The swing dance known as 'The Balboa' derives it’s name from the Balboa Peninsula at Newport Beach just south of LA. It was first seen at the Beach Pavilion in the 1920’s and by the 1930’s it was widely danced right up into the LA area. The Pavilion was built in 1906 and has played a prominent role in the development of Newport Beach by attracting real estate buyers to an area formerly designated as swamp land.  (Pavilion under construction) Balboa danced in its pure form is danced in a closed position (chest to chest). It is said that this was due to crowded dance halls with strict dance codes that wouldn’t allow energetic dances such as the Charleston or Lindy Hop. As time went by, many of the dancers grew tired of these restrictions and started to introduce their own variations by breaking the chest connection and thus Bal-Swing evolved.  Many of these original variations are danced and taught today but with the advent of this current world Balboa revival, many new shapes, patterns and styles are evolving from around the globe. (The Pavilion Today) |
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