Learn Balboa

A fast-paced dance in close embrace

Level description

Description

In this course you will learn the major basic of Pure-Bal Balboa, the original style of the dance. You will learn patterns like Paddles, Crab-Walk, Shuffles and variations on foot-work. At the same time we will work on integrating more musicality into your Balboa as well as refining the basic elements of the dance.

 

Level Guidance

A minimum of 14 weeks of Balboa classes is required to join. You should have taken at least 2 courses in Balboa in Happy Feet Studio or equivalent in other clubs to join. You should know the basics of Balboa, including the Balboa Basic, Come Around and basic Out & Ins.

Please note: There is partner rotation in all our Balboa classes to improve the leading and following skills of the participants.

 

Shoes

For followers: Slippery shoes are the best, and having dance shoes with a slightly elevated heel is even better. See an example here.

For leaders: Slippery shoes are the best, and having dress shoes with a classic heel is even better. See an example here.

Next round of classes
6th of March – 4th of May

Next Round of classes

8th of January – 29th of February

Registration for all courses is now open!

What is Balboa?

Balboa is a swing dance that originated in Southern California during the 1920s and enjoyed huge popularity during the 1930s and 1940s. It is a dance primarily danced to up-tempo swing jazz and is danced in a close embrace position as well as a more open, closed position.

Two styles of modern Balboa dance developed back in the early days of the dance.

“Pure Bal” is danced in close embrace and has developed as an answer to packed dance floors . Pure Bal has focus on footwork and musicality.

“Bal Swing” developed when Swing dancers started using Balboa steps in their more open-style dance. Bal Swing is danced primarily in open position, with a focus on figures, spins and turns.

On the social dance floor most Balboa dancers dance a mix of both during a song.

Recommended shoes for Balboa

Having slide-y or slick shoes is a big help to get the optimal Balboa experience. This is not a requirement but it will make it a bit easier to dance Balboa.

For followers:

Slippery shoes are the best, and having dance shoes with a slightly elevated heel is even better. See an example here. 

For leaders:

Slippery shoes are the best, and having dress shoes with a classic heel is even better. See an example here. 

Open Practice

Come and practice material from your class during Open Practice. It’s free  and open for everyone! Consider bringing a partner to dance with though. 

Swing Music

We have collected some of our favorite swing  songs, which are good for  practicing, and we put them together in a Spotify playlist 

Teachers

See our full teachers team consisting of almost 40 teachers, all very passionate and eager to share their knowledge with you!