Bristol Swing Riot's weekly Balboa classes started in March 22, as a result of Tashi and Sam's enthusiasm about this wonderful dance style, and the longing to have more people to be able to dance with in Bristol. 

We run weekly Level 1 and Level 2 classes, so if you're a brand new beginner you'll need to do a beginners workshop first. For course dates join the Balboa mailing list on the Contact page. 

Class Details

Day: Wednesdays

Venue: SouthBank Club, Dean Lane, Bristol, BS3 1DB

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Term dates: 8th January to 16th July 2025 and from 3rd September to 10th of December 2025

Times:

Level 2 - 18:30 to 19:30

Level 1 - 19:30 to 20:30

Level Descriptions: 

Beginners: If you've never danced balboa before or want a refresher of the fundamentals this is the level for you. 

Level 1: This level is suitable for you if you know the basic steps - uphold, downhold and out & ins. You are familiar with some of the fundamental moves such as scoots/paddles, come around, Lollies, and you know what a throw out is! We expect you to feel comfortable leading or following in close hold with a relaxed balboa posture.

Level 2: This level is suitable for you if you have been dancing balboa for a little while and you feel comfortable with dancing balboa on the social floor to a range of tempos. By now you can throw out and you know how to transition smoothly between pure bal and bal swing.

Format: The classes are all drop-in (so you can come along any week) but are taught in themed blocks. For more info about what's being taught in classes check our Facebook events or sign up to the monthly newsletter on the Contact page. 

Travel: You can sometimes find parking in nearby streets but it gets quite busy so we encourage you to cycle or take public transport