so please be attentive to your partner’s comfort level. If you notice any signs of discomfort or hesitation, it’s best to step back. 

Always Confirm Before Continuing
If you wish to continue dancing with someone after a song, make sure to ask first. Don’t assume they want to keep dancing without their consent.

It’s Okay to Decline
If you’re not interested in dancing with someone or continuing to dance, it’s completely acceptable to say no. Your comfort and choice are what matter most.

Respect When Someone Declines
If someone declines your invitation to dance, please accept their decision graciously. Everyone has the right to choose their dance partners freely.

Practice Safe Dancing
To ensure the safety of everyone on the dance floor, please avoid aerials, lifts, or large jumps during social dancing. Reserve these moves for jam circles or competitions where there is ample space and mutual agreement. Always make sure that both you and your partner are comfortable with any planned movements.

Inclusivity in Dance Roles
We encourage participants to choose the role (lead or follow) they feel most comfortable with when purchasing tickets to help us maintain a balanced event. While we ask that you primarily stick to the role you selected, it’s perfectly fine to switch roles from time to time if you and your partner agree. This flexibility supports inclusivity while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Health and Hygiene
We ask all participants to maintain good personal hygiene as a courtesy to others. If you’re feeling unwell, please refrain from attending the event. Follow any health protocols that may be in place for everyone’s safety.

Encouraging a Positive Atmosphere
We invite everyone to contribute to a positive and supportive atmosphere by offering encouragement and kindness to fellow dancers, particularly those who are new or less experienced.

Consequences and Accountability
Misconduct will lead to clear consequences, including potential removal from the event. Depending on the severity, further actions such as exclusion from future events or involving authorities may be taken.

Communication Channels
If you have any concerns or issues during the event, please report them to the designated organizers. We also offer an option for anonymous reporting to ensure everyone feels comfortable speaking up. You can email us (cottontails.bergen@gmail.com) or reach out the contact persons during the event: TBA

For any question about the event, you can reach us via E-Mail / Facebook/ Instagram

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/iNuoFs8XT

If you have any concerns or emergency issues during the event please report them by one of the following ways:

Emergency issues: Call/SMS/Whatsapp to TBD

email: cottontails.bergen@gmail.com

Find registration desk (see working hours in the program)

Find one of the organizers (with TBD color wrist band)

In Norway’s vibrant second-largest city, Bergen, historic UNESCO World Heritage sites coexist with cutting-edge fashion, trendy dining spots, and a dynamic music scene. Explore some of Norway’s premier museums, wander through charming cobblestone streets, and take in breathtaking views from one of the seven surrounding mountains. While you can find many things to experience both in and around Bergen in this page: https://en.visitbergen.com/, we also prepared a map to help you for guidance.