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Saturday
Saturday
11 January 2025 - 29 March 2025 ( 8 hours, 11 weeks )
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre
This course focuses on a swing dance style that blossomed on the West coast of America in the 1930s, the Balboa and Bal-Swing. Danced to the same swing music (but often the faster tempos), Balboa is like a swinging ballroom dance that has enjoyed a worldwide renaissance in recent years on social dance floors where swing music is played. It can be incorporated into your Lindy Hop. We will start with the absolute basics of the dance (Balboa), cover some of the classic figures and how to build them into your social Lindy Hop. Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the following learning outcomes. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals i.e. progression to an advanced-level course.
The class will consist of a warm up, step & rhythm combinations to understand the music and expand your repertoire of steps, and working with a class partner to understand and execute partnering techniques Dance suggested combinations and enjoy experimenting with your own. The class blends tutor-led instruction & demonstration with partner work among students with the tutor on hand to provide guidance and feedback. Level 2 students are invited to arrive 15 minutes before the start of class for a simulated social dance where they can warm up/practise various moves and combinations, with the benefit of having the tutor on hand to answer questions and give tips. In order to ensure you make the best possible progress on your course and to ensure that all modes of attendance are equally acceptable, you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor.
This class is open to all and starts from scratch. You do not need to have any prior knowledge of Balboa or Bal-Swing. You do not need to have a partner, although booking with a partner will help to keep the class balanced.
Balboa is a closed hold dance. You must feel comfortable dancing close to another person. Bal-Swing is a semi-open and open embrace. Students will work in partners (fixed or rotating with others in class) You do not need to book with a partner, although to do so will help keep the class balanced for leads and follows Excellent attendance and punctuality will be required from all students. This course will include activities outside class time, e.g. extra practice, watching supporting clips. Photography and film recording of class activities may be used in order to aid learning. These images may also be used for publicity or marketing materials produced by Morley College, both online and in print. You will have the opportunity to either confirm or decline consent to being filmed or photographed.
A bottle of water. Shoes: It’s important that you are able to slide easily, so shoes that have leather or suede sole are best. Heels for follows are an option.
