Rouen will host a special evening dedicated to the power of jazz dance on March 5, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The event, organized by the association Happy Jam, will feature a screening of the short film “Les danses Jazz : danses sociales, politiques et émancipatrices” followed by a roundtable discussion.
The screening and discussion, scheduled from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Salle Ostermeyer of the Maison des associations (11 avenue Pasteur), aim to explore the social, political, and emancipatory dimensions of jazz dance. Happy Jam is presenting this event as part of the broader International Day of Struggle for the Rights of Women and Sexual and Gender Minorities, observed annually on March 8th. The event offers a space for collective reflection on the power of these dances.
Exploring the History and Impact of Jazz Dance
Happy Jam, a Rouen-based association, is dedicated to promoting African American jazz culture through the teaching and performance of jazz dances, including Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. According to their Facebook page, the organization currently has over 835 likes and is actively engaged in fostering a community around these dance forms. Learn more about Happy Jam on Facebook.
The upcoming event builds on Happy Jam’s commitment to showcasing the historical and cultural significance of jazz dance. The association emphasizes that these dances are not merely forms of entertainment but also carry social and political weight. The roundtable discussion will feature dancers from both Happy Jam and GardenSwing, promising a diverse range of perspectives on the topic. Happy Jam also offers regular classes in Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop at various locations in Rouen, including the Maison de quartier Binet and the Ibiza Club. Find details about Happy Jam’s classes on the Rouen.fr website.
Event Details and Registration
Access to the screening and roundtable discussion is free, but space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots through a Google Forms registration link, which is currently available. The event is designed to be inclusive and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the intersection of dance, social justice, and women’s rights. The short film itself promises to be a compelling exploration of these themes, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion.
Happy Jam’s 2025-2026 season is currently open for registration, with courses in Solo Jazz 2, Lindy Hop, and Solo Jazz Challenge available. The Solo Jazz 1 course is currently full. Membership to the association is required for all course registrations. Register for Happy Jam courses via HelloAsso.
This event comes as part of a wider movement recognizing the importance of International Women’s Day. In Paris, for example, a month of events is planned to highlight the struggles and achievements of women, including a literary event at the Hélène Berr Media Library on March 8th, 2025. Read about International Women’s Day events in Paris.
The event on March 5th, 2026, promises to be a valuable opportunity to engage with the cultural and political significance of jazz dance, and to celebrate the contributions of women and gender minorities. As Happy Jam continues to promote and teach these vibrant dance forms, they are also fostering a space for critical dialogue and social change.
What further discussions will emerge from the roundtable, and how will Happy Jam continue to integrate social and political themes into their dance programming? Share your thoughts in the comments below and assist spread the word about this important event.
