Here's a few questions that people ask about dancing balboa and taking balboa classes. Click the questions below to find out more.
What is Balboa?
Balboa is a form of swing dance, which came from Southern California during the 1920s.
This partnered dance is named after the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California, where the dance originated from. The Balboa Pavilion, and the Rendezvous Ballroom are credited as the birthplaces of Balboa when dance floors became so crowded that dancers created a dance to swing music that could be danced in place.
In 1978, two long-time Balboa dancers, Hal and Marge Takier, started a twice-a-month Balboa dance at a Bobby McGee's restaurant in Newport Beach. Dancers who danced at the Bobby McGee's Balboa nights and video footage from there became highly influential in informing the Balboa dance as it is done today. Two styles of modern Balboa dance that has developed are "Pure Bal" and "Bal-Swing". "Pure Bal", originally known as "Balboa" is danced in close embrace. "Bal-Swing" originally known as "Swing" is danced in a mix of close embrace and in open position.
A well known, international swing dance instructor articulates the form of the dance into three areas - Balboa, Swing and Bal-Swing. Read more about this article.
The London Balboa Collective is honoured to be sharing this dance and the joy it brings to others in the London area.
How do I get to class?
Portsoken Community Centre is located in east London, just two minutes walk from Aldgate Underground Station and 4 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.
towards Liverpool Street or Moorgate 42, 78, 100, 343, N551
What experience do I need to attend classes?
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.
Please note that the Spring 2025 course will be at an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCE level and we expect you to be comfortable with the following below: - toss-outs from pure bal and bal swing - up-hold, down-hold, out and in basics - lollies - swivels - comfortable dancing to faster tempos (180+ BPM)
What should I wear or bring?
When attending classes, it is important that you wear comfortable and loose clothing that allows you to move freely. Sometimes, usually when the weather is colder it would be good to bring a cardigan, jumper and/or scarf to keep you warm.
Balboa is danced in a close embrace so please ensure the accessories you wear will not impede/hurt you or your partner. Some examples of accessories not to wear would be: x Baseball cap x Large looped ear-rings x Heavyily chained necklace or bracelet x Over-sized metal watch x Over-sized rings
The type of shoes you wear when dancing balboa is very important. This dance utilises quick movement with feet, so try wearing shoes that DO NOT HAVE RUBBER SOLES. We recommend wearing leather soled dress shoes as they allow you to slide your feet along the floor and will be easier on your legs, knees and feet. For those wishing to wear heels, leather soles are preferred and it's best to start with low heels.
At times during classes, it may get warm. If you tend to get hot easily bring a small towel/hankerchief to help wipe off perspiration easily. If you tend to perspire alot, bring and extra shirt and possibly deodorant if you feel the need to freshen up. We also do recommend that you bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated during dancing.
Our classes will have intervals so that you can drink plenty of water and freshen up.
