About Fusion Dance:

  • This improvisational partner dance is born from Blues Fusion.
  • Today it is a style that blends the dance background of any dancer with that of any other dancer. Finding common ground together, and co-creating a beautiful experience is the goal.
  • It is a collaborative dance form where all levels and styles are welcome.
  • At the start of each song, someone asks someone else to dance (then they decide who wants to lead, follow, or switch roles during the song).
  • For that song they listen and speak with their body to communicate movements and intention. While this is a free form style of dance, a background in dance technique improves the quality of your dances.
  • The goal is mutually creating a beautiful shared experience in a flow state.
  • Conversation while dancing is not ideal because it blocks the creative flow of the dance with partners.
  • Magic happens one song at a time. There will be unforgettable moments. Great dances are made from great connection.
  • The format of the event consists of an hour-long intro to partner dance lesson (taught by a rotation of guest teachers from different dance backgrounds), then a 2 hour social dance to follow. A person may come to either or both parts.
  • There are 2 DJ’s who each play an hour long set, the break between DJ sets is where announcements happen. This is also a moment for welcoming new faces.

When and Where:

This is an ongoing Thursday night event (1st and 3rd Thursday each month) at the Carrillo Ballroom in downtown Santa Barbara 7-10pm. 100 East Carrillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Expect to pay $15 via Venmo or cash at the door, no matter what time you arrive.

Get Involved:

Seeking DJ’s to play 1 hours sets (2 DJ’s each night), guest dance teachers to host the lesson from various dance styles, volunteers to welcome guests at the door, co-facilitators to help make the magic behind the scenes, and of course dancers who wish to be included in text updates for event information. (Please text Ahni at 719-237-9179 to get involved.)

Most Current Update:

It’s official! The contract is signed for the Carrillo ballroom for all dates listed in the posted calendar for 2024. Guest teachers are being booked now through August 15th for the first 5 events, with spots filling up fast. When finalized, those will be announced. Media in the form of flyers are being designed now to be offered in the lobby of the Carrillo ballroom lobby. Also, Fusion Dance “punch cards” will be given our at the door so a free entry will be earned when the full punch card is presented.