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Balboa

Balboa is a type of swing dancing from Southern California.

 

In the 1920s and 1930s dancers in Harlem, New York were dancing Lindy Hop. At the same time, and to the same swingin' jazz music, dancers on the Pacific coast were dancing Balboa.

 

The beach ballrooms in California were so crowded that dancers had to use smaller-scale movement to fit onto the packed dance floors. And Balboa is the result!

 

Known as “the dancer’s dance,” Balboa is rich in detail. It is elegant, upright, and features a close connection and lots of fancy footwork. It is perfect for dancing to blazing-fast tempos without breaking a sweat. 

You'll find Balboa around the world today. It's the subculture of the swing dance subculture! 

Check out some videos of Balboa here.  

Balboa Classes

Do people keep asking you, “Do you Bal?” when you are out social dancing? Wish you could say, “Yes!”? 

 

We offer 4 levels of Balboa classes so you can say a great big YES next time you are asked. See our class descriptions below. 

Classes run in 6-week seasons. Visit our Weekly Group Classes page to see what levels are currently being offered and to register. 

Balboa 0 - Beginner Balboa is only offered periodically. So if you see it on the schedule–don't wait! 

  • Swing 0 - Beginner Lindy Hop (6 weeks)
    Brand new to Swing Dancing? This is the place to start! In this 6-week course you will learn the 8-count Lindy Hop basic step and some fun social moves. Your instructors will clearly break down all the steps. So even if you have never danced before in your life you will feel comfortable in this class! The best part - since swing is a social dance we focus on having fun and connecting with other people! You rotate partners during the class like you would at a social dance so you get to know everyone. This means you don’t need to bring your own partner! After the 1 hour of class instruction, there is ½ hour of guided practice time. During this ½ hour you can continue dancing with your classmates and with the teachers. It is the perfect time to work on your new moves! At the end of the course you will be ready to go out social dancing! Many people just like you have been surprised with how they “feel like a dancer” after taking this class! Check out our Beginner Classes page to join an upcoming class!
  • Swing 1.1 - Lindy Hop FUN-damentals (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 0 You’ve got the basics under your belt. Now it’s time to learn some cool moves! In this course you will unlock some FUN-damental lead and follow skills. You’ll apply these skills right away to some classic Lindy Hop moves. PLUS - this is the course where you learn The Shim Sham. The most classic of the Lindy Hop mob dances! By the end of the 6-weeks you’ll be dancing full slow-to-mid tempo songs with your expanded vocabulary, fluid transitions, and some personal styling! Note: To take this class you should have a good handle on the basic 8-count Swing Out from the Swing 0 course. This course is going to build on your Swing Out. If you don’t remember what the Swing Out is, or know your Swing Out is a bit wobbly, do yourself a solid and take Swing 0 a second time around so you can really nail it. Lots of people do this, some even retake it more than once! You know yourself best. Use coupon code TWICEISNICE you’ll get 40% off when you retake the Swing 0 course.
  • Swing 1.2 - Intro to 6-Count Lindy (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 0 You know the basics of 8-count Lindy. But to be a Lindy Hopper you need to know 6-Count Lindy too. This course is your introduction to 6-count Lindy! In 6 weeks you’ll learn the 6-count basic step some of the most fun 6-count moves! You’ll continue to grow your leading and following powers by learning about stretch and compression. Master stretch and compression and all of your dances are going to be super-satisfying! By the end of the 6 weeks, you’ll be able to dance all your new moves socially. AND start to mix your new 6-count moves with your 8-count moves. (Say what!) Get ready!
  • Swing 1.3 - Spins, Stretch, & Flow (6 weeks)"
    Prerequisite: Swing 0 You’ve got your 8-Count Lindy basics down. You’re ready to add some slick spins. In this 6-week course, you’ll learn the proper technique to nail your spins and always be balanced. You’ll build the fundamental skills to fluidly lead and follow a variety of turning moves. This includes using your secret weapon, stretch, to make your moves really flow. This is the course where your non-dancing friends will start to tell you, “Wow! You can really dance!” Note: To take this class you should have a good handle on the basic 8-count Swing Out from the Swing 0 course. This course is going to build on your Swing Out. If you don’t remember what the Swing Out is, or know your Swing Out is a bit wobbly, do yourself a solid and take Swing 0 a second time around so you can really nail it. Lots of people do this, some even retake it more than once! You know yourself best. Use coupon code TWICEISNICE you’ll get 40% off when you retake the Swing 0 course.
