Four tracks of classes in Balboa and Collegiate Shag are available throughout the weekend. We also offer a limited number of Lindy Hop Classes for those that want to further develop their technique and style. Focus on one style or explore multiple dance styles. It's your choice!
Balboa classes may be composed of Pure Balboa, Bal-Swing, or both.
Collegiate Shag classes are primarily double-rhythm (slow-slow-quick-quick), although other styles may be presented during the weekend.
Electives may include Heel Shag, St. Louis Shag, Smooth-style Lindy, and Solo Jazz.
Note: Listed electives may not be taught in a given year.
Are you interested in learning more about a particular dance style? Contact us at [email protected].
Please see our Policies page for our rules on filming class content.
General Class Level Guidelines
Freshmen
This level is for those who are just starting their Balboa or Collegiate Shag education, students who want to revisit the fundamentals of the dance, and for those who want to learn a different role from the ground up. No prior experience or partner is required. This level will give you the foundation you need to be successful in Balboa or Collegiate Shag. Prerequisite: None Comfortable social tempo range: N/A
Sophomore
This track is for students who have been dancing Balboa or Collegiate Shag for a while and can comfortably dance for an entire evening. You may take regular lessons or attend Balboa or Collegiate Shag dedicated workshops. You should be comfortable social dancing at tempos ~190 bpm or above (see examples below). This track is for you if you want to finesse your current repertoire of moves, learn more variations, continue to work on transitions and flow between moves, and dive deeper into partner communication and musicality.
Prerequisite: You can execute the moves below with relative ease:
This track is for students who dance Balboa or Collegiate Shag regularly. You take group lessons, private lessons, and attend Balboa or Collegiate Shag dedicated workshops. You are probably amongst the most experienced Balboa/Collegiate Shag dancers in your scene. You should be comfortable social dancing at tempos ~215 bpm or above (see examples below). This track is for you if you want to add your own styling to a mix of core move variations, timing changes, separations, and breaks. You wish to add more complicated footwork and eyecatching move variations to your repertoire or hone competition or performance skills. You may also be starting to teach in your home scene and interested in strengthening your teaching skills.
Prerequisite: You can do everything mentioned in the previous levels and dance an entire evening within the tempo range below. Comfortable social tempo range: Up to 215 bpm Example:Jamaica Jam by Teddy Powell
Senior
This track is for accomplished Balboa and Collegiate Shag dancers who have developed their own voice in the dance. Dancers should be adept in a variety of classic and newer moves, footwork variations, timing changes, separations and breaks. You attend events regularly and often test into the most advanced levels. You can dance to a wide range of tempos, including tempos ~240 and above. This track is for you if you spend a lot of time fine-tuning your dance, teaching, performing, or competing.
Prerequisite: You can do everything mentioned in the previous levels, and dance an entire evening within the tempo range below. Comfortable social tempo range: Up to 240 bpm Example:Swingtime in the Rockies by Benny Goodman