Beginner Balboa with Peter Flahiff and Lauren Smith

April 5 - 26, 2020

Beginner Balboa with Peter Flahiff and Lauren Smith  3pm -3:50pm

Cost:  $85 after April 3, 2020

Early Bird $65 until April.3, 2020

Take two classes for only $35 more as a total of $100 for both Lindy hop and Balboa! Until Abril 1, 2020!  

Time: 3pm -3:50pm

This is a beginner level class that is a continuation of the intro to balboa last month.  You must have taken the intro to balboa classes previously or know the basic balboa footwork and connections.

Peter and Lauren will be teaching you the amazing dance of Balboa.

Origins of Balboa http://www.lindycircle.com/history/balboa/

It's hard to get a consensus view concerning the origins of Balboa. Many dance historians state that the dance was a derivation of Foxtrot, others believe it evolved from the Charleston or Collegiate Shag. Willie Desatoff an original Balboa dancer of great distinction believed it evolved from the Rhumba. There were many different pre-existing dances around at the time and several of the old Balboa masters also knew many of these other dances. Balboa is an 8 count dance so a connection with other 8 count dances would be consistent. However, this should not rule out a connection to the 6 count dances, as evolution is a powerful thing! Although we can't be sure as to the precise origins, it does seem likely that early Balboa dancers were probably influenced by their knowledge of other dances around at that time.

Peter & Lauren are two dynamic instructors with over thirty years of teaching experience between them. Based in Southern California, they are highly in-demand, sharing their passion for the great classic dances of the Swing Era. Their classes and workshops are noted for their clarity, humor and high spirits!

Peter Flahiff is a swing and tap dancer. He performs, instructs, DJs and speaks as a jazz music and dance historian.  Peter began swing dancing in 1993 and teaching just one year later.  Peter’s taught from Los Angeles and Seattle to London, Helsinki and Munich -- including Camp Hollywood in California and the amazing Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden.  He’s studied with many of the past masters of these dances.  Today, Peter counts some of the world’s top dancers and instructors as his own former students. Not a competitor himself, Peter’s worldwide reputation is as a highly sought-after social dancer and instructor.  He helped create several thriving venues over the years (Rusty’s Rhythm Club in LA, ATOMIC Ballroom in Orange County, and Eastside Stomp in Seattle.) Peter’s classes are legendary for their clarity, humor and high spirits. He always continues to further his own education, taking instruction from some of the greatest dancers in the world.  Yes, he’s pretty much always in a suit.

Lauren Smith has been dancing throughout her life, and started swing dancing in 2007, when a friend brought her to LA’s Lindy Groove. After that, she could be found dancing almost every night of the week, competing regularly, and teaching throughout the LA area. 

Lauren has taught at Balboa on the River (Australia,) Minor Swing (Sweden,) Big Sky Weekend (USA,) and has headlined events across Europe, Australia, and the United States. She specializes in jazz era dances, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, Collegiate Shag, and Slow Drag. She has won and placed in a number of national dance competitions, including Camp Hollywood, the Lone Star Championships, Inspiration Weekend, Le Hot Sauce, and many others. She is also a sought after competition judge.

Lauren has been a DJ at several notable events, including The Snowball, Bal-Ast Off!, The Balboa Experiment, Balboa on the River, and Big Sky Sky Weekend, to name a few. Her degree in vocal music education allows her to bring a unique approach to classes, incorporating Alexander techniques, natural musicality, body efficiency, and other dance skills.

https://peterlaurendance.com/about-us/

Coronavirus:  If we are to postpone these classes after you have registered, we will inform you immediately of this decision.   

Suburban Swing wants to be responsible right now and realistic. Canada, particularly BC is currently rated as low risk.

In saying that we are taking new precautions to protect the public and our dancers.

-If you have been on a plane to anywhere in the past 14 days, we ask that you take a break from Suburban Swing events for 14 days to ensure that you are clear of the virus.

-If you are in the high-risk age group of 70 years and up, we ask you to take a break for now from Suburban Swing Events. We care about you and do not want any accidental infections.

-If you have any serious preconditions that could affect you grievously, we ask you to be very cautious.

We will remain open as long as schools, public gatherings, and public events continue to operate. The moment health officials ask for the temporary suspension of public gatherings, we will comply.

Please understand that this is a difficult time and that we organizers are talking to each other across North America and especially within the swing dance community here at home. things are changing daily.

Updates will be posted as we understand more information.

We will transfer your registration forward to the next available classes as a credit.  Please register only if you're comfortable with this.