Bluesila 2025 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 7, 2024: 18:00 from Vilnius Bus station
Option 2:Thursday, August 7, 2024: 19:00 from Vilnius Bus station

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

From “Rūta” resort to Vilnius on Sunday, August 10, 2025: in the afternoon, the bus will reach Vilnius around 17:00- 17:30. (So you have time to get ready for the after party!)

Organized transportation to the campsite and back costs 30 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 (for example.g. allergy to gluten), 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 last year.

We work tirelessly to maintain the camp’s price as low as possible. Please keep in mind that this price includes accommodation and meals as well as your track (classes/ party). 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 15	Price from           April 15
Party pass	280	330
Solo Blues pass	330	380
Partnered Blues pass (per person)	330	380

*Prices are valid if your payment is received before April 15, 2025. Please note that starting from April 15, 2025 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 20th of March, 2025. 

Money refund:

• Before June 1: we return all amount except bank transfer charges;
• Before July 15: we return 50% of all amount;
• After July 16: 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. If you can move using blues basics, know what the pulse is and can find it in your body and want to work more on your solo blues skills, groove and body awareness, this track is for you!

Partnered classes:
Please read the descriptions carefully and be honest with yourself when deciding which level to sign up for.
That being said, during the event teachers and organizers may move you to a different level if necessary.

Level 1

I am discovering Blues dance. I attend regular weekly classes from few months up to 8 months, and/or I try not to miss any chance to take an open class/ workshop or just social dance. I can lead/follow basic moves (basic steps, travelling, simple turns etc.). I can differentiate between different blues music styles; I have a basic understanding of different blues dance positions (open; close; close embrace), although I might feel more comfortable in some more than the others.

Level 2

I have been actively dancing Blues for 8-18 months. I attend regular classes and/or I never miss a blues party/workshop/anything blues related really because I am curious and want to learn more. I am able to comfortably lead/follow basic moves and some more complex ones, I have a few solo moves in my dance vocabulary, I have a basic understanding of different partnered blues dance positions, and all of them, including close embrace usually feel quite good. I am aware of the differences in music styles and try to match it with my dancing.

Level 3 

I caught the blues fever and it has stayed with me – I have been actively dancing for more than 2 years. During that time, I have also attended both local and international events. I have a solid and varied dance vocabulary, good quality of movement and control of my body. My connection with a partner is good most of a time, and leading/following more complex moves is what I do with ease. I am confident when dancing to most of Blues music styles, I know that my dancing will go along with music and sometimes even with Blues idioms as well since I have taken a few classes about some of them too. Close embrace feels very comfortable almost always as I have quite good technique and can seamlessly change between different partnering positions.

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. Auditions will be closed – no spectators to make those participating more comfortable.

Level 4 – AUDITION ONLY (You need register to Level 3 and pass the audition to get into Level 4)

I have been actively dancing Blues for a truly long time and have been to more international events than I can remember. I am an experienced blues dancer – quality of movement, blues aesthetics and combining layers of dancing (rhythms, shapes, isolations, dynamics etc.) are at the core of my movement. 9 times out of 10 I am sure I will connect well enough with a partner no matter their experience and will share an enjoyable dance. I have or I could comfortably teach at least a beginners’ blues class. I know that I would be able to dance to any Blues music style if a song has a good groove – I am certain I would comfortably match my dancing to the music. I enjoy learning new concepts, diving into the teeny tiny details and applying these ideas to my own dancing to find out what works and how it works for me.

As per usual, we will have:

Solo Blues
Blues Newcomers
Blues Advanced

Participation fee – 10 eur per competition.
This year registration for competitions will be managed separately from general registration. More info – later on.

There will be so many parties!

We will officially start off Bluesila 2025 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 on Wednesday and farewell party in Vilnius city on Sunday, which will be open to anyone to join.

Since we start the camp on Thursday, the pre-party will take place on Wednesday, August 6, 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!

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

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.

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 March 20, 2025.

 

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 so we do recommend bringing some water with you or buying some at Bluesila bar – prices will be friendly.