Feeling restless from being cooped up all winter long? Copenhagen in May has plenty of places where you can shake your tail feather. And with the sun shining, what better way to bring the heat? If you’re looking for something musical, two upcoming festivals will give you a way to take up salsa or tango − or both! These two sexy dances are often considered one and the same, but there is a big difference. Salsa is considered to be the party dance, with much more spinning and wiggling, while tango is the more mature, intimate dance. Both, however, are incredible ways to spend a weekend. If you’re plagued by two left feet, you can still stretch those muscles and learn capoeira, one of the most fluid martial arts. Ready to move? Here’s everything you need to know about adding more spice to your life.
Copenhagen Salsa Festival
In its third year, the Copenhagen Salsa Festival is gaining momentum. After all, a weekend full of intimate dancing is a fantastic way to step into spring. While Copenhagen may offer a handful of opportunities for you to shake it on the dancefloor, this weekend is a unique chance to break in those strappy sandals you promised you’d use.
With 42 workshops available throughout the weekend, this festival is sure to have something on offer for everybody. Beginners classes on Friday will introduce you to getting the basic motions of rhythm down, and the rest of the weekend will turn you into a dancing queen. Special instructors will specialise your steps, which you can show off at any − or all − of the three all-night-long parties.
Various locations in Cph; starts Fri, ends Sun; full pass 1,450kr, party pass 300kr, concessions available at door; www.copenhagensalsafestival.dk
Copenhagen Tango Festival
If one weekend wasn’t enough for you or you prefer the serious intimacy that comes with dancing the tango, you’re in luck. For five days, you have the chance to learn − and eventually love − this classic dance. The festival concentrates on Argentine tango, which dates as far back at the late 19th century and has become immensely popular in the last 15 years.
Each day, you can attend an afternoon milonga, or tango club, for free and do some dancing. Not there yet? Take an intro course to get yourself into the groove. Then, end your evening with a wonderful evening milonga with DJs and brilliantly beautiful dancing. This festival prides itself in taking dancing lessons seriously, so you will be sure to come away from this weekend a little sore but a lot better at the tango.
Various locations in Cph; starts Wed, ends May 12; pass 500kr for members, 600kr for non-members, concessions available; www.tangofestival.dk
Capoeira Batizado
For 16 years, Copenhagen has brought together people from all over Scandinavia to learn, advance and enjoy the great Brazilian art of capoeira. A martial art that errs on the peaceful side, capoeira blends dance and music with careful, swift motions that require much muscular discipline. Reap the benefits of the collection of masters who will be teaching all levels of skill. Lectures on power, atmosphere and the history of this esteemed martial art will take place, and you can even learn capoeira percussion. After a weekend full of sweat and energy, relax and join the party on Saturday night and celebrate!
DGI-Byen, Tietgensgade 65, Cph V; starts today, ends Sun; Tickets 650-750kr, available at door; www.senzala.dk/en/batizado
Dance Festivals
Various locations across Cph
