Italian Balboa Festival 2014 - Jack & Jill Finalists - Norma Owens with Stefan Deuber (Switzerland)

Hamburg Balboa Weekend 2014 - 2nd Place - Fast Feet Competition: Norma Owens with Jennifer Lee (USA)

BadAZ Balboa (Phoenix, Arizona) - 3rd Place Follower - Jack & Jill Finals: Norma Owens

Camp Balboa Seattle 2014 - 3rd Place - Strictly Balboa:  Norma Owens with David Bradford (USA)

Camp Balboa Seattle 2014 - 2nd Place - Jack & Jill Finals: Norma Owens with David Bradford (USA)

Balboa is a swing dance that originated during the 1930s in the dance halls of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. Seaside venues such as the Rendezvous Ballroom were so popular and so crowded, it is reputed that signs were posted prohibiting “breakaways” so that couples were obliged to maintain a close connection while dancing. This dance, which we now refer to as “Pure” Balboa, is therefore characterised by a close hold and subtle footwork. Elsewhere in the region, breakaway movements were commonplace, and often included intricate turns in a style that is referred to as Bal-Swing. Both of these distinct dances have now been subsumed into modern Balboa.

Here is a fun look at a contemporary Balboa social dancing – this footage is from the parties at a dance event in Germany called Balboa Castle Camp. 

Beginners Welcome

We always look forward to meeting new people!

Follow this link for some extra tips if this is going to be Your First Dance Class. 

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Please note that it is not necessary to register in advance for classes - you may also just come along on the first night of the course and join in the fun! 

Course Descriptions

Registration for our current series of classes is now closed. Please check back for information about upcoming courses.