Balboa

Balboa is a popular swing dance around the world, originating in California.

What is called “Balboa” today is actually a modern merger of two dances from the swing era:

1. Balboa, also called the “Balboa Shuffle” and sometimes referred to nowadays as “Pure Balboa” or “Classic Balboa.”
2. Socal Swing — which in the swing era was called either “Swing” or “Ray Rand Swing.” Today it’s also called “LA Swing” or Bal-Swing.

The Balboa Shuffle is characterized by a close embrace position (the partners keep torso contact at all times) and tight, small footwork. In contrast, Socal Swing is done in a more open position, featuring sweeps and turns.

Balboa Classes in Victoria

Red Hot Swing periodically offers Balboa classes in Victoria. Check out the calendar for upcoming classes.

More about Balboa

• More Balboa History
• The Canadian Swing Championships, Canada’s largest swing competition, also hosts Canada’s biggest Balboa competition.
• The Montreal Balboa Revue is one of Canada’s biggest Balboa-only events.
• The All-Bal Weekend in Cleveland was the first Balboa-only event.