Shake The Change Concept
Shake the Change is an international dance festival that celebrates vernacular jazz dance and dances rooted in African-American culture through movement, music, and community. In its fourth edition, the festival takes a new direction, emphasizing the local scene and fostering collaboration between Slovenian dance teachers, musicians, and organizers. By strengthening local connections, we aim to support the growth of swing culture in the region while maintaining our international spirit. With that we are also thrilled to welcome Gibarija and Bottoms Up to the Shake the Change team!
MOVEMENT
We believe movement is a fundamental expression of dance and should be explored both in depth (quality) and in width (variety). This year, our dance workshops will be led by teachers from Slovenian dance schools, whose knowledge and energy shape our vibrant swing dance community. Through this approach, we create a space for collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening ties between dance schools and individuals passionate about swing dancing.
Solo dance classes will focus on deepening our understanding of body movement, rhythm, and musicality, while couple dance classes will emphasize connection, communication, and partnership.
DANCE & CULTURE
We honor and respect the rich historical and cultural heritage of the dances we practice. At the same time, we recognize the importance of understanding and embracing the artistic and cultural environment we are part of today. This year’s festival bridges the past and present by integrating local musicians and artists, bringing our community together in a meaningful way.
Our lineup includes talented Slovenian musicians and bands, as well as artists from neighboring countries such as Italy, Hungary, Croatia, and Austria. By featuring these regional musicians, we create a distinctive and authentic festival atmosphere while strengthening international connections.
The festival will conclude with a special performance at the end of the dance year of two exceptional Slovenian dance schools – Gibarija and Bottoms Up.
(LOCAL) COMMUNITY
Shake the Change is a boutique festival designed to foster a sense of community and togetherness. By keeping the event intimate, we transform our beautiful festival venue – the historic town of Radovljica – into a “dancing village” with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In an era where many feel disconnected, our festival serves as a reminder that music and dance have the power to bring people together. This year, we place an even greater emphasis on collaboration between local teachers, musicians, and dancers, ensuring that our community continues to grow and thrive.
Shake the Change is more than just a festival – it is a movement that connects, inspires, and encourages collaboration. Join us in creating an unforgettable dance experience, where we unite our strengths, share our passion for swing, and build an even stronger dance community!