Brenda Jean Russell

Sometimes practice looks like this. Standing in a bar with live music, filming myself while couples dance nearby, working on how movement travels from the spine through the arms. Feeling a little shy. Trying not to be too self-conscious. But the Blues has a way of inviting you to soften, listen, and move anyway. Still learning. Still dancing. #bluesdancing #bluesmusic #dancepractice #danceimprovisation #bluescommunity

Sunday Movement Snack #4 – Spine (Floor Series)

A gentle 9-minute spine reset, mostly on hands and knees.

Simple movements to bring mobility and ease back into the spine — especially helpful if you’ve been sitting, traveling, or dancing.

(Older recording — sound settles after the first moment.)

Watch here:

Sunday Movement Snack #4 Spine | Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode Get more from Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode on Patreon

Sunday Movement Snack #3

A short neck and shoulders reset you can do anytime.

Just 8 minutes of simple movement to release tension and bring some ease back into the upper body.

Sunday Movement Snack #3 Neck & Shoulders | Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode Get more from Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode on Patreon

Sunday Movement Snack #2

Sunday Movement Snack #2 Gentle Spine Wake-Up | Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode Get more from Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode on Patreon

Spring has sprung in London — and the shift is palpable.

In Qi Gong, this is the season of the Wood element: connected to the liver, fascia, vision, and rising energy. After winter’s inward quiet, something begins to stir.

This Tuesday I begin a short seasonal transition series inside DanceMode in Motion.

We’ll explore:
• gentle spinal spirals
• awakening the fascia
• clearing winter stagnation
• supporting liver energy
• aligning with the natural upward movement of spring

🌀 Tuesdays
11:00am Pacific
2:00pm Eastern
19:00 London
20:00 Europe
Live on Patreon + replay available

Join us here:
https://www.patreon.com/DanceMode

Let’s rise into spring with awareness — not urgency.

Get more from Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode on Patreon creating Movement Based Lifestyle, Sensual Living, Social Dance

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B61Gp5rSg/
Join me for some movement

Easy Sunday Stretch | Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode Get more from Brenda Jean Russell - DanceMode on Patreon

Upcoming Schedule & Booking Availability

✨ Camp Balboa is Live!
The website is up, registration is open, and housing options are available.

🔗 Camp Balboa Website: https://www.campbalboa.com/

📝 Registration: https://forms.gle/Z2ac1tRgJLcFmHc87

February – Switzerland

• Feb 4–20 – Private lessons available in Switzerland

• Feb 14–15 – Balboa, Winterthur

• Feb 21–22 – Lucerne Blues Weekend
https://www.triplestep.ch/angebot-1/blues-workshop/

March

• Mar 7 – Zurich Jazz Blues
https://bluesli.ch/bluesli-brenda-march-2026/

• Mar 8 – Zurich Balboa
https://www.facebook.com/events/1396901805218559

• Mar 14 – Fusion, London
https://facebook.com/events/s/fusion-workshop-with-brenda-ru/3712666172204268/

• Mar 20–22 – Dance by the Lake: Spring Fusion Weekend, Orgelet (France)
https://facebook.com/events/s/dance-by-the-lake/1663208204845345/

April – June

▫️ Available for booking
(Local workshops, weekend intensives, and special projects welcome)

Summer

• Jul 27 – Aug 2 – Camp Balboa, Bern
https://www.campbalboa.com/

📝 Registration: https://forms.gle/Z2ac1tRgJLcFmHc87

• Aug 3–8 – Bern Jazz & Blues Week
https://www.rhythmrebels.ch/bluesdance

Fall

• Sept 24–30 – DanceMode Training Intensive, Berlin
https://www.berlindancemode.com/immersions

• Oct 1–4 – Berlin Blues & Fusion Experience
https://www.berlindancemode.com/festival

• Oct 5–11 – Camp Blues Berlin
https://www.berlindancemode.com/immersions

Booking Outlook

I am now available for booking from March 2026 through January 2027, with some additional flexibility April–June for local workshops.

If you’re dreaming up something for your community — or want to catch me while I’m nearby — I’d love to hear from you.

Looking forward to crossing paths on the dance floor soon.

Warmly,
Brenda Jean Russell
Dance Instructor & Movement Educator
DanceMode
📍 London · Europe · Portland
📧 [email protected]

📞 +1 503-998-7417

I've been asked for an Autism book list more times than I can count.

I have a much longer list, but this memoir-based, largely female-focused selection helped me feel “normal,” even “typical,” and—most importantly—not alone.

Autism Audio Book List

Memoirs & Lived Experience
1. Autism in Heels — Jennifer Cook
2. Drama Queen — Sara Gibbs
3. But You Don’t Look Autistic at All — Bianca Toeps
4. But Everyone Feels This Way — Paige Layle
5. The PDA Paradox — Harry Thompson
Memoir-driven exploration of PDA with insight and advocacy

⸻

Research & Neurodiversity Context
6. Divergent Mind — Jenara Nerenberg

Podcast: Oh, that's just my autism
https://open.spotify.com/show/4RDyBTLKsbzD5eyk6cLDvX?si=285e2fef5a74499e

Oh, That’s Just My Autism Podcast · Melissa Tacia · Join me (a woman in her 40’s) as I process the ins and outs of seeking, obtaining, and processing an autism diagnosis at the age of 41.