What is Balboanorth?

The wide choice of dance classes in Leeds has now been extended on Tuesdays by Balboa & Bal Swing. Balboanorth is the only place in Leeds where you can learn this historic American swing dance.  Beginners classes every Tuesday from 8pm - 8.45pm with improvers/intermediate from 9.15pm - 10.00pm.  Social dance/practice to 10.30pm.  Held at the Meanwood Methodist Church Hall in Monk Bridge Road, Meanwood, Leeds (see map) The cost is £4.00 for one class £5.00 for two (cons £3.00/£4.00) - a partner is useful but not vital as we do rotate. Since we use a church hall, no alcohol is allowed. Please bring your own soft drinks or water. Ample parking nearby and regular buses.

An authentic American swing dance which evolved in the 1930‘s in the crowded dancehalls of Orange County, California.  Originally danced to Big Band swing, it can be done to slow, medium or fast music from any era. Balboa/Balswing is currently one of the fastest growing dance forms enjoying a huge revival in the USA, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Australia and the UK. In fact if you go to a swing dance anywhere in the world, you're probably going to see someone doing Balboa. If you've never seen it before - take a look at these clips of some the best Balboa dancers in the world then come along and have a go.

Who are the stars of Balboa?

Significant names from the history of Balboa include the late Willie Dessatoff and his partner Lila,  Maxie Dorff, Hal & Marge Takier.  The current big names include Nick Williams, David Rehm, Joel & Alison Plys, Denise Phelan, Marty Klempner & Valerie Salstrom, Marty Lau & Jen Urich, Anne-Helene & Bernard Cavassa, Steve Garrett & Heidi Salerno-Garrett, Micky Fortenasce & Kelly Arsenault and the undisputed ‘Queen of Balboa', Sylvia Sykes.  In the UK Dan & Christie Guest, founders of the annual London Balboa Festival.