Cold Fusion – Vineyard Edition
Date: February 21st – 23rd 2025
Location: Bad Dürkheim and Heidelberg, Germany
Cold Fusion is back – and this time, we’re taking you to a truly special place: Bad Dürkheim, Germany!
We’ll gather at Bad Dürkheim’s well-known Fitz-Ritter Winery, a historic estate founded in 1785. This family-run winery offers a warm, authentic setting that reflects the relaxed beauty of the Rhein-Neckar region. You’ll dance in a charming wine cellar, taste exquisite wines (optional), and maybe even craft Flammkuchen (an Alsace-style pizza)—all while connecting with amazing people. If you prefer a little fresh air, you can also join a short hike through the scenic vineyard hills.
On Sunday, we’ll move the festivities to the city of Heidelberg, where we’ll explore its historical streets and end with a farewell dance party. To help you plan your stay, we’ve outlined our accommodation options, travel details, and how we’re making this event both affordable and creative.
Join us for a weekend in February 2025, let the rhythm move you, and leave your worries behind as we embark on this journey together.
Don’t Miss Out on the Ultimate Winter Vineyard Dance Experience!
Registration: Registration can be done via this link: Registration link
Donation Range: 60–180€ (we suggest ~120€). The more you contribute, the more add-ons we can include (see Stretch Goals below).
Event Highlights:
- 💃 Fusion Dance: Workshops, social dances, and jams in unique and inspiring settings, including the wine cellar at Fitz-Ritter.
- 🍷 Wine Experiences: Optional wine tastings and the opportunity to learn about the region’s renowned winemaking tradition.
- 🍕 Flammkuchen Workshop: Try your hand at making this Alsatian specialty with guidance from a local chef.
- 🌿 Nature & Relaxation: Stroll or hike through the picturesque vineyards of Bad Dürkheim.
- 🔥 Cozy Evenings: Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere with fire pits and torches (stretch goal-dependent).
- 🏰 A Grand Finale in Heidelberg: On Sunday, we’ll explore the enchanting city of Heidelberg, ending with a farewell dance party in its historic surroundings.
- 🎨 Creative Activities: Participate in collaborative art projects or enjoy optional cultural experiences (stretch goals).
- 🎶 Music & Community: Experience live music (stretch goal), curated playlists, and the joy of connecting with fellow dancers.
A unique experience at a unique place
Experience the Fitz-Ritter Winery
The Fitz-Ritter Winery, located in the heart of Bad Dürkheim, is a place where tradition and charm come together.
Founded in 1785, this family-run estate is one of the region’s oldest wineries, known for producing quality wines and maintaining a deep connection to its surroundings.
With its historic wine cellar and scenic vineyards, Fitz-Ritter offers a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. It’s a space that reflects the relaxed and natural beauty of the Rhein-Neckar region, making it a fitting location for Cold Fusion – Vineyard Edition.
Hosting the event here allows us to bring together the joy of Fusion dance with the unique character of a traditional winery. Fitz-Ritter provides the perfect setting for a weekend of connection, movement, and discovery—without pretense, just genuine enjoyment.
Welcome to Bad Dürkheim
Activities and stretch goals
Activities and stretch goals
We’ll have Fusion dance events and a hike no matter what. Other experiences depend on total contributions. We plan to keep everyone in the loop about which stretch goals are funded, so you can see what we’ll add:
- Fusion Dance Classes
- Learning How to Make Flammkuchen
- Indoor Wellness Lounge
- Heidelberg Castle Tour
- Professional Band Performance
- Event Photographer
- Fire Pits and Torches on Saturday Night
- Collaborative Art Project
- Custom Souvenirs
How it Works:
- When you register, you’ll choose your donation level. If you want certain stretch goals to happen, you can note your preferences during registration (we’ll use community feedback as well as practical planning to decide the order of unlocking).
- We’ll announce on our website and in participant updates how close we are to each stretch goal.
What is Fusion Dancing?
Fusion dancing is a form of improvised partner dancing that occurs when dancers “fuse” or combine elements from two or more dance styles, or use elements of a dance style with music that is not typically associated with that dance style. There are no specific patterns, so there is a particular emphasis on the connection between partners. Fusion can be danced to many genres of music, and communities often have their own distinct dance and musical style. Although Fusion is not specifically related to Blues dance, the versatility of the Blues aesthetic lends itself well to crossing over to different dance styles such as Swing and Argentine Tango.
Here is an example:
Miscellaneous
Accomodation
To keep costs flexible, we have several accommodation options:
- Group Accommodation (~25€ per person/night)
- Simple dorm-style lodging with shared bathrooms.
- Great for a budget-friendly stay and a social atmosphere.
- Apartments/Villa (~50–60€ per person/night)
- More privacy and comfort; smaller rooms with shared or private bathrooms depending on availability.
Both options are heated and include basic amenities. If you prefer a hotel, Bad Dürkheim offers various choices, often within walking distance or a short ride to Fitz-Ritter. Additional details (e.g., how many bathrooms per accommodation, exact location) will be provided upon registration.
