Give in to the rhythm! Learn to dance to the blues with Abigail Bentley

You have swayed to salsa and jived. Now meet the newest kid on the block - the blues. Health researcher and trained dancer, London-based Abigail Bentley is eager to introduce audiences to her newfound love — blues

It is not often that you meet a health researcher (pursuing nothing less than a PhD) who also happens to be a trained dancer, but Abigail Bentley is just that. Having worn her ballet shoes at the age of three and with 20 years of experience in ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary behind her, London-based Bentley is now eager to introduce audiences to her newfound love — blues.

Learn to dance to the blues with Abigail Bentley. Pics/Carter Holloran

"I had tried various partner dances in the past, but none gripped me as the blues did. The connection with your partner and to the music is different," says Bentley. While she shies away from drawing comparisons to the salsa — known to be steamy and sexy —Bentley admits that the blues allow more play between partners.

At the four-hour long workshop, Bentley will share with participants more than just the moves and the rhythms. "The footwork may seem mechanical at first, but we want to arrive at a more holistic understanding of the dance, the music and the connection with your partner," she explains.

The best part is that it's not always dependent on a dance partner. You can go solo or break away from your partner during the dance, if you like.

If this is the first time you have heard of the blues, then it's not Mumbai's fault. Bentley says that, worldover, there is just a small community of aficionados. Once you find your moves, maybe you could be part of this growing bunch? Bentley plans to make this date with the blues a monthly affair, so stay tuned for more from her.

When: August 28, 2.30 – 7 PM
Where: Sitara Studio, Garage Galli, opposite Indiabulls Finance Centre, Lower Parel
Entry: Rs 600 call: 9967097184
Register: www.meraevents.com/event/monsoon-blues-workshop

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