WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The name Canberräng is inspired by the Herräng Dance Camp, a world-renowned festival for swing dancers held each year in the small seaside village of Herräng in Sweden. Back when our event first started way back in 2003, the idea was that if you couldn’t make it to Herräng, you could come to the next best thing instead – Canberräng! The name stuck and every August since we’ve been providing 4 days of top social dancing and live music.
WHAT IF I’M NOT A SWING DANCER?
Why not learn!? Jumptown Swing offers weekly classes and you can complete a beginner course in just 4 weeks. If you start in June (or even early July) you’ll definitely be ready in time to take to the dance floor in August. You can find more information about classes here.
Throughout Canberräng we’ll be dancing all over Canberra, so even if dancing isn’t your bag, you can come along to spectate and enjoy the wonderful music. You can buy tickets to each event online.
The jewel in the Canberräng crown, the Saturday evening ball is not to be missed, especially if you’re a fan of swingin’ jazz music. Even if you’re not a dancer, you can still come along and enjoy a first-rate live gig! On Saturday evening you can experience the incredible Andrew Dickeson’s Blue Rhythm band (Sydney) as they make us all swing at the Folk Hall. Buy tickets here.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Each Canberräng usually has a unique theme; however, there will be no theme for this year’s even other than “Finally back together again”! This means no worries: you don’t have to plan in advance, and wear whatever you’re comfortable with to any event. We don’t judge!
Traditionally though, the Friday and Saturday evening dances are a bit dressier (many people grab the chance to don their finest frocks and snazziest suits), while Thursday evening and Sunday tend to be more casual. Of course, these are guides only and dressing up is by no means compulsory.
The most important thing is that you’re comfortable and ready to dance!
