Note there may be a WAITLIST operating to help keep the lead/follow ratio relatively balanced- if this is the case please still sign up to be notified when a place becomes available as waitlisted people will be in a queue in order of their date of signup.
What is Balboa?
The Balboa is a couples swing dance that originated in Southern California during the 1920s (named after the Balboa Peninsula, where it was invented) and spread quickly around the world. The dance is designed for crowded dance floors and fast music, using a close hold that makes it possible to dance in small spaces. Shuffling footwork and variations, together with steps influenced by Lindy Hop including many turns, make this a unique and fun dance to be able to enjoy faster tempo and broaden your swing dance repertoire.
Teachers
Sam’s dance journey started out in 2012 after being brought (or arguably dragged) along to a lindy hop social in Toronto, Canada. After some trepidation he found he did actually enjoy dancing after all, and quickly found classes for blues and balboa as well as lindy. Fast forward to the current day and Sam regularly dances and teaches all three styles, and is one of the founding members of Bristol Swing Riot. As well as dancing he DJs for socials and is a self confessed music nerd.
Jackie started dancing in 2016 learning lindy hop in Exeter. Jackie soon entered into the social world, enjoying the atmosphere and started travelling to events for any chance to dance. After a short time Jackie discovered balboa and this has become her preferred dance. She has learnt from some brilliant teachers both in the UK and Europe. COVID was an unexpected break in her dance career but she is excited to have the opportunity to teach balboa in Exeter so that more people can enjoy this lovely dance.