Dance | Enjoy | Connect
Inclusive Blues & Fusion Dance
What is Blues Dancing?
Blues dance is an improvised partner dance with deep roots in African American blues music. It’s all about feeling the rhythm, moving naturally, and connecting.
The music is rich and expressive, and that variety shapes how we dance.
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In class, we explore different styles of partner dancing—from grooving side-by-side to dancing in a close, comfy hold (think of it like a friendly hug on the move).
You might find yourself sweeping across the dance floor to some elegant, gliding blues or busting out creative moves to a gritty funk blues track.
What is Fusion?
Fusion gets its name from fusing different styles of dance together. It initially grew out of the blues dance scene in the UK and the US when groups of people with different dance styles got together and experimented with dancing together.
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There are not rigid steps or rules to follow, but instead a focus on musicality, improvisation, as well as the lead-follow connections between dancers. It’s looking at what ‘works’ in dancing when you don’t have a set of rules or aesthetics to adhere to.
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We’ll teach you to dance both solo and with a partner to a variety of music from slow to high-energy - anything that makes me want to dance, from blues, funk, electronic to pop. Our aim is to make dancing fun, and give you some more ideas and tools to help you feel comfortable and creative on the social dance floor.
Where Did Hoodoo Start?
Meet Melissa
Melissa Davy is the driving force behind Hoodoo Blues. After discovering blues dancing, she was hooked.
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Melissa is passionate about the creativity, fun, and musical variety that blues dancing offers. While she's explored other styles like jive and tango, blues remains her true love. This passion led her to establish a vibrant blues scene in Newcastle upon Tyne and Hexham, and to organise the popular Belta weekender.​
With a first-class degree and a master's in education, Melissa expertly combines her love for teaching with her enthusiasm for blues. She's a true evangelist for the dance, eager to share its joy with others.
Beyond teaching, Melissa is a regular DJ for the Newcastle scene and for weekenders nationwide, enjoying the diverse sounds of blues and fusion. Her year with Nova Radio allowed her to delve deeper, interviewing musicians and dancers about their favorite tunes.
Meet Anders
Anders is also one of the teachers and DJs at Hoodoo. We’re so lucky to have him here in Newcastle. He is a fabulous dancer and musician, with a vast knowledge about music. He regularly DJs at our party nights, or performs with The Front Porch Band.
