Balboa - Beginner and Intermediate 3 Week Series

Balboa is a dance named for the beautiful peninsula in Newport Beach, California, where it originated in the 1920s at the beach pavilion. “Pure Balboa” was characterized by a fairly upright posture with both dancers in close contact. There were no breakaways, spins, or turns allowed due to overcrowding on the dance floor. Later, when conditions permitted, dancers began to insert breakaways, turns, and spins in what was simply called “Swing” and, more recently, “Bal-Swing.” These movements allowed dancers to exhibit individual style while remaining true to the original feeling of the dance.

In the Beginner series, we’ll start with the basic 8-count footwork and will cover important concepts such as connection and pulse. We’ll also cover the come-around, the toss-out, paddles, as well as lollies if time permits.

In the Intermediate series, we’ll incorporate turns into toss-outs and lollies, and will aim to cover crossovers and swivels if time allows.

Dancers with little to no experience with Balboa should attend the Beginner class regardless of their overall level of dance experience – despite similarities between Balboa and Lindy-Hop, Balboa is a different dance from Lindy-Hop with its own specific skill set.

No partner is required. Further details:

Taught by: Andy Nishida and Marissa Rose

When: First 3 Thursdays in February

Where: The Dance Space (6004 West Broad Street in Richmond, VA)

Time: 7pm to 8pm – Intermediate

8pm to 9pm – Beginners

Cost: Individual classes: $15 for general public/$10 for students (no drop-ins after first week)

Single series: $25 for general public/$15 for students

Both series: $35 for general public/$25 for students

Questions: Contact Andy Nishida at andy.nishida@urs.com or John Ennis at j.m.ennis@gmail.com