Prerequisite: No prior knowledge of Balboa is necessary. Some knowledge of swing dancing helpful but not necessary.
Balboa originated on Balboa Island off the Coast of San Diego, California in the 1930s. Danced completely in closed position, pure Balboa evolved in conservative dance halls where space was limited. Some of these dance halls had strict rules or codes of conduct that prohibited the wild kicks of the Charleston and other exuberant dances. Pure Balboa is characterized by a fairly upright posture with both partners standing 'chest to chest' in close intimate contact. The dance's simplicity and economy of movement make it very well suited to fast tempo music. This fact has meant that Balboa is often mistakenly thought of as just a fast dance. The dance is an 8 count basic and most variations are in 8 count patterns.
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