  • Charleston 1 (aka Swing 1.4) - Intro to Charleston (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: None, but Swing 0 strongly recommended You can’t call yourself a Lindy Hopper unless you know some Charleston! Swing dancers often mix Lindy Hop and Charleston steps together in the same song. And Charleston is PERFECT for dancing to those faster songs that come on. This 6-week course will teach you the basics of 1930s partnered Charleston. You’ll learn all the classic kicks and core moves of this energetic dance. You’ll also continue to develop your leading and following powers with your secret weapons - pulse and connection! By the end of the 6 weeks you’ll have some impressive new moves to show off. AND - you’ll want to dance all the fast ones at the next social! Get ready!
  • Charleston 2 (aka Swing 2.4) - Fancy Charleston (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 1 Series (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, & Charleston 1) You’ve got basic Charleston in the bag. But you’ve seen some fancier stuff happening out on the dance floor. Fancier stuff like Tandem Charleston, Sailor Kicks, and some slick variations. Maybe you’ve even gone up to someone after seeing them dance and asked, “Hey, what was that cool move you did?” This course is all that and more! You’ll learn some of these fancier Charleston moves along with the lead and follow technique that makes them work. At the end of the 6 weeks you’ll BE the person being asked, “Hey, what was that cool move you did?”
  • Swing 2.1 - Mixing 6 & 8-Count Moves (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 1 Series (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, & Charleston 1) You’ve got the fundamentals of 6 & 8 count Lindy under your belt. But did you know - you can combine them? This class is all about seamlessly blending your 6 & 8 count moves. You’ll learn the tricks of how to clearly lead and follow the difference between these. (These tricks are going to be indispensable as you continue your swing dance journey!) You’ll also learn to create your own mixed patterns within a song to add lots of variety to your dancing! By the end of the course, you’ll be a boss at blending moves together.
  • Swing 2.2 - Mastering the Swing Out (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 1 Series (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, & Charleston 1) As a swing dancer, the swing out is THE iconic dance move in your repertoire. But did you know there is more than 1 kind of swing out? In this course, you’ll learn the different kinds of swing outs. You’ll also learn lots of juicy technique tips to really master each one. Want some flashly swing out stylings to show off? Guess what, this course has that too! At the end of the 6-weeks, your swing out will be transformed from basic to BADASS! Our most popular Swing 2 course - if you see this one on the schedule sign-up fast - it usually sells out!
  • Swing 2.3 - Adding Texture To Your Dance (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 1 Series (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, & Charleston 1) By this point, you are becoming a seasoned Lindy Hopper. This course is going to add some more seasoning! You’re going to dig into some details and nuances that will really make your dancing something special. Oh-so-satisfying stylings and variations that let you play and express yourself with each dance partner. You’re also going to learn some musicality tricks that will help your dancing match the song, even if you have never heard the song before! (Yes!) By the end of the 6-weeks you will feel more connected to the music. You will also feel confident adding some of your personality into each dance! This course is a game-changer for many dancers! Get ready!
  • Swing 3.1 - Triple Step Anchoring (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 2 Series (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, & Charleston 2) Have you always wondered how advanced dancers are able to so clearly and seamlessly dance complex sequences of moves? They are using something called - Triple Step Anchoring. In this course, you’ll learn how to use the last triple step of a move to reconnect to your partner and build up the stretch required for your next move. Anchoring is going to help you nail both linear and rotational moves. It’s also going to give you that extra-satisfying stretch that separates the intermediate dancers from the advanced dancers. At the end of the 6 weeks, your dancing is going to look and feel more grounded and stretchy.
