Blues Belfast
Connect through music, movement and community.
Blues Belfast is a welcoming community where people come together to explore the rich traditions of Blues music and dance through regular classes, social dancing, live music and special events.
Whether you're completely new to dancing or already have experience, you'll find a friendly environment where the focus is on rhythm, musicality, connection and shared enjoyment.
No partner or previous dance experience is needed.
How Our Classes Work
We run four progressive terms each year, with each week's class building on the previous one. To help everyone progress together, we close registrations once the term is underway.
- Winter Term – January to March
- Spring Term – April to June
- Summer Term – July to September
- Autumn Term – October to December
Registration opens before the start of each term and remains open for the first few weeks, subject to availability. To help everyone get the most from the experience, we close registrations once the term is underway.
If you've missed the start of a term, don't worry – you're very welcome to register your interest for the next one.
What is Blues Dance?
Blues dance is a family of Black American vernacular dances that developed alongside Blues music in African American communities in the Southern United States.
At its heart, Blues is a social dance. Rather than memorising lots of steps, it invites dancers to listen to the music, connect with one another, and express themselves through rhythm, improvisation and movement.
Today, Blues is enjoyed by welcoming communities around the world. Blues Belfast is proud to be part of that international community, honouring the dance's cultural roots while creating an inclusive space where people can experience the joy of dancing together.
Choose the option that's right for you
Community Social Dance
Donation-based Sunday evening Blues classes open to all adults.
Register here
Step into Social
Free places on our Sunday evening Blues classes for adults living with mental health challenges.
Register here
Together We Dance
Free Monday daytime Blues classes for adults who prefer daytime opportunities.
Register here
Your Teachers
Blues Belfast has been bringing people together through Blues music and dance since 2014.
Carrie Montgomery and Declan Allison have been co-teaching since 2019, creating welcoming classes where people can explore Blues dance, enjoy great music and build meaningful social connections. Their teaching focuses on rhythm, musicality, connection and individual expression, helping dancers build confidence while enjoying the social nature of Blues.
In 2025, Carrie and Declan were awarded an Arts Council of Northern Ireland Individual Artist Award to undertake advanced teacher training through Bluesology, deepening their understanding of the history, culture and teaching of Blues dance.
Whether you're taking your very first steps or continuing your Blues journey, you'll find a friendly community where learning, music and connection come together.
Frequently Asked Questions? Click here
Ready to Join Us?
We'd love to welcome you to Blues Belfast.
🖤 Register for Community Social Dance
💚 Register for Step into Social
🌞 Register for Together We Dance
Current Term
Summer Term (July – September 2026)
Our Summer Term begins on Sunday 28 June (Sunday classes) and Monday 29 July (Monday classes). Registrations remain open for the first few weeks of term, subject to availability.
For more info:
Our Funders
About
Newsletter Signup
Stay connected with our latest events, stories and ways to get involved.