Dance styles

Balboa in Bristol

2 organisers teaching or running Balboa in Bristol, with 2 weekly nights and 1 dated events – each checked against the organiser's own site.

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 to Balboa.

Lindy Hop and swing in Bristol

In Bristol, 2 organisers run 2 regular weekly sessions on Wednesdays, with 1 dated event in the diary. Styles on offer: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Charleston and Collegiate Shag.

Wednesdays: Balboa Level 2 at 18:30–19:30 (Southbank Club) and Balboa Level 1 at 19:30–20:30 (Southbank Club).

Starting out? Balboa Level 2 on Wednesdays at 18:30–19:30 and Balboa Level 1 on Wednesdays at 19:30–20:30 are described by the organiser as suitable for newcomers. Most classes rotate partners, so you can come on your own – see your first class.

Prices listed by organisers here run from £45 – a drop-in class or social is usually at the lower end; courses, workshops and weekenders cost more.

Where: Southbank Club (BS3 1DB) and Bristol Folk House (BS1 5JG). Each listing has Google and Apple Maps links.

Next up: Bristol Stomp 2027: Sunday tea dance with The Barrel House Vipers on Sunday 31 January 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn Lindy Hop or swing dance in Bristol?

Balboa Level 2 at Southbank Club and Balboa Level 1 at Southbank Club. Full times and venues are listed on this page.

What nights are the classes and socials?

Wednesdays. Times are as listed by each organiser; anything marked "check first" should be confirmed before you travel.

How much does it cost?

Listed prices run from £45. Drop-in classes and socials are cheapest; courses and weekend workshops cost more.

Do I need a partner or any experience?

No. 2 sessions are marked as suitable for beginners, and most classes rotate partners so you can come alone.

Where can I go social dancing?

Bristol Stomp 2027: Sunday tea dance with The Barrel House Vipers. Socials often start with a short taster class.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and shoes that turn on a wooden floor – suede or leather soles are ideal, trainers with smooth soles are fine. See our guide to what to wear.