  • Swing 3.4 - Level Up (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 3.1, 3.2, & 3.3 Your dancing has great structure–now it’s time for some POLISH. This course is an overview of the technique and core moves from your Lindy 3 Series classes. You’ll be digging a bit deeper into your personal technique for leading and following. You’ll be combining improvisation and personal styling into your dancing. AND you’ll be developing some more advanced musicality skills. By the end of the 6 weeks you’ll be dancing an advanced repertoire of moves to fast songs - and looking darn good! Get ready to shine!
  • Swing 3.2 - Mastering 6 & 8-Count Transitions (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 2 Series (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, & Charleston 2) You’re pretty comfortable mixing 6 and 8-count moves in your dancing. But now it’s time for really nailing those transitions! This 6-week course is going to give you some tools and tricks for terrific transitions! You’ll learn how to use your frame to lead and follow a variety of transitions with ease. By the end of the course, you’ll be seamlessly stringing together some new flashy 6 & 8-count moves! Including some classics that every Lindy Hopper should know!
  • Swing 3.3 - Overrotation & Line Changes (6 weeks)
    Prerequisite: Swing 2 Series (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, & Charleston 2) Want to be able to choose the direction of your dance moves with laser precision? In this course, you’ll learn how to set-up and follow through on some killer rotational, overrotated, and linear moves. Being able to clearly lead and follow rotational vs linear moves will make your dancing look and feel incredibly confident and intentional. You’re not just doing your swing out anywhere. You are doing your swing outs exactly where you want them to be. By the end of the 6 weeks you’ll have a whole new set of rotational moves in your repertoire (like the whip swing out!). You’ll also be able to establish clear, intentional lines with your dancing. These skills are handy when you’re on a crowded dance floor. But are also invaluable when dancing in competitions and choreographies.
  • Swing 4 - Advanced
    Are you an advanced dancer? Looking for a challenge? Our Swing 4 group runs periodically. Topics are customized to suit the group. Examples of past topics include: - Developing Personal Style - Advanced Musicality - Competition & Show Skills - Partnership Skills - Rhythm Is My Business - Advanced Rhythm Variations Don't see Swing 4 on the schedule? Send us an email to let you know you are interested and what topic(s) you would love to have!
  • Which Balboa Class Level is Right For Me?
    Never taken a Balboa class before? Start with Balboa 1.1. Tried a Balboa Taster class but have not taken regular Balboa classes? Start with Balboa 1.1. Do you have experience with other partner dances? Have you taken ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, or other styles but this is your first time taking a Balboa class? Start with Balboa 1.1. Even if you are a seasoned dancer in another style you’ll want to start here. The connection and moves in Balboa are much different than other dances. Do you have Balboa experience from another studio or city? Send us an email at info@lindyhoprevolution.com to schedule a level check. A level check is a 5-10 minute meeting where you will dance with an instructor to find out which class level is the best fit for you. Our curriculum is different than other studios so a level check is the best way to make sure you register for the right level. Check out our Balboa class descriptions here. Getting back into classes after taking a break? If you have taken a break from Balboa classes and are getting back into it we recommend re-taking the last level you took, or an earlier level, to get up to speed again. If you don’t remember what level that is please send us an email at info@lindyhoprevolution.com and we can check. You can also ask for a level check if you wish. Want to fast-track through a level to join a higher-level class?You can take private lessons to get up to speed fast. On average you can cover the material of a 6-week season in 1 to 3 private lessons.
  • What Swing Dance Class Level is Right For Me?
