Bratislava Lindy Exchange

'Be Crazy, Stay Classy!'
13-15.10.2023

About the Event


We are back!

After last year's revival after the pandemic, this year we prepared a new version of Exchange! While some elements have evolved, we've kept the cherished essence that makes Exchange so special <3. Join us in the second week of October in the enchanting capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, for Slovakia's biggest dancing event. After a challenging year, we are eager to welcome you back with open arms and dancing feet!

What to look forward to?

Music

3 live bands in 3 days with amazing DJs in their breaks, which are not gonna let you sit in the corner and of course Big Band battle on Friday at beautiful venue Old Market.

Classes

For the first time classes with world-famous teachers will be part of BLEX! Alberto and Ola are going to join us for two special classes during Saturday morning. One of them will be a Solo Jazz oriented class with Alberto and the second one will be a Lindy Hop Class for open level where Alberto will be joined by Ola.

Taster classes

You can enjoy a taster class before every party with young rising stars and experienced top stars of the swing dance community.

Other activities

On Saturday we prepared a social dance in Mirbachov palace (Muzeum of Bratislava City) and a city center tour. On Sunday you can look forward to a Brunch and Dance in the most lovely cafe in Bratislava near the river Danube.

We cannot promise pleasant autumn weather, but our enthusiastic organizing team will do everything in their power to make you enjoy the event! And all this in a city full of cafes, pubs and businesses with excellent food and even better drinks.

Tickets

Full Party Pass

With this ticket you have access to all parties and social activities from Friday night until the early hours of the Sunday party. The only place to which this ticket does not grant you entry are the lessons during the Saturday morning

Early Bird

With this ticket you have the same benefits as the Full Party Pass at a discounted price for the fastest registrants

Class Solo Jazz

This is the only type of ticket that allows you to enter the Solo Class with Albert during Saturday morning

Class Lindy Hop

This is the only type of ticket that will allow you to enter the Lindy Hop Class with Albert and Ola during Saturday morning

Saturday

With this ticket you have access to the Saturday party. From the taster class to the last survivors picture!

Sunday

With this ticket you have access to the Sunday party. From the taster class to the last survivors picture!

15+

Hours

Of dancing

7+

Hours

Of live music

200+

Feet

At the dance floor

Schedule


October 13, 2023
06:30 p.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Veľký tanečný večer - Big Band Battle
Bratislava Hot Serenaders (SK) & Ondřej Havelka and his Melody Makers (CZ) -
Taster Class: B-Swing teachers Janči and Veronika
Venue:
Old Market
Námestie SNP

Taster class @ 6:45 p.m. : Peabody, One-Step, Breakaway

Friday’s Big Band Battle will start at 6:30 p.m. in the building of Old Market located at Námestie SNP. You will be enjoying the battle of Bratislava Hot Serenaders and Ondrej Havelka & his Melody Makers. They will be playing until midnight and this year there is no afterparty, so you can be fresh for the Saturday classes.


Bratislava Hot Serenaders (SK) and Ondřej Havelka and his Melody Makers (CZ) Big Band battle of two big big bands that Czech and Slovakia has to offer. Follow us on a journey to the music 1920s-40s in Central Europe and America. Besides swinging to quality American big-band music, there will be opportunities to enjoy Peabody or Charleston to the authentic arrangements played in this part of Europe back in the days. (The evening party is part of the public event “Veľký tanečný večer”). The evening will start with a taster class with our local teachers from B-Swing :).


Veronika is a passionate dancer and scientist and Janči is a professional dancer. This connection brings unrestrained creative energy, dynamics, extra emphasis on musicality without losing the precision of movement on the dancefloor. At their class you will be able to try the dances that preceded swing. Dances that go hand in hand with ragtime music and early jazz. This class will enrich the repertoire of each Lindy Hopper and at the same time helps all who are still at the beginning of their dance journey.

October 14, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 Solo Jazz Class with Alberto
11:15-12:15 Lindy Hop class with Alberto and Ola
CLASSES
Venue:
B-Swing Studio
Račianska 72, 831 02 Bratislava

For the first time classes with world-famous teachers will be part of BLEX! Alberto and Ola are going to join us for two special classes during Saturday morning. One of them will be a Solo Jazz oriented class with Alberto and the second one will be a Lindy Hop Class for open level where Alberto will be joined by Ola.

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
CITY CENTER TOUR & SOCIAL
Venue:
Mirbachov palác
Františkánske námestie 8-11, 811 01 Bratislava

Welcome to our enchanting social event at Exchange in Bratislava's historic center! Step into a beautiful building and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this captivating city. You can enjoy a little sweet bar, made by our volunteers, and coffee. But our social is more than just dancing; it's a chance to explore the beauty of Bratislava's historic center. Join our short guided tours and discover the hidden gems and fascinating history that this city holds.In this warm and inviting atmosphere, we eagerly await moments of camaraderie, laughter, and shared experiences. Exchange is not just about the dance floor; it's about connecting with others through conversations and the joy of being together. .

from 7:30 p.m.
Party
AppenDixie -
Taster Class: Alberto and Ola
Venue:
Kamel Klub(Karloveské Centrum Kultúry)
Molecova 2, 841 04 Karlova Ves

Saturday party will start at 8 p.m. with a taster class by Alberto and Ola. There will be a special band Appendixie, M&M competition, vintage corner.


