SOLO JAZZ
WEDNESDAY · ART DECO 1 · UPSIDE DOWN
Jazz dance as it was danced in the Harlem ballrooms — individual, musical, and endlessly expressive.
What is Solo Jazz?
A rich blend of dance styles and steps popular in Harlem in the 1930s, emerging from African-American dance cultures such as Charleston and tap dance. Personal expression and improvisation are key. Learn solo jazz movements, swinging rhythms and personal expression.
Free trial week · 14–19 September
Drop in to any class, no registration needed — subject to availability
Upside Down
Upside Down is a Ghent-based organisation that, in addition to organising many swing, jazz and blues events and festivals, spreads its passion for these dance cultures at Shoonya. Classes are accessible and playful, aimed at developing social connection, sense of community, improvisation, personal expression and sense of rhythm. Thanks to the Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows principle, anyone can participate.
Sep Vermeersch
Ghent, Belgium
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.
📷 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.
📷 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.
📷 Leyla Hesna
Levels & registration
Sep 14 – Jan 30Semester
16 sessionsClasses
Wed eveningsSchedule
1 levelLevels
Open Level
No experience needed. Start here.
Beginners welcome
16 sessions · Sep–Jan · see all dates
Wed 16 SepWed 23 SepWed 30 SepWed 7 OctWed 14 OctWed 21 OctWed 28 OctWed 11 NovWed 18 NovWed 25 NovWed 2 DecWed 9 DecWed 16 DecWed 13 JanWed 20 JanWed 27 Jan
€198
Full
€175
Student / 2+
€39.6
UiTPAS −80%
Spring 2026 classes still running — view the spring schedule →
Practical
What to wear
Comfortable, form-fitting dancewear. Appropriate dance shoes or socks.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing • Dance shoes or shoes with a smooth sole • A bottle of water • A towel to wipe off sweat
Also at Shoonya