The weekend will feature multiple tracks, each with 4 hours of class time in the chosen dance style and level. You may choose between workshop classes in Balboa or Lindy Hop, with two different levels in each style. Each track will have a set of main instructors, which will teach the majority – but not all – of the classes for this track.

Levels

There will be no auditions, so we ask that you are honest when you evaluate your own level. If you are unsure about what level you should choose, or have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Beginner/Intermediate Level

You’re familiar with the basics of your chosen dance style and have practiced the fundamental moves. This level typically corresponds to about ½ – 1 year of regular classes, along with some experience on the social dance floor.

Here, you’ll focus on strengthening your foundation while expanding your dance vocabulary with variations on moves you already know. This level is ideal if it’s your first weekend workshop event.

Main instructors:

• Balboa: Linda Bergei & Andreas Bodsberg
• Lindy Hop: Annette Jahr & Petter Fornes

Secondary instructors:

• Balboa and Lindy Hop: Blake Thiessen & Grace Babbes

Intermediate/Advanced Level

You have a solid grasp of the basics and can confidently dance a wide range of figures and their variations in your chosen style. This level generally reflects a year or more of classes, consistent social dancing, and participation in one or more international-level events.

Expect a slightly faster pace, both in teaching and musical tempo, as well as opportunities to explore new ways of expressing yourself with the skills you already have.

Main instructors:

• Balboa and Lindy Hop: Blake Thiessen & Grace Babbes

Secondary instructors:

• Balboa: Linda Bergei & Andreas Bodsberg
• Lindy Hop: Annette Jahr & Petter Fornes

Instructors

We are elated to have a great lineup of local and international instructors for our weekend workshop classes, teaching tracks in both Balboa and Lindy Hop. Each track will have a set of main instructors, which will teach the majority – but not all – of the classes for this track.

Blake Thiessen & Grace Babbes

As Southern California college students, both Blake and Grace discovered swing dancing at their respective universities and were instantly hooked. With SoCal’s rich history and dozens of the world’s best dancers and instructors, they developed a relentless obsession for Lindy, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag, and regularly social danced up to five nights a week. Both together and with other partners, they have won a variety of national and international competitions including ILHC, Camp Hollywood, California Balboa Classic, Hot Rhythm Holiday, and Camp Jitterbug.

Blake and Grace share a deep reverence for history of the dance and music, especially the original dancers from Southern California, and often teach classes that focus on particular styles and techniques they used. As instructors, they emphasize beautiful basics, the joy of connected partnered movement, and how to connect the dance to the music.

We look forward to welcoming Blake and Grace to Trondheim for the first time. They will mainly be teaching the Balboa and Lindy Hop Intermediate/Advanced tracks.

Linda Bergei & Andreas Bodsberg

Linda and Andreas were pivotal in shaping Oslo’s Balboa scene and have since played a key role in establishing Trondheim’s Balboa community. Their journey with us began in 2022 when they launched the local scene with the first Balboa weekend workshop. Their engaging and practical teaching style has brought local dancers together and continues to attract participants to their workshops ever since. 

We are thrilled to welcome them back for their third Bal’heim, where they will mainly be teaching the Balboa Beginner/Intermediate track.

Annette Jahr & Petter Fornes

Annette and Petter started dancing while studying at NTNU in Trondheim. After years in Oslo they now live in Trondheim again. Annette is all about joining fun and technique in every song she dances to. Petter loves playing with the music and rhythm variations when he is dancing. Together they teach with a focus on fun play, nerdy technique and practical moves that work on the social dance floor.

We are excited to have them as teachers at Bal’heim for the first time, where they will mainly be teaching the Lindy Hop Beginner/Intermediate track.