COURSE SESSIONS

COURSES

If you're interested in learning how to dance balboa, join us for some fun and informative sessions. We have an amazing line up of international dancers/teachers who are here to help you learn balboa dancing.
Our classes our structured as a four week session, where instructors teach for at least one of those weeks. The classes are held on Tuesdays at:

Portsoken Community Centre
20 Little Somerset Street
London
E1 8AH

Below are some details about prices, itinerary and directions.

PRICES

A session is a four weekly classes. Our Instructors rotate every 4 weeks to ensure you get a variety of international teaching for your tuition.

Course

Price

1 Session (4 Weeks)

£90

The 2026 spring course is now available.

You can book a placement with dancecloud.

If you are experiencing financial constraints right now please message us directly. We would be happy to arrange things to make it more accessible for you.

CLASS ITINERARY

7:00 PM - Class begins

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2 hours duration

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Content taught will be focusing on the level stated in the session at the time of ticketing

Please be there on time as we will be starting promptly.
Bring slippery shoes, if you have them.

LEVELS

The classes we offer help beginners learn the dance and offer more experienced dancers a way to refine and their skills and become more creative dancers. Below is a short description of the type of experience needed to attend the beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.

BEGINNER
A dancer with little or no experience in dancing Balboa and Swing.

ADVANCED BEGINNER
A dancer with some experience in dancing Balboa and Swing. Fundamentals of Balboa and Swing and terminology and shapes is understood and practiced already.

INTERMEDIATE
A dancer who has more than a year of experience with dancing Balboa and Swing and is familiar with the terminology and shapes that the dance is known for. Some of these terms can include "up-holds", "down-holds", "come around", "lollies", "throw-outs" and "out and ins". Although a dancer can have more years of experience, sometimes they wish to develop the skills of these standard shapes to a greater degree and capability.

ADVANCED
A dancer with more than 5 years of Balboa dancing. This person can lead or follow the standard shapes of Balboa and Swing as well as more complex patterns. At this capability, the focus for the dancer is to further improve their understanding of their role the dance, develop the skills to create a better awareness for themselves and their partner within the intricate shapes executed but more importantly search the enjoyment that the Balboa dance creates.

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Portsoken Community Centre is located in east London, just two minutes walk from Aldgate Underground Station and four minutes walk from Aldgate East Underground Station. Both stations are located in zone 1 on the Tube map.

The Community Centre is housed within "Canopy" Hotel by Hilton. This is the big building to right of the Portsoken Health Centre.

Below is the address to the Community Centre, as well as a map and more routes on public transport to help you get to our classes. Click the icons to see live updates for the respective station or bus stop.

Canopy Hotel
Canopy Hotel
Community Centre Entrance
Community Centre Entrance

Portsoken Community Centre
20 Little Somerset Street
London
E1 8AH

TFL & NATIONAL RAIL

Algate Station

Algate East Station

Tower Gateway

Fenchurch Street

BUS ROUTES

Algate Bus Station

L

towards Limehouse, Shoreditch or Whitechapel
115, 242, 254, N253, N551

Algate High Street

R

Algate Station
towards Bank, London Bridge or Tower Bridge
15, 25, 42, 78, 100, 115, 242, 254, 343, N15, N25, N253, N550

D

Algate Station
towards Whitechapel
25, N25, N550

Mansell Street

S

towards Limehouse or Liverpool Street
15, 42, 78, 100, N15

Minories

H

towards Tower Bridge, St Pauls or Wapping
15, 42, 78, 100, 343, N15, N551

Tower Gateway Station

TD

towards Liverpool Street or Moorgate
42, 78, 100, 343, N551

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

To keep things safe, fun and fair for everyone, please read and agree to the following:

I. Payments & Refunds

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All classes must be paid for in advance.

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No refunds are given if you miss a class, change your mind, or decide to stop attending.

II. Behaviour in Class

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Be respectful to your instructor, classmates, and the space we are using.

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Disruptive or unsafe behaviour may mean you’ll be asked to leave, with no refund.

III. Damage

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Please take care of the studio and equipment.

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If you accidentally cause damage, you (or your parent/guardian if under 18) will need to cover the cost of repair or replacement.

IV. Safety & Responsibility

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Dance involves movement and exercise, so there’s always a small risk of injury.

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By joining, you agree that you take part at your own risk.

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Our instructors and organisers are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or lost/damaged belongings.

V. Personal Items

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Please keep valuables safe – we can’t accept responsibility for lost or stolen items.

VI. Changes

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We may update these terms from time to time, and any changes will apply to all future classes.

UP NEXT

For a complete list of class dates see our CALENDAR.

Photography by Sandra Polo

FAQ

POLICY

CALENDAR

CONTACT

  • Canopy Hotel
  • Community Centre Entrance