Balboa

Balboa originates from California around the same time as Lindy Hop. It's danced in a closed hold position with the dancers quite close together, this is due to it evolving from everyday dancehalls where space was limited. Because it's also danced to swing music and attracts the same followers as Lindy Hop, the two are often mixed together which some people refer to as Bal-Swing. Balboa as a dance style in it's own right has seen a dramatic resurgence in the last few years which has led to the staging of the London Balboa Festival which takes place every year and attracts dancers from all over the world.

Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop was named in 1927. A new dance was being invented and it's dancers were looking for a name just when newspapers around the world were reporting Charles Lindbergh's pioneering aeroplane flight across the Atlantic, so the dance was named the Lindy Hop!

The Lindy Hop is an energetic partnered dance that includes many Charleston step as well as tricks, dips and aerial moves. It began in the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and was commonly associated with black dancers. In the 1940's it became popular with American GI's and became known as the Jitterbug in 1937 after Benny Goodman's stunning performance at the Paramount Theatre in New York City where young teenagers were described as "Jitterbugging in the aisles".The Jitterbug was made popular in Britain during the war and danced and performed to the big band music of the 30's and 40's.
One of it's earliest influences was the Charleston.

Hollywood Style Lindy Hop

Hollywood Style was the term used by Eric and Sylvia Robison to describe this wonderfully smooth style Lindy Hop.

Dean Collins introduced this new style in the 30's. He learnt Lindy Hop and then moved to L.A and put his own style on it, hence the name 'Hollywood style'. Dean Collins choreographed and performed in many old movies of the era including 'Buck Privates'.

Shag

The Shag is the crazy college kids dance of the 30's and 40's and is a energetic with crazy leg work. Known as Collegiate Shag this dance originated in New Orleans and became popular in the 1920's.

Dean Collins Shim Sham

A popular jazz routine resembling tap.Again Dean Collins created this wonderfully smooth routine.

1950's Stroller

This cool original 50's line dance has some nifty variations and is great fun to learn and dance!

The Big Apple

This is a fun dance with no partner necessary. It involves many jazz steps from the era, including Shorty George, Suzi Q, Charleston, Trucking and Spank the Baby. It is usually danced in a circle with a caller in the centre.