Pick ‘n’ Mix Program

We created an exquisite Pick ‘n’ Mix menu of >40 mind-blowing activities over 3 days for all tastes.

Let’s spice up your festival experience! These delicious activities are grouped according to different topics from which you can mix your most refined cocktail.

Check out the full program below.

Activities are kids-friendly and open level, unless specified otherwise.

Wanna add more Pick ‘n’ Mix credits to your Pass?

you can now add extra Pick ‘n’ Mix credits to your Pass at the same price of €15/credit. Go to the Registration page to make it happen.

During the Festival you can also buy more credits – if capacity allows for it – for €20/credit.

We answer a bunch of questions you might have below. If anything is unclear, get in touch!

pick 'n' mix

December 28th, 29th & 30th are jam-packed with activities across 5 different topics. You choose how many and which ones to do during the festival!

Read more about the topics here and discover the full Pick ‘n’ Mix program in detail below. Yes, the FOMO is real…

arts discovery

Upside Down Festival spotlights other arts forms you might not have explored before. Careful! Your boiling creativity might affect your dancing in unexpected ways.

One or two activities per day

body and soul

Give some tender loving care to your body and soul through introspection and discovery of their hidden potential. These sessions will nourish and energize you. And you’ll feel like your shining self afterwards!

Two activities per day

swing expansion

Let’s dance! A nice selection of jazz-related dance workshops facilitated by a diverse group of inspirers will allow you to expand your dancing skills. Surprise your friends with new moves and insights afterwards!

Multiple activities per day

topical talks

The Topical Talks are a deep dive into different intersectional topics. We’ll share experiences, good practices, thoughts, and doubts. These talks will benefit any curious dancer and community builder.

One talk per day

ghent exploration

Discover the marvellous city of Ghent and its lovely people in a surprising way. Perfect to escape the dancing bubble for a couple of hours before diving right back in!

One activity per day

Pick ‘n’ Mix Program

Sunday December 28th

Browse the activities by clicking on the tabs.

Korantema

The Thing About Swing: Zine Making

with Korantema (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec, 14:45 – 16:15 @ Wisper Attic

👯Max. 20 participants

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

A creative zine making* workshop exploring your relationship with swing and jazz.

*Zine making refers to the process of creating by hand or printing at home a publication devoted to a certain topic. Have a peek at Korentema’s Zines here.

Korantema
stephen atemie

Lindy Hop

with Korantema (she/her) & Stephen Atemie (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 10:30 – 11:30 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Join Korantema and Stephen for a Lindy Hop workshop! Together, you will be building ideas around music with basics you are already familiar with.

Dancing with Your Ears 

with Marie-Anne Standaert (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Ever wondered what really makes jazz swing? In this workshop we’ll dive into the rhythmic heartbeat of the music we all love to dance to. You’ll learn how to listen more deeply — to the groove, the phrasing, the layers of rhythm — and how to translate what you hear into your own movement.

Through playful exercises, clapping patterns, and small improvisations, we’ll explore how rhythm can travel from your ears to your body, and back into the music. Discover how to dance inside the music — not just to it.

No instrument needed, just open ears and a curious spirit!

New Jack Swing

with Briana Ashley Stuart (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Wisper Theater

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸‍♂️ Kids from 10+ years old welcome to join; younger kids welcome in the room if supervised by parent(s)

A vibrant workshop exploring the grooves and choreography of New Jack Swing, the late ’80s/early ’90s style blending R&B, hip hop, and funk.

Participants will experience the joyful fusion of rhythm, style, and community that defines this cornerstone of urban dance and music culture.

St. ShagBoa Swing Smoothie 

with Elke Van Marck (she/her) and Tomas De Gendt (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

It’s time to spice up (and speed up) your swing dancing! Luckily for you, St. Louis Shag is always ready to help, and Balboa, oh and Collegiate Shag too, of course.

You are familiar with steps, kicks and triple steps in couple dancing. Now let’s explore them in a juicy 1930s St. ShagBoa Swing Smoothie.

Stepping

with Briana Ashley Stuart (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Wisper Theater

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸 challenging/advanced

Stepping is a powerful African-American percussive dance. Briana will introduce some fundamental rhythms, body-as-instrument techniques and group coordination. She will as well challenge you with complex sequences, layering, and performance intensity—pushing rhythm, precision, and stamina while exploring the cultural roots of stepping.

