Edinburgh Balboa Weekend social (Sunday)

A social is an evening of dancing for fun rather than a lesson. Many start with a short taster class for newcomers, then the DJ or band takes over. It is normal to ask anyone to dance – and to say no thanks politely – and nobody minds if you are new; most dancers remember their own first social.

Balboa is a close-embrace swing dance from 1930s Southern California, built for crowded ballrooms and fast music. Its tiny, shuffling footwork and subtle shifts of weight make it look effortless; 'Bal-swing' adds open turns and variations. Read our full guide.

Blues dancing is a slower, grounded partner dance to blues music, with a close connection and lots of room for musical interpretation. Many swing scenes run blues classes and late-night blues rooms alongside their Lindy Hop nights. Read our full guide.

Non-profit Edinburgh swing group with weekly Balboa, blues/shag and Lindy classes, Balboa and St Louis Shag workshops, and live-music socials. We list 8 of their sessions, running on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. See everything from Edinbop.