The Akbank Jazz Festival, one of Akbank's longest-running culture and art projects, supporting arts and artists since its very beginning, is preparing to transform the city into a jazz mood for the 28th time with a rich program containing brand new rhythms and colors. In the 28th Akbank Jazz Festival - Oct. 17-28 - surprise names and important representatives of jazz, such as Jamie Cullum, Till Brönner Septet, The Bad Plus, Avishai Cohen Quarter and Tarkovsky Quartet will appear.

Apart from the accomplished musicians, workshops will integrate audiences with the rhythm of jazz via dancing and tapping.

Swing jazz, Lindy Hop dance

The Lindy Hop made history in New York during the Swing era, known as the Golden Age of jazz, and was lived at full speed from the mid-1920s until the end of the 1940s. This swing dance genre, featured in numerous Hollywood movies of the 1940s, later evolved into rock 'n' roll. The liberating Lindy Hop experience continues today to attract enthusiasts around the world. In this one-hour workshop, Istanbul Lindy Hoppers will share the non-stop joy of this partner dance with participants. Be prepared to let yourself go with the rhythm of one of the most influential dance steps of the 20th century. The workshops are on Oct. 20 and 21 at Stüdyo Harlem in Taksim and Stüdyo Savoy in Kadıköy, respectively. Attendance is limited to 25 people.

Swing jazz, Solo jazz

Istanbul Lindy Hoppers will hold a 1-hour solo jazz workshop for those who want to feel the happy vibes of the Swing Era. By attending this workshop, not necessarily with a partner, you can be introduced to solo jazz and cheer up your steps following the most vibrant rhythms of jazz. The workshops are on Oct. 20 and 21 at Stüdyo Harlem in Taksim and Stüdyo Savoy in Kadıköy, respectively. Attendance is limited to 25 people.

Jazz tap

Tap is a solo jazz technique characterized by creating a rhythm using the sounds made by tapping the floor with the feet. Become acquainted with this dance form, which is based on entertainment and improvisation, contains the jazz steps of the 1920s and combines musicality and a sense of rhythm. The workshop is on Oct. 21 at Stüdyo Savoy in Kadıköy. Attendance is limited to 25 people.

Swing kids

We can observe the concept of "being oneself" through children, giving them the opportunity to freely create and live the moment. Dancing teaches children to recognize themselves and their bodies while also communicating with others.

In this workshop, we will play games with children and dance with them to the accompaniment of jazz tunes. This workshop is designed for children from 12-years-old. The workshops are on Oct. 20 and 21 at Akbank Sanat in Taksim and Stüdyo Savoy in Kadıköy, respectively.