What can you expect in detail from Saturday night?

  • from 8 p.m. taster class Alberto and Ola
  • from 9:10 p.m. AppenDixie (CZ)
  • at 9:50 p.m. the prelims and at 11:45 p.m. finals of Mix and Match Competition
  • Photo Corner
  • Vintage corner, Náušky od Dášky, ReTie by Ema
  • dancing until late night/ early morning

October 15, 2023
from 12:00 p.m.
Brunch, coffee and dance
Venue:
Lodenica Caffe
Karloveské rameno 1, 841 04 Karlova Ves

For Sunday, we prepared a chill out lunch. Come and have a nice meal, chat with friends, have a coffee and cake, or just enjoy the atmosphere with a glass of wine and a dance.

08:00 p.m. - 02:00 a.m.
Farewell Party
DJs spotlight -
Taster Class: Jacek and Łukasz
Venue:
Kamel Klub (Karloveské Centrum Kultúry)
Molecova 2, 841 04 Karlova Ves

The Sunday Farewell party will be located at Kamel Klub. We will enjoy this evening with the amazing DJs. We will start with a taster class at 8pm. with great teachers Jacek and Łukasz . Afterwards we will dance until we drop :)

Performers


  • Ondřej Havelka & his Melody Makers

    (CZ)

    Bratislava Hot Serenaders

    (SK)

    AppenDixie

    (CZ)

    Alberto

    (IT)

  • Ola

    (PL)

    Jacek and Łukasz

    (PL)

    Janči a Veronika

    (SK)

    DJ Julia

    (PL)

  • Swingtime DJ Stephan

Ondřej Havelka & his Melody Makers
(CZ)

Authentic sound, old-time's stylization and an attractive show full of sight and great musical performances will bring you to the early 30's to early 40's. The repertoire of the 15-member orchestra is truly varied, sweet jazz, hot jazz, from Hollywood musicals to the performances of great swing big-bands.

Bratislava Hot Serenaders
(SK)

The Bratislava Hot Serenaders orchestra belongs to the list of the few strictly “early jazz” oriented bands in the world. The band’s 20 enthusiastic musicians have played together without interruption since the formation of the group in season 1991/1992. Their playing adheres to the sound, style, and feel of such orchestra’s as Paul Whiteman, Jean Goldkette, and Duke Ellington, in addition to featuring Czech, Slovak, and other European classic jazz tunes of the period. The Bratislava hot Serenaders are well established outside of Slovakia.

AppenDixie
(CZ)

AppenDixie is a band that is driven by the local swing dance scene. Combines the elements of the early swing and traditional jazz with a slight touch of craziness.

The band has been given a great oppurtunity to play at big dance events and are a regular part of the Prague Swing festivals (PSSF and PSX). Along with the Prague’s festivals the AppenDixie has played for the lindy hop scene of Brno, Dresden, Pilsen and by the end of 2017 they’ll have played for Vienna as well. (We all do like it hot!)

The band regularly organises dance parties themselves and raid the existing ones with their powerful live music.

Alberto
(IT)

Alberto Meucci (IT)

Alberto discovered Lindy Hop in 2015 and it was love from the very first dance.

He sees inspiration in every Lindy Hopper - regardless of whether it is his teacher or student - each meeting on the dance floor brings something new. Dancing gives him energy and a curiosity to always learn more about the history of the dance. His pockets are full of rhythmic variations and ...jokes. He comes from picturesque Genoa in Italy, while currently he lives and teaches in Warsaw.

Ola
(PL)

Ola Szatkowska (PL)

Ola started her dance adventure in 2010 with Boogie Woogie and little did she know how this hobby would evolve and change her life in the future. A few years later, after attending her first swing festival ever she fully sold her feet, soul and heart to Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz. She strongly believes that being connected to the music is what’s most important in dancing - after all it’s the music that has started it all. Progress in dancing is for her a process that never ends and may be caused by many factors, that's why she draws inspiration from many sources, both from old clips and contemporary lindy hoppers. If you ask her what are the most important features a perfect dancer should have, she would answer: a good sense of rhythm, empathy and a sense of humor. This answer sums up what is the main focus in her classes. For a few years now Ola’s main area of interest are clips with female dancers from the swing era - she spends hours watching those and breaking down steps of chorus girls and single performers. Since 2020 she’s been a leader and choreographer of ShimSham Chorus Line - a dynamic group of fantastic women and talented dancers located in Warsaw. She’s a part of the Warsaw swing dancing community and teaches regular classes in ShimSham - Warszawski Swing school.