Hand Clappin’

with David Butts (he/him) and Deena Stuckey (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 14:00 – 16:00 @ Doxtudio studio 2

🪙 counts as 2 Pick ‘n’ Mix credits

Step into the spotlight with “Mama’s Stew,” the show-stopping solo jazz routine made famous by Mama Lu Parks and her powerhouse Parkettes. This energetic piece captures the charm, precision, and flair of Mama Lu’s unforgettable performances.

Join us as we teach the choreography in its original style, celebrating history through movement. Everyone is welcome to dance and shine.

victor hristoskov

Finding Groove in the Silence – The Beauty of Doing Less 

with Victor Hristoskov (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 14:00 – 15:00 @ Doxtudio studio 2

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

We often think that more steps mean better dancing — but what if the magic hides in the quiet moments?

In this workshop we’ll go Upside Down and we’ll explore how pauses, stillness, and simplicity can bring out contrast, depth, and musicality. By doing less, you’ll learn how to say more — and let the groove breathe in the silence.

maria & aurélien

Inspiration from Harvest Moon Ball 

with María Ferrer (she/her) & Aurélien Darbellay (he/him) 

📅 Sun 28 Dec 15:15 – 16:15 @ Expeditie studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

In this class, we’ll explore movements, rhythms, and partner interactions inspired by authentic Harvest Moon Ball footage — the legendary dance competitions of the 1930s–40s. We’ll break down key ideas from those clips, and adapt them to our social dancing today.

Jazzy Workout

with Ann-Sofie Van Enis (she/her)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Doxtudio studio 3

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Get out of your mind and into your body! Jazzy Workout is an invitation to move continuously to the rhythm of jazz music and related styles with African American roots. The focus is on building endurance, working those muscles and increasing body awareness – all while having fun. This workshop will make you swing, sweat and smile!

Everyone and every body is welcome. Ann-Sofie will offer options to tailor the dancing to your abilities. If you have health concerns, talk to her at the start of the workshop.

Moving from Within: Listening to the Body in Motion

with Ashkan Taslimi (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 16:30 – 18:00 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸only for adults

🧳We dance barefoot. Please wear comfortable trousers and a long-sleeved T-shirt that allows you to move freely.

In this workshop, we go beyond the structure, technique, or style of the dance. We allow the body to guide us to express, connect and tune into our bodily sensations and emotions while moving and interacting with others.

Through individual practices, we explore the limits and possibilities of our bodies and gently challenge ourselves to move beyond those boundaries. Through playful partner and group exercises, we’ll enter more complex systems of interaction, where we need to adapt to new spaces while respecting both our own boundaries and those of others.

stephen atemie

Beyond the Basics: Navigating Conversations around Cultural Spaces Through Jazz Dance 

with Stephen Atemie (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec 14:30 – 16:15 @ Wisper music studio

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

In this session, Stephen Atemie — a British Nigerian dancer from London and a member of CVFC — will guide you through navigating deeper conversations around cultural spaces, such as jazz dancing and what we understand about the relationships to Black American culture and other cultures today. This session is intended for those who have already done some foundational work, or for anyone eager to dive into more nuanced conversations.

We’re grateful to welcome Stephen back — a gifted storyteller and experienced facilitator. The session will be interactive and include group exercises designed to encourage reflection, dialogue, and connection.

City Tour with all our Senses

with Lesta Woo (she/her) and Bart Schuddinck (he/him)

📅 Sun 28 Dec, 11:30 – 14:30

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

📍Meeting point to be decided

Description coming soon

Monday December 29th

Browse the activities by clicking on the tabs.

Unlock your Inner Fool

with Andreas Maier (he/him)

📅 Mon 29 Dec, 14:00 – 16:00 @ Wisper Theater

🪙 Counts as 2 Pick ‘n’ Mix credits

Fearless improv through clowning: join Andreas for a class full of playfulness, creativity and laughter. Together, we will tap into our intuition and imagination. Our inner fool helps us to discover the mesmerizing individuals we already are: unique, inspiring and authentic.

Imagine being able to express yourself without being afraid to be silly or judged. You are enough. Let’s connect and meet our inner fools!

Open to all levels of experience. No prerequisites required.

FAQs:

Q: I consider myself to be a shy person, should I attend?
A: This class is for you. You will undoubtedly benefit from it.

