From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBalboa being danced competitively at Lindy Focus 2023

The Balboa, also known as “Bal“, is a swing dance that originated in Southern California during the 1920s and enjoyed huge popularity during the 1930s and 1940s.

History

Balboa came from Southern California during the 1920s. Balboa is named after the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California, where the dance was invented.^[2] The Balboa Pavilion, and the Rendezvous Ballroom are credited as the birthplaces of Balboa when dance floors became so crowded that dancers invented a dance to swing music that could be danced in place.^[3][4] Balboa dancing continued in California throughout the twentieth century and spread around the world to the present day. ^[5] In 1978, two long-time Balboa dancers, Hal and Marge Takier,^[6] started a twice-a-month Balboa dance at a Bobby McGee’s^[7] restaurant in Newport Beach.^[8] Dancers who danced at the Bobby McGee’s Balboa nights and video footage from there became highly influential in informing the Balboa dance as it is done today. Two styles of modern Balboa dance developed, “Pure Bal” is danced in close embrace, and “Bal Swing” is danced in a mix of close embrace and in open position.^[9]

The Balboa is a sophisticated, elegant, partnered swing dance. It is danced primarily in close embrace, and is led with a full body connection. The art of Balboa is in the subtle communication between the lead and follow.

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