Jacek and Łukasz
(PL)

Jacek Pasternak (PL)

Jacek is a swing dancer, instructor and one of the most charismatic personalities on the Polish swing scene. He came across swing dance in 2016 and instantly became fascinated by that, especially by Charleston. He has performed a number of times at various shows and placed in many competitions in Poland (e.g. Retro Weekend Festival, Silesia Swing Festival, Mermaid Swing Festival) and abroad (Savoy Cup, Sofia Swing Festival). He is a passionate dancer, who strives to express himself better, putting authenticity, creativity and freedom first. Classes with him give a lot of joy and positive energy to each participant.

Łukasz  Furmanek (PL)

Did you know that Łukasz danced before he could even walk?! At least that's what his mommy says. Fate wanted him to put his first triple in 2018, soon after he started teaching others to take their first steps in Lindy Hop. In this year he was part of the Warsaw team that won the City Battle at the Savoy Cup. Łukasz claims that dance is primarily a dialogue and an opportunity to celebrate a moment with another person. Of course he loves switching roles too! During classes he is wholeheartedly involved in the needs of students, paying special attention to the connection between partners and having fun together.

Janči a Veronika
(SK)

Ján Kubriczký (SK)

Jan started dancing when he was 9. After almost 10 years of dancing Slovak Folklore, he decided to pursue what he loved and began to study Pedagogy of the dance at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. During his studies, he had the opportunity to familiarize himself with various techniques, such as ballet, jazz, modern or contemporary dance. However, finding about Lindy Hop in 2014 got him carried away, and the excitement never ceased to grow. Swing fascinates him in his improvisation and communication of the partners during the dance. For these reasons, you can always find a strong influence of the techniques, dynamics, rhythm and wildness of Slovak Folklore. As he wants to spread his joy of the dance to as many people as possible, he started leading the swing community of Bratislava. In teaching he pays attention to detail and to understanding the moves and motions.

Veronika Janáčová (SK)

Veronika started dancing at the age of four and has been dancing to this day. Originally she was a show dancer, but in 2014 she discovered swing dance and has stayed with it ever since. According to the motto of improvisation „yes, and…“ she encourages her students to be inspired by the music and fellow dancers and to push those inspirations further within their personal style. Musicality and playfulness is what she enjoys about swing, and in her lessons she likes to explore not only the individuality of each dancer but also individuality of each dance couple. She never says no to the opportunity to try a new dance and then likes to incorporate new techniques into her classes. She likes to attend international festivals and occasionally manages to place in a competition, but most of all she enjoys seeing the dancers of her local Bratislava scene become total swing enthusiasts.

DJ Julia
(PL)

Julia Pietrzykowska (PL)

Passion for jazz music has accompanied her practically forever and this is what attracted her to the world of swing. Shortly after she started dancing, she began to share her favourite pieces on local parties. She believes that the main job of the DJ is responding to current energy on the dancefloor, always putting the comfort of dancers first. Music is the main source of her dancing ideas and she loves sharing it with the others, and the artists that inspire her the most are Count Basie and Oscar Peterson.

Swingtime DJ Stephan

Registration


Ľutujeme, ale registrácia je už zatvorená, tešíme sa na Vás.

Pokiaľ ste sa nestihli zaregistrovať, tak lístky na sobotu a nedeľu sa budú dať zakúpiť aj na mieste. Fullpass, žial už nie.

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We are sorry, but the registration is already closed, we are looking forward to see you.

If you didn\'t manage to register, you are still able to buy the tickets for Saturday and Sunday on the spot. But unfortunately not for the Full pass.

For more information about the tickets please check the end of the About section

FAQ


I didn’t get any mail, what should I do?
If you signed up for Class Lindy Hop, a confirmation email with payment information will arrive as soon as your dance partner signs up or the system pairs you with a dance partner who also signs up by themself. We want the lesson to have balanced numbers of leaders and followers so that you can enjoy the lesson as much as possible. Also please check your spam folder if the email is not even there please write us to info@blex.sk. We will check what went wrong and give you all the needed information.
What do I get in Friday ticket for Veľký tanečný večer - Big Band Battle? (Full pass only)
As a part of full pass you’ll get ticket to Fridays Veľký tanečný večer with Bratislava Hot Serenaders and Ondrej Havelka & his Melody Makers// With the ticket you get place at the table on the balcony and, of course, entrance to the dance floor, where you can enjoy both Big bands.
I bought ticket but can not attend. What should I do?
We reccomend selling the pass. After selling of the ticket we need both seller and buyer to contact us via mail info@blex.sk. Selling a ticket 24 hours or less before the event is not possible.

Contact


Don't hesitate to contact us with any question

Email

info@blex.sk

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