Q: What if I don’t feel creative?
A: You are invited to leave your inner critic behind and connect with the transrational joy of goofing around.

Q: What is clowning?
A: Come to the class and then let’s have a looooong chat over a coffee…

Soraya Bénac

From voice to voice

with Soraya (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec, 15:15 – 16:15 @ Doxtudio studio 3

👯Max. 20 participants

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Join Soraya for a discovering moment, in connecting Poetry to different art forms.

Words can tell stories

Rhythms can tell stories

Movement can tell stories

Music can tell stories

As an artist now tell your own story and combine it with poetry. This session is an invitation to create your own interconnection between poetry and different art forms.

Specific clues will be given to explore & combine  different types of rhythms and melodies related to jazz music, tap dance , jazz dance and poetry.

Movement Challenge (Solo Jazz)

with Kanini (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 10:30 – 11:30 @ Expeditie studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

We focus on body movement drills and isolations, and we explore polycentrism & polyrhythm.

Soraya Bénac

 Improv & Express

with Soraya Bénac (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Doxtudio studio 3

👯Max. 20 participants

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Deepen your own Artistic voice through improvisation & a mix of rhythm, movement & musicality of your body.

Specific exercices will be shared to help focusing on the interaction & the connection between rhythm, musicality and movement.

Experience different approaches to widen & explore languages of artistic improvisation, not only as individuals but as a group as well.

This open-level workshop is meant for all jazz Dancers, swing & tap dancers.

Beyond Connection

with Lesta Woo (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Expeditie studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸 Some partner dance experience needed, kids are welcome in the room but can’t participate

We explore the question: “Is there more to connection than just to music and to your dance partner?” Using a diverse range of dance techniques, sound based exercises, sensory deprivation (with blindfolds), maybe using different spaces, we develop our understanding of connection in dancing.

Rein Robberecht
victor hristoskov

Lindy Hop Switch Dancing: Present, Fluid and Fun

with Rein Robberecht (she/her) and Victor Hristoskov (he/him)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸Open level, minimum requirement: for dancers who are familiar with the most common shapes in 6 and 8 count in both roles.

Through games and challenges, we will explore concepts of presence and togetherness in switch dancing.

How can fluidity enhance our dancing, and give room for individuality and expression?

Let’s turn our switch dancing upside down.

Lindy Hop

with TBA

📅 Mon 29 Dec 14:00 – 15:00 @ Doxtudio studio 1

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Description coming soon

Feel the Groove (solo)

with David Butts (he/him) and Deena Stuckey (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 14:00 – 15:00 @ Expeditie studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Groove into David Butts’ original choreography set to “Watermelon Man.” This smooth, jazzy routine blends classic swing movement with modern flair, focusing on clean body isolations and smooth musicality. Come and join the rhythm, feel the funk, and let every note move you. All levels welcome.

Josephine Baker’s Steps and Attitude

with Brian Scott Bagley (he/him/they/them)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 15:15 – 16:15 @ Doxtudio studio 1

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Description coming soon

The Evolution of Rock and Roll through Dance

with David Butts (he/him) and Poppin’ Danys (he/him)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 15:15 – 16:15 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

From basement parties to bright spotlights, street dance has always been a story of invention. Join us as we break down the cultural glow-up of movement, one legendary step at a time: the Hucklebuck’s pulse, the Madison’s line dance precision, the Hully Gully’s hype, the Twist’s revolution, the Bugalu’s funk and flavor, Chubby Checker’s Fly, the Mashed Potatoes and Uncle Willy, and the James Brown groove that set the stage for the Moonwalk.

This class connects the dots and the dance. Come feel the legacy flow through you.

Honouring inner resources

with Kanini (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Wisper Photography studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

A self inquiry into inspiration & movement.

Movement Exhale

with  Monika Wikarská (she/her)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 16:30 – 17:30 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

A gentle, relaxing, yet energizing journey to unwind, let your experiences settle, and your body speak. Through rhythm, voice, and music, Monika invites you to soften into presence and integrate the memories of the past days — one exhale at a time.

