Bal in the Capital

Balboa Socials:

Most months, we host a Balboa Social. These take place on a Sunday afternoon, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. They start with a half-hour mini lesson or skill-building exercise, followed by 90 minutes of social dancing. The music is DJ'd, with a range of tempos and generally includes 3 or 4 Slow Bal songs. Cost is $10 per person and masks are still required but are available if you need one.

Note: the Socials are intended for people who already dance some Balboa. There is no beginner lesson.

Location:

The Socials take place in the studio at 1574 Walkley Road (see map below). Signs still say DanceTown, although the studio is now under different management. There is free parking behind the building or at the little strip mall next door.

Schedule:

The next Social is scheduled for Sunday, April 21. The mini lesson will be Behind the Back Toss-outs. Doors open at 2:45; please be there with your shoes changed, ready to start at 3:00.

The May Social will be on Sunday, May 12 and it will be a special event. Cara de Grandpre from Cat's Corner Studio in Montreal will be here and will teach a group class before the social begins. More details to follow.

What is Balboa?

Balboa is a vintage swing dance. It originated in southern California in the 1920s and 30s and is named for the Balboa Peninsula. It is danced primarily in close contact and involves subtle communication between the partners including weight shifts. It can be danced at almost any speed, but is typically done to faster tempos. Balboa is a great swing dance to add to your repertoire to allow you to dance comfortably at fast tempos, and as a complementary swing dance, learning it will improve your Lindy Hop as well.

Welcome!