Bluesila 2024 Information/ Registration

The trip to the campsite takes roughly 1.5 hrs by bus. There will be an organized transportation service that will take you from Vilnius to “Rūta” resort (and vice versa). If you wish to have a seat in the bus – please mark this option during registration. Otherwise you have to organize transportation by yourselves. For the detailed departure times and meeting points, please check the registration form.

To “Rūta” resort:

Option 1:Thursday, August 22, 2024: 18:00 from Vilnius Bus station
Option 2:Thursday, August 22, 2024: 19:00 from Vilnius Bus station

Since the camp starts on Thursday, there will be NO TRANSPORTATION ON FRIDAY.

From “Rūta” resort to Vilnius on Sunday, August 25, 2024: in the afternoon, the bus will reach Vilnius around 17:00- 17:30.

Organized transportation to the campsite and back costs 25 eur.

There will be meals provided – breakfast, lunch and dinner:

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Thursday Pre-party			x
Friday	x	x	x
Saturday	x	x	x
Sunday	x*	x*

*Sunday we have ‘breakfast’ and ‘late breakfast’ .

At the registration, please choose between standard (meat included) / vegetarian/ vegan meals. However, please note that the camp is not able to cater to all special dietary needs, therefore, if you have very specific needs, you will need to take care of yourself. We also recommend bringing your own snacks or drinks to make sure you are well equipped for dancing all night long!

P.S. This year all the meals will be made by the chef who cooked for vegetarians in the 2023 edition.

You can select among three options: Solo Blues track (FULL PASS) , Partnered Blues track (FULL PASS)  and Party pass.

In order to provide the best learning opportunities, in the Partnered Blues Track the dancers will be grouped according to their dance experience.

	Price before            April 1	Price from           April 1
Party pass	250	300
Solo Blues pass	300	350
Partnered Blues pass (per person)	300	350

*Prices are valid if your payment is received before April 1, 2024. Please note that starting from April 1, 2024 the price for the camp will increase (+50 Eur).

 

Please note that there are NO GROUP or country discounts this year. However, we understand that each person’s situation is different, therefore if for any reason you think that a discount is a must for you, please register not to lose a spot in the camp and write us an email with a motivational letter shortly after your registration. We will grant a limited number of discounts for those who will contact us with a registration and solid motivation before 15th of March, 2024. 

Money refund:

• Before June 1: we return all amount except bank transfer charges;
• Before July 31: we return 50% of all amount;
• After August 1: no refunds possible. However we can help you find someone to take your spot in the camp – just consult the organizing team.

“Rūta” resort has an authentic vintage feeling to it. Spending a weekend here does feel like traveling back in time, and the accommodation is rustic, yet comfortable to spend the weekend dedicated to relaxing and dancing blues.

The prices indicated are for STANDARD accommodation – each house has its own fireplace and a mini kitchen, with 3 to 7 beds in each room. WC and shower are in general facilities. There is a spot for barbeque near each house.

Standart accommodation

There is an option to upgrade to COMFORT accommodation (WC and shower inside) – please check the second page of registration to select this one. The resort has 90 beds in small rustic cottages with hot water, WC, showers inside a house for 8 people – this is what we call „COMFORT accommodation“ – if you want the spot in comfort accommodation, hurry to register, as these come on a “first come- first served” basis. 

Comfort accommodation

Every participant will have 7 hours of Blues classes taught by the best teachers ever!

Classes start on Friday at noon and end on Sunday afternoon (please schedule your trip knowing that on Sunday you will reach Vilnius at around 17:00 – 17:30).

At Bluesila we aim to create a good and comfortable learning environment for all the dancers. All the participants are responsible for it, therefore we ask you to carefully read level descriptions and choose your level honestly. After all, these level descriptions only tell you where you’ll get the most out of the classes – and nothing more!

That being said, teachers and organizers may move you to a level more suitable for you or to meet the camp’s needs and ensure the best learning experience.

Solo track is OPEN level.

For partnered classes, find the description that represents you best. These descriptions are made to reflect both options – whether you dance blues actively, or you are just getting back to the scene and want to refresh and build up your skills:

Level 1

I have been actively attending classes, workshops and social dancing for up to 3 years. I attend 1-3 international events a year. I know most of the basics and I want to further develop my skills and confidence in dancing and improvising.

Level 2

I have been dancing regularly for 3-5 years and I can comfortably lead/ follow basic moves and some complex ones. I am comfortable with more than a few solo blues moves. I know about different blues styles, I can adapt my dancing according to the music.I don’t miss any social dancing in my town and I attend 3-5 international events per year. I want to further develop my quality of movement, understanding of blues aesthetic and connection in partner dance.

Level 3 

I have been dancing regularly for more than 5 years, doing as many workshops and events as possible. I have some experience under my belt – I have done competitions, performances and I could talk about blues music and dance for hours. I have great quality of movement, lead/follow skills and I want to polish and perfect all the details and aspects that make each dance shine.

