Balboa is a type of swing dance that originated in Southern California in the late 20s and 30s and shares some roots with Collegiate Shag. It’s all about rhythm, fancy footwork and connection with your partner. It has a more upright stance, closer embrace and much smaller steps; all of which grew out of necessity, to allow for dancing in packed ballrooms. Coincidentally, it also makes it perfect for dancing to fast music although it can also be danced comfortably at slower tempos.