Travel Logistics
- Location & Accessibility: Bad Dürkheim is in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, approximately 30 minutes by train from Mannheim and 45 minutes to an hour from Heidelberg. It may not be as famous internationally, but it’s easy to reach by public transport or car.
- Heidelberg Finale: On Sunday afternoon/evening, we’ll relocate to Heidelberg.
- If you’re staying in Bad Dürkheim, you can travel back by regional train (last train at 23:45 from Heidelberg Hbf), but we recommend organizing shared cars.
- If you prefer, you can also arrange your departure directly from Heidelberg after the event.
Food & Beverages
- Wine Tasting (25€): Conducted by the winery owner. Book this during registration if you’d like to sample a range of local wines.
- Meals: Aside from snacks during dance events, you can find various cafés, restaurants, and grocery stores in Bad Dürkheim.
- Flammkuchen: If unlocked via stretch goals, we’ll host a fun hands-on workshop.
Family & Children
We primarily designed this event for adults who enjoy dancing, wine, and social activities, but we are definitely family friendly and are happy to have you join us with the whole family. If you’d like to bring children, please contact us in advance to discuss suitable accommodations and what parts of the event is suitable for children.
Co-Creation & Community
This event thrives on co-creation. Organizers are setting the stage, but the real magic happens with your ideas, energy, and help. Whether it’s volunteering during the event or suggesting new activities, every contribution counts. We believe that building a welcoming community is what makes Cold Fusion – Vineyard Edition truly special.
Friday (Bad Dürkheim)
- 15:00 – 16:00 | Arrival & Check-In
Get settled into your accommodation and find your way to the Fitz-Ritter Winery. - 16:00 – 17:30 | Meet & Greet + Space Setup
Help organize our dance and lounge areas, meet fellow participants, and ease into the weekend. - 17:30 – 18:00 | Event Introduction
A quick welcome where organizers share important info and answer any questions. - 18:00 – 20:00 | Dinner
Join us for a communal meal (on-site or local restaurant, depending on your preference). - 20:00 – 02:00 | Welcome Party
- 20:00 – 21:00: Optional Fusion Crash Course (if funded, led by professional instructors).
- 21:00 – 02:00: Main dance party with curated Fusion music. Late-night dancing and socializing.
Saturday (Bad Dürkheim)
- 09:00 – 11:00 | Communal Breakfast
Start the day with a relaxed, shared breakfast (indoors and cozy). - 11:00 – 12:00 | Short Hike (1 hour)
Take in the fresh air and vineyard views with a gentle walk near the winery. - 12:00 – 14:00 | Wine Tasting
If you’ve booked the tasting, join us for a guided session at Fitz-Ritter, sampling select wines and sparkling wines. - 14:00 – 15:30 | Workshops or Free Time
- Fusion Dance Workshops (if stretch goal funded)
- Or simply unwind, socialize, and explore the winery.
- 15:30 – 17:00 | Flammkuchen Workshop
Get hands-on with this Alsace-style pizza (depending on stretch goal). - 17:00 – 19:00 | Downtime / Personal Break
- If the Indoor Wellness Lounge stretch goal is met, take advantage of a cozy space to relax.
- Otherwise, wander through Bad Dürkheim, grab a snack, or mingle with friends.
- 19:00 – 20:00 | Dinner
Fuel up for the night ahead (on-site or at a local spot). - 20:00 – 02:00 | Big Fusion Dance Party
- 20:00 – 21:00: Collaborative Art Project (stretch goal).
- 21:00 – 23:00: Main social dance—possibly featuring a live band if that goal is met.
- 23:00 – 02:00: Late-night Fusion jam session.
(Throughout the day/evening, an Event Photographer may capture the fun if that stretch goal is unlocked.)
Sunday (Heidelberg)
- 09:00 – 11:00 | Morning & Check-Out
Pack up, grab a quick bite if you like, and prepare for departure. - 11:00 – 12:00 | Travel to Heidelberg
We’ll head to Heidelberg by train or carpool (about 45–60 minutes). - 12:00 – 13:30 | Brunch in Heidelberg
Enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the city’s charming cafés with the group. - 13:30 – 15:00 | City Tour & Street Dancing
Stroll through Heidelberg’s historic Old Town. If the mood strikes, we can have an impromptu Fusion jam in a picturesque square. - 15:00 – 16:30 | Castle Tour (Stretch Goal)
If unlocked, join us for a guided visit to Heidelberg Castle. Otherwise, use this time to explore on your own. - 16:30 – 18:00 | Free Time (Reduced)
Take a quick rest, shop for souvenirs, or grab a coffee. - 19:00 – 23:00 | Goodbye Dance Party
Our final evening of dancing at a local dance studio in Heidelberg—wrap up the weekend with smiles, new connections, and unforgettable memories.
(Participants may depart directly from Heidelberg after the party or return to Bad Dürkheim if preferred.)
Note:
- Schedule times and activities are subject to minor adjustments based on weather, venue availability, and funding for stretch goals.
- We’ll keep you updated on our stretch goal progress, so you know which activities will be definitely happening.
Do you have any questions, ideas or suggestions? Please let us know and send an email to: blues(at)boogie-woogie-club-nuernberg.de