IMPORTANT: all of those who register for partnered classes for the Level 3 are invited to participate in an audition to get into a Level 4 classes, which will consist of 16 dancers in total. The audition will take place before the first class on Friday morning.

There will be so many parties!

We will officially start off Bluesila 2024 with an open-air BBQ pre-party. It is a long standing tradition – an informal “no suits” party with BBQ, talks, dancing, maybe some live music but nothing formal – just a cozy, relaxed atmosphere to meet old friends and make new ones!

Then there will be 2 grand parties on Friday and Saturday with live music, contests, showcases. Several dance floors will be available (including a smaller fusion space), so get those dancing shoes ready!

Also, an additional Saturday picnic party by the lake with live music (and dancing both by or in the lake!).

There will be extra open-air pre-party and farewell party in Vilnius city, which will be open to anyone to join.

Since we start the camp on Thursday, the pre-party will take place on Wednesday, Aug 21st, at “Kitas Krantas”. It is an open-air social, so that you can dance, chat and check out beautiful Vilnius at the same time!

There will also be a farewell party in Vilnius on Sunday evening, so if you want to participate, plan your trip accordingly!

Volleyball, basketball, football, tanning in the sun, resting in the shade, swimming in the lake… you name it! You are all welcome to bring your own equipment for any activities.

This is a preliminary schedule for planning only and it is a subject for corrections and minor changes

Q:So what exactly is included in the pass price?

A: Classes pass (either solo or partnered):

• 7 hours of classes
• 2 topical lectures on blues music, dance and culture
• 3 morning exercise/ yoga activities
• Thursday BBQ party with live music
• Friday and Saturday parties with live music and great DJs
• Saturday picnic party by the lake with live music
• Accommodation in standard housing
• Meals

 

Party pass:

• 2 topical lectures on blues music, dance and culture
• 3 morning exercise/ yoga activities
• Thursday BBQ party with live music
• Friday and Saturday parties with live music and great DJs
• Saturday picnic party by the lake with live music
• Accommodation in standard housing
• Meals

 

Q: What is not included in the camp price?

A: You can add these things additionally (and we will take care of it):

• transportation to and back from the camp;
• comfort accommodation;
• competitions;
• drinks from Bluesila bar;
• merch (like T-shirt, bottles, etc).

 

Q:Do you accept volunteers?

A: At this moment we have our volunteer team ready. However, follow our social media – if something changes, we will let you know,

 

Q:I want to DJ. Whom should I talk about it?

A: Good question! Please get in touch with our DJ coordinator Hamed Jenabi.

 

Q:I have a showcase and I want to perform in the cabaret! Where do I sign up for that?

A: That is awesome! Write a comment at your registration form and get in touch with Dmitrij Ivanov, who is in charge of the performances at the camp. NOTE: due to time limitations, spots are limited.

 

Q:What happens after the registration?

A: After you register you will receive an email with a copy of the answers. Save it in case you need to check/amend your choices later. Within a few days of registration you will get an email with payment info. Please pay as soon as you can to secure your spot, as we will confirm your participation upon receiving the payment. If you have some problems paying instantly, please let us know so that we can find a solution.

 

Q:I want to get a discount. Is it possible?

A: We understand that each person’s situation is different, therefore if for any reason you think that a discount is a must for you, please register not to lose a spot in the camp and write us an email with a motivational letter shortly after your registration. We will grant a limited number of discounts for those who will contact us with a registration and a sound motivation before 15th of March, 2024. 

 

Q:What if I arrive in Vilnius at a different time and I cannot catch any of the buses that you offer?

A: Please plan your trip in a manner that you can catch a bus. Otherwise, use Facebook event to look for a ride or organised yourself.

 

Q:I need to leave camp earlier, what to do?

A: Talk to your new friends – maybe there is someone that can give you a lift? Also talk with organizers, there might be someone that can give you a lift to the bus stations at a nearby town. We usually are able to find an early transport to everyone in need.

 

Q:Can I buy drinks/food in the camp?

A: Of course! As per usual, we will have a food truck so you don’t go hungry during the party as well as Bluesila bar with drinks and snacks at friendly prices. That being said, you are very welcome to bring your own drinks and food to the camp.

 

Q:Is there a shop nearby?

A: Yes, there is a shop 10 mins by car.

 

Q:I realized that I need to change my classes level, how can i do it?

A: classes are balanced so it is not always possible to go level down or up. It cannot be done unilaterally. If you think you should be at a different level:

1. attend all your classes on Friday at a level you were assigned;
2. consult with the teachers and if they agree that you should be moved – contact Dmitrij in the camp and he will try to arrange a spot at another group

 

Q:Something is broken / not working in my house. What do I do?

A: Immediately contact camp administration or the organizers.

 

Q:I would like to switch my house or join other house?

A: This is possible, but before doing that, please inform the organizers.

 

Q:Can switch beds inside the house?

A: Feel free to do it. Just talk with your housemates first!

 

Q:Can I drink tap water at the camp?

A: Yes, although it is not very tasty.