    Never taken a Lindy Hop class before? Start with Swing 0. Do you have experience with other partner dances? Have you taken ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, or other styles but this is your first time taking a Lindy Hop class? Start with Swing 0. Even if you are a seasoned dancer in another style you’ll want to start here. Lindy Hop is different than other partnered dances and Swing 0 will give you the foundation you need to also become a seasoned Lindy Hopper! Have you gone to a drop-in or taster class somewhere? If you have attended a drop-in or taster class at our Monthly Party, an Open House, Saturday Night Swing, or UT-Swing you have had a taste of swing dancing. But these classes are not progressive. Start with Swing 0. Why Swing 0? Swing 0 will give you a solid foundation of what makes Lindy Hop, Lindy Hop! You will learn the Swing Out in Swing 0. You will need to know the Swing Out before taking other higher class levels at our studio. Do you have Lindy Hop experience from another studio or another city? Send us an email at info@lindyhoprevolution.com to schedule a free level check. A level check is a 5-10 minute meeting where you will dance with an instructor to find out which class level is the best fit for you. Our curriculum is different than other studios so a level check is the best way to make sure you register for the right level. For descriptions of our levels check out this page. Are you getting back into Lindy Hop after taking a break? If you have taken a break from Lindy Hop classes and are getting back into it we recommend re-taking the last level you took, or an earlier level, to get up to speed again. If you don’t remember what level that is please send us an email at info@lindyhoprevolution.com and we can check. You can also ask for a level check if you wish. Want to fast-track through a level to join a higher-level class?You can take private lessons to get up to speed fast. On average you can cover the material of a 6-week season in 1 to 3 private lessons.
  • What Do I Do If I Am Sick or Need to Miss a Class?
    If you are sick–please stay home. If you have to miss class for any reason please send us an email at info@lindyhoprevolution.com as soon as you know. You don’t need to tell us why if you don’t want to, just a simple, “I will be missing class tonight” will do the job. Letting us know you will be away gives us a chance to find a helper to fill in so we can balance the number of leads and followers in your class. You will still get the recap video for the day you are away. Watch the video at home and you’ll be ready for the following week. Each class starts with a short review of the previous week. If you miss 1 class don’t worry! You can catch up. We do not offer refunds or credits for missed classes.
  • Do You Offer Refunds or Credits?
    If you email us more than 24 hours before the first class in your 6-week season you can get a full refund, less a small $5 processing fee, or a credit you can apply to future classes. If it is less than 24 hours before the first class in your 6-week season we do not offer refunds. This is our policy. We do not offer refunds or credits if you miss one of your classes. You will still get the recap video. This is our policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule your private lesson 24 hours notice is required. If you cancel or reschedule less than 24 hours before your private lesson you will be charged the full rate.
  • Where Can I Find Swing Music to Practice To At Home?
    Check out our LHR Playlists on Spotify for music we have curated for practicing Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Solo Jazz!
  • What Kind of Clothing Should I Wear To Class?
    Something comfortable that you can move in. This can range from gym clothes to business casual if you are coming straight from work, to jeans and a t-shirt. If you like dressing up a bit you are welcome to of course! For class - you be you! As long as you can move around easily you’ll fit right in. Check out our blog post How To Nail Your First Swing Dance Class for more tips!
  • Where Can I Go Social Dancing in Toronto?
    Check out: - Monthly Lindy Hop Revolution Social Dance - Bi-Weekly Thursday Night Swing at Lindy Hop Revolution - Saturday Night Swing run by our friends at Swing Toronto every Saturday night! For a full listing of where to dance in Toronto each week visit Toronto Lindy Hop's website and subscribe to their free newsletter. The best event listing for dancers! On Facebook? Join the Toronto Swing Dance Plans Facebook Group and see what places other dancers are hitting up this week so you can join them!
  • Which Solo Jazz Level is Right For Me?
    New to solo jazz? Solo Jazz 1 is for you! Know a bunch of solo jazz moves already? Choose from Solo Jazz 1 to practice and polish your moves or Solo Jazz 2 for a challenge. Check out our Solo Jazz page for more details.
  • Can I Try a Class Before I Register For a Full 6-Week Course?
    Yes! We run Open House days with Free Taster Classes 3-4 times a year. Get on our email newsletter so you’ll be the first to know when the next one is happening. You can also come to one our of Monthly Swing Dance Parties and join the drop-in lesson at the beginning to see if swing dancing is for you.
  • Where Do I Find The Link To The Recap Videos For My Class?
