Bresse Swing Festival

Swing in all its forms

Born in 2023 from the passion of Frédéric Fayard, founder of the Fred Danse Académie, the Bresse Swing Festival has become in just a few editions the must-attend gathering for swing dance enthusiasts in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Located in Péronnas, on the doorstep of Bourg-en-Bresse, this intimate festival focuses on conviviality, sharing and teaching quality to offer an exceptional weekend for dancers of all levels.

A rich and varied programme

The festival offers a packed programme built around intensive classes taught by renowned instructors. Participants can learn or perfect their skills in several disciplines:

• Lindy Hop: the iconic swing dance, born in Harlem in the 1920s-1930s.
• Jazz Roots: the foundational steps of jazz dance, the roots of all swing dances.
• Boogie-Woogie: an energetic and joyful dance set to irresistible rhythms.
• Tap dance: the art of body percussion and rhythm.
• Fast Lindy: a fast and dynamic version of Lindy Hop.
• West Coast Swing: a contemporary evolution of swing, danced to modern music.
• Balboa: a fast and elegant partner dance, born in Californian ballrooms.

Passionate instructors

Each edition invites renowned instructors to share their expertise and love of swing. Among the regular teachers are Thomas Blacharz and Lisa Donnard for Lindy Hop, Olivier Potherat for Boogie-Woogie and tap dance, as well as dance couples specialising in West Coast Swing and Balboa. Teaching is tailored to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced dancers.

Two memorable evenings

The daytime classes give way to two dance parties that are the beating heart of the festival:

• Friday evening: DJ-led atmosphere with swing, blues and boogie music sets to ignite the floor from 8:30pm.
• Saturday evening: live concert by the Bresse Bounce Quintet, a swing band that gets the room rocking from 9pm with a repertoire of jazz, swing and boogie-woogie standards.

A spirit of sharing

What makes the Bresse Swing Festival unique is the warm and welcoming atmosphere that prevails throughout the weekend. Designed as a moment of sharing and exchange, the festival encourages encounters between dancers from all backgrounds. The Fred Danse Académie, a dance school established in Péronnas for several years, puts all its expertise at the service of this event, which contributes to the influence of swing culture in the Ain and beyond.