Frequently Asked Questions

Balboa is a general term for a style of swing dancing that evolved in Southern California in response to the tightly packed dance floors and up-tempo music. While typically associated with fast tempos, this dance can be danced at any speed (and requires less energy than its athletic cousin, Lindy Hop). 

This dance consists of two main types of moves. The first, original form of the dance is referred to as Pure Bal and is danced in a close embrace. It features small, intricate footwork that is a shared conversation between lead & follow. The second type, referred to as Bal-Swing, came a bit later and is a mix of open-position moves adapted from other swing-era dances. Bal-Swing features the flashier turns and kicks that you often see in competition footage.  Balboa, as danced today, flows constantly between Pure Bal & Bal-Swing.

New to swing dancing in general? These all levels workshops led by two professional instructors give you the basis for learning the basics of swing dance, specifically, balboa! Our wokrshops are 1 hour long with 15 minute breaks in between but in general can vary from 1-2 hours between breaks.

Done other forms of swing dance, but are new to Balboa? This workshop is for you!

Current Balboa student looking to brush up on your fundamentals or learn the other role? Hey, this workshop is for you too!

Looking for a chill way to dance easily to fast music without breaking a sweat? Oh, friend, this workshop is totally for you!

Ready for new challenges and more variations? You are super duper in the right place.

• Personal water bottle

• comfortable, closed-toe shoes (see Shoe Policy)

• Wear clean, breatheable clothing

• Bring a change of clothing, or two (or three)

• Cover open wounds, if any

• Snacks (we will also provide snacks, but we might not be able to cover all dietary restrictions and allergies)

Keep Bal Weird is a play off Keep Portland Weird, which originated from Keep Austin Weird, and celebrates the diverse and thought-provoking dance that is balboa!

Our monthly 'fast feet' DJ'd social dance on Second Fridays from 8:30-10:30pm at Dance with Joy Studios in Portland, OR! See our About Us page! Follow us on Facebook!

We will have a small table for community buy and sell - bring clean clothing, shoes, etc.

• You are responsible for the security of your items, FFF PDX will provide space for you but we are not responsible for any stolen/lost items.

• Print your own Venmo QR code, and ensure the seller/price info is clearly visible on your item.

• We do not accept obscene, insulting, derogatory, dirty items or substances.

You are also welcome to bring flyers for your events (we accept flyers for Jazz dance classes/workshops/events, Jazz dance private lessons)

Email keepbalweird@gmail.com if you'd be interested in sponsoring the event!