Working with youth, families and communities 

with María Ferrer (she/her) and Sep Vermeersch (he/him)

📅 Mon 29 Dec 14:30 – 16:15 @ Wisper music studio

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Description coming soon

Ghent from the Water

with Sarah Persyn (she/her) and a guide

📅 Mon 29 Dec, 11:30 – 12:30

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

📍Meeting point to be announced

Ghent Upside Down? Admire our beautiful city in the reflection of the water!

We board a “whispering boat” (the Flemish word for an eco-friendly electric boat) in the heart of the old town and criss-cross the city by river.

Sit back, take in the view and learn more about the Ghentian past and present.

Tuesday December 30th

Browse the activities by clicking on the tabs.

It‘s only a Paper Moon

with Hannah Peifer (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec, 14:45 – 16:15 @ Wisper Attic

👯Max. 20 participants

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Moving Memories in Mixed Media

What does movement look like on paper? How does Jazz Music translate to cardboard? In this art class we draw inspiration from the rhythm and energy of dancers.

You‘ll get the opportunity to design a personal postcard or poster using the expressive and playful power of shapes, colours and letters. This class offers space for exploration and is open to people of all ages.

Create a personal memory and take away your piece of art or create something to send in someone’s envelope.

Soul Train Line

with Poppin’ Danys (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 10:30 – 11:30 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

In the 70’s, a legendary show started airing on American TV and became a pillar of african-american culture. Soul Train, directed and hosted by Don Cornelius, highlighted many aspects of what the community had to show, but the dance is the one element that defined its true impact.

Being a Soul Train Dancer wasn’t just about shaking your thanf to the music, it was about coming up with routines, signature movements and innovative creative ways to catch the eye.

In this class we’ll dive into some of the party grooves, dance styles and gimmicks that became worldwide known thanks to this show.

kelly isaac

Tap Jazz Fusion 

with Kelly Isaac (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Doxtudio studio 3

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Experience a class of Tap Jazz Fusion, blending the pulse, techniques, and rhythm of Tap  with the flair of Solo Jazz. This class explores the shared roots of both styles while working on timing, musical awareness, and rhythmic confidence.

Vocabulary Game (Solo Jazz)

with Kanini (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 11:30 – 12:30 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

A playful approach to vocabulary practice!

stephen atemie

Dancing to the Blues

with Stephen Atemie (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Doxtudio studio 3

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Join this Blues workshop with Stephen! It’s all about finding connection to the music and your partner, while both becoming followers of the music.

Groovin’ Lindy Hop

with Kanini (she/her) & Sep Vermeersch (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 12:45 – 13:45 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Description coming soon.

Afrodance

with Brenda Anyango (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 14:00 – 15:00 @ Doxtudio studio 1

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸 Kids from 12+ welcome to join

Feel the rhythm, move with joy!

During the Afrodance Workshop, we’ll explore a fusion of different African dance movements through an energizing choreography.

You’ll get to know the names, rhythms, and flow of various African music and dance traditions — and most importantly, we’ll have fun and enjoy the experience together!

Battle Skills

with Poppin’ Danys (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 14:00 – 15:00 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Confrontation through dance is a practice that brought many dance styles together, and became a celebration of virtuosity, mastery and creativity. But diving in this field is no easy business. What we nowaday call The Battle scene is wide and holds many concepts and approaches.

Battle skills is about understanding this field, knowing how to adapt physically and mentally to it, and making sure you stay connected to yourself while getting down.


maria & aurélien

Slow ideas for Fast dancing (partnered)

with María Ferrer (she/her) & Aurélien Darbellay (he/him) 

📅 Tue 30 Dec 15:15 – 16:15 @ Doxtudio studio 1

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Let’s dance to fast music!

María & Aurélien present some ideas for fast dancing, specific material to explore, and slow ideas for fast tempos without loosing the vibe.

Korantema

Solo Jazz

with Korantema (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 15:15 – 16:15 @ Expeditie Studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

🤸challenging/advanced

A fun and fast-paced solo jazz workshop with Korantema.

Healing Movement

with Brenda Anyango (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 10:30 – 12:30 @ Wisper Photography studio

👯Max. 20 participants

🪙 counts as 2 Pick ‘n’ Mix credits

🤸 Only for adults

Are you curious about what movement can do for you? How body-oriented therapy can influence your mental well-being?

Sometimes it can feel difficult or uncomfortable to express ourselves verbally. During the Healing Movements workshop, we explore — through movement, music, and silence — what our body wants to tell us and how it can support us in our daily lives.