    After your first class you will receive an email from the studio with a link to a Youtube video playlist for your class. We usually send this email 2-3 days after your first class. All of the videos from the 6 weeks of your course will be on this playlist. SAVE THIS LINK. The videos from all of the weeks will be added to this same link. If you have not received the email with the link after 4-5 days please reach out to us at info@lindyhoprevolution.com These videos are for your own personal use and we ask that you do not share them with people outside of your class.
  • What Should I Bring To Class?
    Bring a pair of clean, comfortable indoor shoes and a water bottle. Some students also like to bring breath mints or gum and a small towel in case they get sweaty. Check out our blog post How To Nail Your First Swing Dance Class for more tips!
  • Do I Need a Partner?
    You do not need a partner to register for our classes. Swing is a social dance where every song is danced with a different partner. We keep with this spirit in our classes. In class, you will rotate partners frequently. Check out our blog post How To Nail Your First Swing Dance Class for details on how class rotation works.
  • What Kind of Shoes Should I Wear To Class?
    To keep our wood dance floors clean we ask that you bring a pair of indoor shoes to change into before your class. Flat, comfortable, indoor shoes are best. Bonus if the bottoms are smooth! A pair of low-tread sneakers or dress shoes are a great option. Many students wear Keds, Vans, Toms, Converse, ballet flats, oxfords, or a simple dress shoe. You likely already own something that will do the job! Check out our blog post How To Nail Your First Swing Dance Class for more tips!
  • Where Do I Buy Dance Shoes?
    You don’t need fancy, expensive shoes to take swing dance classes. Many students wear Keds, Vans, Toms, Converse, ballet flats, oxfords, or a simple dress shoe. Something with a smooth bottom and low-tread will do the job! You likely already own something that will work. If not, you can find these types of shoes at a local shopping center. However, if you want to invest in some shoes made for swing dancing, check out these brands to start: Slide & Swing Swivells SAF Shoes We are not affiliated with any of these brands, they are just brands our teachers and students have purchased and love. There are dozens of other swing dance shoe brands out there as well.
  • Balboa 1 - FUNdamentals
    6 weeks - 1 class per week Format: 1.5 hour classes Prerequisite: Balboa 0 No partner required. You rotate partners often in class. You’ve got your Balboa basics down. Now it’s time to add a few more FUNdamentals. In 6-weeks you’ll learn necessary Balboa vocabulary, easy-win transitions between moves, and the technique to make you the best Balboa partner you can be!
  • Balboa Discovery
    6-week seasons Rotating topics each season Format: 1.5hr classes Prerequisite: Balboa 1 or equivalent No partner required. We rotate partners often in class. (This course replaces previous Balboa 1.3-3.4 levels) You’ve got your Balboa basics in the bag. This is where the real fun begins. This course will guide you in discovering all the must-have moves and stylings every Balboa dancer needs to know. You’ll continually develop your body awareness and technique to make your Balboa look and feel polished. Each 6-week season will have a different theme announced. The theme will be a focus for the 6-week course. If you are an intermediate or advanced dancer this course will provide you with lots of challenge and growth.
  • Balboa 0 - Beginner Balboa
    6-Week Course - 1 Class per week Format: 1.5 hour classes Prerequisite: None No partner required. We rotate partners often in class. Have you been wanting to learn Balboa? The wildly popular swing dance from 1930’s California? This is the place to start! In this class you will learn the connection, posture, and core moves of this dancer’s dance. In just 6 weeks you’ll have all the basics you need to start enjoying Balboa on the social floor right away. If you have never tried Balboa before, or want a refresher on the basics after taking a break, this is the class for you!
  • Balboa Explorers
    6-week seasons Rotating topics each season Format: 1.5hr classes Prerequisite: Instructor permission required. Students in Balboa Explorers have shown consistent commitment to their Balboa classes for 2-3+ years and can smoothly execute all the content of Balboa Discovery with proper technique. No partner required. We rotate partners often in class. You’ve been doing this Balboa thing for awhile. You can probably say you are addicted to it. This is the course where Balboa geeks like you unite and explore new topics and constantly push your boundaries. Each season will have a different theme announced that will be a focus for the 6-week course. Themes are a deep dive into technique, complex move combos, fancy footwork, self-assessment, and more!
Balboa Videos

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