Shieva and Giovanni

Balboa is a swing dance that developed in Southern California in the first half of the 20th century, closely connected to the jazz music of that time. It is known for its compact footwork, upright posture, and a strong sense of rhythm. Traditionally danced in close position, Balboa allows dancers to move comfortably and smoothly even at very fast tempos, while maintaining a clear and subtle connection with their partner. Much of what we dance today comes from the old-timers who shaped and preserved the dance over decades. Dancers such as Maxie Dorf, Willie Desatoff, Hal Takier, Anne Mills passed on a way of dancing that values clarity, efficiency, and musical timing over large shapes or showy movement. Their dancing emphasised grounded footwork, relaxed control, and an attentive partnership.

Slow Bal has always existed alongside Balboa, even if it was not always named as a separate dance. Many of the same old-timers naturally adapted their Balboa to slower tempos. Couples such as Dean Raftery and his wife Nancy and Ray Cunningham and his wife Margo were known for their calm presence, unhurried timing, and ability to let the dance breathe while remaining deeply connected to the music. Their dancing showed that subtlety, balance, and patience are as central to Balboa as speed and precision. Danced to slower jazz, Slow Bal offers more space to explore timing, dynamics, and individual movement choices. While firmly rooted in Balboa technique, it encourages dancers to stretch phrasing, play with weight and flow, and develop a more personal and expressive partnership.

Together, Balboa and Slow Bal form a shared dance language. One supports speed, precision, and rhythmic clarity; the other invites space, exploration, and subtle expression. Both rely on attentive listening, mutual responsibility, and respect for the music and for each other.