A little of lindy and a little of blues, the Balboa (born in Jazz Age California of a bit of dancefloor pragmatism) and its Bal-Swing variant can in some ways be the best of all worlds: closed hold and connections, quick tempo and (in the swing style) a few flourishes — and even, perhaps, a tiny feel of tango with the footwork-heavy focus. You can get a feel for the more strictly traditional approach in this competition video (and many more are available!), but for now, enjoy these demonstrations…and one fun freestyle:
