Swing Era

Steps

Join the fun of learning in Indianapolis!


We're Back!
Summer 2026 balboa

We love everyone’s excitement to learn more about Balboa <3

 

Join us on Tuesdays at the Quixote for lessons, practice, social dancing (and social-IZING) from 6:30-9pm!

 

Check out more info below:


Dancing @ The Quixote

Tuesday Night Location: The Quixote
2104 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201

*parking info below

 

6:30pm -7:15pm Facilitated Open Practice

7:30pm – 8:15pm Beginner Balboa Lesson

8:15pm – 9pm Social Dance

 

$10 for the evening

$5 for the Social Dance only

*price negotiations and service trades available

Facilitated Open Practice

This time is dedicated to collaborative workshopping – dancers with more experience are encouraged to bring a video clip to break down or work on learning the opposite role!

 

This is also a chance for newer dancers to get more focused feedback and extra practice time prior to the lesson. 

 

Don’t have time to run home before the lesson? You’re welcome to come hang out and socialize or eat a quick supper until you’re ready to hop in. 

 

 

 

Beginner Balboa Lesson

These sessions will lean towards a more traditional lesson setting, with rotating partnerships and themed content for the evening. Each night will focus on a particular Balboa move(ment), with multi-tiered instruction options for learners of all backgrounds. 

 

*Regular attendance is encouraged, but we acknowledge summer is also a busy time for personal schedules! If you miss a lesson, we suggest coming to the next week’s 6:30pm practice for a recap to stay on track. 

 

 

 

Social Dance

Want more practice, but couldn’t make it before the lesson?

Your brain is full of learning, and need a chance to shake things up and get loose?

 

Found some new friends you want to get to know better?

This time is geared towards forming more connections with the dancers in Indy, whether you’re a conversation social butterfly or someone who dances every song!

 

*If you are interested in DJing, also let us know. 🙂

Parking @ The Quixote

2104 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201

The Quixote has free parking in the gravel lots to the north of the building, along Hamilton Ave on the west side of the building, and across Washington Street if needed.

 

*Due to current construction, we recommend allowing extra time to arrive at the venue. The south lot is also used to park construction equipment, so please prioritize parking on the north side of Washington street!

quixotedirections


What Is Balboa?

Balboa is a swing-era dance that emerged in ~1930s-40s Southern California. Origin stories point to the crowded ballroom on the Balboa Peninsula which may have encouraged a close embrace (chest-to-chest) connection and small steps. It is most commonly danced to traditional swing-jazz music. 

With the spreading popularity in modern swing dance spaces, shapes from other styles have become incorporated into “the  Balboa Shuffle” and introducing more open shapes to the partnership.

 

Today, Balboa is characterized by two main styles: “Pure Bal” which is danced in closed position, and “Bal-Swing” which is danced as a combination of closed and open positions.

 

You can learn (LOTS) more in this article by Bobby White at *Swungover:

Swing History 101: SoCal Swings (1935-1939-ish)

 

And check out his video explanations here:

*Swungover – Youtube

 

Already know some history, but want to learn more about the original dancers? Bobby has you covered!

Who’s Who in (Pure) Balboa

 

Want to see for yourself? Come join Rachel (below) on Tuesdays!!!!



Before you join us:

Make sure you read the FAQs on the info page so you know what you need to bring for class!

Please read our Code of Conduct before attending one of our events.

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