We will cultivate a self-caring, compassionate, and creative attitude, learning to witness ourselves and others in a non-judgmental way and without expectations.

You will also learn how to surrender to movement and bodily sensations, allowing them to guide you. Through this process, your body awareness and sense of embodiment will deepen, which can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Brenda Anyango is a clinical psychologist and founder of SemaNami, offering talk and movement therapy (Healing Movements). As a Black clinician, she is passionate about the intersection of mental health and social justice, and is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health, especially within the African Diaspora.

Dance flow and stretch

with Bara Hřebačková (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 16:30 – 17:30 @ Expeditie studio

🪙 counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Strengthen and balance your body by working on your posture, stability, and core muscles to support your dancing.

In this session, we’ll start with a slow warm-up, continue with core and stability exercises, and then raise the energy with a cardio moment through dance.

Finally, we’ll slow down the mind and breath during stretching with yoga elements. Recharge your energy and take care of your body during the festival.

The Legacy of Mama Lu Parks

with David Butts (he/him) and Deena Stuckey (she/her)

📅 Tue 30 Dec 14:00 – 16:00 @ Wisper music studio

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

Mama Lu Parks changed lives. She inspired young dancers to chase big dreams, jump higher, shine brighter, and take up space like they belonged on every stage.

In this talk, David & Deena will share why her story matters so much to them. We’ll explore the joy, drive, and community power behind Mama Lu and her Parkettes through stories, video clips, and the legacy that continues to move our own feet.

Join us for a celebration of a woman who lifted up the next generation and made space for them to sparkle.

Swim & Sauna

with Frederik Engelen (he/him)

📅 Tue 30 Dec, 11:30 – 14:30

🪙 Counts as 1 Pick ‘n’ Mix credit

📍Meeting point to be decided

🧳What to bring: Swimwear, towel(s), flip-flops or comfortable pool shoes, a valid ID (no driving licence)

⚠️ If you join this activity, you need to bring your passport or Id to show at the entrance. No ID = no entrace.

Frederik has been a fixed value to the Ghent Exploration program and behold: he’s back this edition with a beloved activity!

Join Frederik for the most relaxing afternoon of the festival, a visit to Ghent’s swimming paradise and spa. At Lago you will find 3 waterslides, a wave pool, outdoor pool, water & air massages, 3 saunas, an olympic pool and much more.

Fast Answers to your Questions

I did not add (enough) Pick ‘n’ Mix credits, what to do?

  • From 1 November, you can add more credits to your Pass online for €15 per credit.
  • At the festival, you will be able to add (more) Pick ‘n’ Mix hours to your Pass or Ticket at €20 per credit. Do so by going to the registration booth in the jazz cafe or at the party venue.

How many credits should I add?

The full Pick ‘n’ Mix program with details is above. For each activity, it is shown how many credits it costs to participate. Some Pick ‘n’ Mix activities overlap with tracks or the Jazz Cafe. Have a good look so you don’t double book yourself.

Do I need a Pass to join the Pick ‘n’ Mix activities?

You can add Pick ‘n’ Mix credits on top of your Festival Pass, 4-day Pass, Afternoon Pass, Single Ticket or Weekend Ticket. Without a Pass or a Ticket, it is not possible to join these activities. With a Single or Weekend Ticket, you can also join Pick ‘n’ Mix activities on other days (28, 29 or 30 Dec).

Do I need to select the activities I want to do when buying the credits?

You can choose which activities to join at the festival. For most activities, you can walk in without reservation, as long as the venue is not too crowded. Some activities have a limit for the number of participants. For a few activities which we need to know the number of participants in advance, we will ask you to reserve your spot the day before, in an online document.

Important: Be on time. In case the venue is already too crowded or the balance is off in dance workshops, we might ask you to go to another Pick ‘n’ Mix activity.

What if I added too many Pick ‘n’ Mix credits?

The credits are charged onto your personalized, digital bracelet. They are not refundable, but you will be able to transfer credits to someone else at the festival. Come both to the registration booth at the Jazz Cafe or party venue.

How many Pick ‘n’ Mix credits do the activities cost?

1 or 2 credits. This is indicated in the description.

Can I join a Pick ‘n’ Mix activity later than starting time?

We close the doors of the venue 10 minutes after the start of the activity. If you are late, you will not be able to join this activity.