New to balboa, or want to improve your basics? No experience or partner required to join our fun and friendly Beginners' Class, where we'll take you through balboa technique and all the classic balboa moves, from the balboa basic step, through to bal swing moves like lollies and throw outs, as well as paddles, scoots and swivels.
If you are a more advanced dancer and have done our beginners classes (or the equivalent elsewhere), our Improver lessons will build on these classic moves, adding more advanced technique, variations and combinations of moves. The class will progress at a faster pace, and we'll ramp up the speed of the music too!
Beginners' Class: 7-7.50pm
Social/Practice Time: 7.50-8.10pm
Improvers' Class; 8.10-9pm
Price: £5 for one class & social; £8 for both classes and social.
Or, if you want a bargain, sign up for the full ten week block for £40, saving yourself a whopping £10!
What to expect:
* Balboa is danced in close hold, where you'll be in close contact with your partner, so we encourage you keep yourself fresh by wearing a clean top, deodorant and using chewing gum or mints!
* Footwear should ideally have a slippy sole (so hard plastic or leather rather than trainers or shoes with rubber/grippy sole) as this will allow you to "swivel" your feet which is important for some moves, and is easier on the knees. Followers traditionally wore shoes with a small heel, however this is down to personal preference.
* We ask you to choose a role (leader or follower) for the entirety of the lesson. Feel free to change from week to week if you wish!
* We will be rotating partners throughout the lesson as we feel that's the best way to learn. This will enable you to dance with people of different experience levels and as a result, learn faster!
The History bit:
New to Balboa and not sure what it is? Check our Glasgow Balboa Facebook group, where we often post inspiring balboa videos for everyone to enjoy!
Like other swing dances, Balboa originated on dancefloors in the USA from the late 1920s onwards. It got its name due to its popularity on the Balboa peninsula, close to Los Angeles. To ensure everyone's comfort and safety on the busy dancefloors of that era, moves where you broke away from your partner were banned, so couples danced in close hold therefore balboa developed intricate footwork patterns and rhythms.
As time went on, moves in open position were added and a new dance form emerged. While Balboa is mainly danced to faster swing and jazz music, the energy level is lower than other dance styles, meaning you can dance for a whole song without getting out of breath!
Any questions? Ask one of us at class, or message us through our Facebook group, Glasgow Balboa!
See you on the dancefloor!
Alice, Joyce, Jo, Julia & Sarah, your Glasgow Balboa teachers.
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