Frequently Asked Questions 2011
What is Balboa?
Balboa is a form of swing dancing considered to be more of a "dancer's dance" than a "spectator's dance". It originated in Southern California during the 1920s and 1930s and is danced to a wide variety of tempos.
Modern Balboa dancers sometimes distinguish between two types of Balboa, "Pure Balboa" and "Bal-Swing." In Pure Balboa, dancers stay in close embrace for almost the entire time, their torsos touching, doing variations based on footwork, turning as a couple and moving as a couple. Bal-Swing, in contrast, incorporates movements in which there is more space between the partners and thus more latitude for dynamic movements, including turns for one partner, and so forth.
I have heard a bunch of terminology surrounding the dance. Can you clarify some of these terms?
These are generally used and accepted terms. But keep in mind, as in any part of the world where you have a name for something, someone will surely find another name for it.
Balboa or Bal is a generally acceptable term for the dance, which encompasses 'Pure Balboa' and 'Swing' or 'Bal-Swing'.
Pure Balboa is closed position with no breakaways.
Swing or Bal-Swing is referencing the dance with breakaways.
Throw-Out, also known as a Toss out, 7 turn, or a Spike turn, this is a Bal-Swing move where the leader 'throws' the follow out.
Do I have to know any Balboa to register for the camp?
Yes, but you only need to know the basics
Do I need a partner?
A partner is not required. However if you would like to drag your friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or co-worker out to take the camp, it is certainly fine with us. We usually rotate partners in the classroom, so everyone gets a chance to practice with everyone else. You will learn faster and get to meet more people to interact with on the social dance floor.
Are you having different track levels this year?
No. We discontinued the beginner track this year. We have great beginner classes happening locally now and have turned our focus this year on 'life after the basics', so to speak.
If I don't want to take the camp and only want to do Drop-In classes, may I pay ahead of time?
No, you may only pay for Drop-In classes at the door of the class. The priority is given to the people who purchased a weekend pass and we need to make sure there is room in the class.
Are there class descriptions?
No. Instructors are continuously working on cool, new moves and concepts. In order to allow the instructors their creative freedom, and to provide you with better classes, there are no class descriptions set.
Do you need any volunteers for Camp Balboa Seattle?
No. We do have volunteer positions, but they have all been filled. Thanks!
Where is Lost and Found for this event?
All Lost and Found items will be at West Hall during the event and turned into Century Ballroom after the event.
Will there be dance passes sold for this event?
No. You may pay for the dances each night, individually at the door.
Can I videotape during class or just sit and watch the classes?
The instructors provide a service and earn their living with their knowledge and expertise of dance. Not only is it distracting, but it is unfair to the instructors and the students that paid for the class, to have other people who didn’t pay getting the information.
What if I want to videotape in between classes during the breaks?
No Problem! We highly encourage you to videotape you and your partner during breaks. This is an easy way of remembering the information later.
May I take photos or videotape during the competitions?
Yes, Yes, Yes! We highly encourage it and would love it if you tagged Camp Balboa Seattle (the group) in any photos or videos you post on Facebook. We would love to see them.
Are the instructors offering private lessons and how do I book one with an instructor?
Yes, there are private lessons available and each instructor books their own. Please ask them directly and as early as possible, as they book up fast.