BAlboa
Swing music came through the radio to the west coast before swing dancing was available to the masses, since TV wasn't a thing yet. That didn't stop people from dancing though! Teenagers in California made up their own steps to the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and others, and picked moves that fit in the crowded southern California ballrooms.
Hal & Marge Takier, Willie Desatoff, Lawrence "Lolly" Wise, and Mary McCaslin are just a few names on the long roster of Balboa dance innovators.
Balboa is great at all tempos, but you'll notice it most often when the speed picks up and most folks take a break.
Balboa Series Classes
Our Balboa teachers have something for everyone, from your first experimental shuffles all the way up to your fanciest toss out variations! Check out which Bal classes are on offer right now!
Bal to the Bone
We host a Balboa Social & Practicum every 2nd and 4th Friday at The Avelon Ballroom! Come join us for a lesson 8-8:30 and open social dancing from 8:30 til we’re done!
Collegiate Shag
The Collegiate Shag (or “Shag”) is a partner swing (or pre-swing) dance to faster music.
It’s iconic look comes from it’s kicks, it’s energy, and the bounce that earned it the nickname the “flea hop.” Shag is popular all over the world, and can be danced to many of the songs at our Thursday swing night!
Shag Series Classes
We’ve got weekly shag classes on Tuesday nights from 8-9, starting April 1st! No shag experience or partner needed, just sign up with the link below.
Bal to the Bone
(Now with Shag!)
We host a Balboa Social & Practicum every 2nd and 4th Friday at The Avelon Ballroom! Balboa is danced to many of the same tempos as shag, and Bal to the Bone is a great place to practice!
Come join us for a lesson 8-8:30 and open social dancing from 8:30 til we’re done!