Upcoming Events
Minne Balboa Bop - Workshop Weekend w/ Theresa & Jonathan
We are so excited to be bringing in 2 awesome dancers, Theresa and Jonathan, to share their love for balboa with us!
Use the links in the menu bar above to learn more about the event and register!
March Balboa House Party
Please join us for a fun night of escaping the cold with our favorite huggable shuffle dance - balboa! Everyone is welcome!
7-8 pm - Balboa Basics Lesson
8pm-11pm - DJed Music
Registration/Location: https://forms.gle/CiMYmvNvD2kCYnyy8
*Clean non-marking dance shoes are required (leather / suede soles recommended). Please do NOT just wear socks.
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
TCBC Field Trip - to Miss Shannon's Wed Swing Dance
This month TCBC field trip will be to the Wednesday night dance hosted by one of our favorite people, Miss Shannon! And we are so lucky to also have one of our favorite bands playing - the Patty and the Buttons!
7pm beginner swing lesson
8-11pm live music
Admission: $10 cash
TCBC Field Trip - to Miss Shannon's Wed Swing Dance
This month TCBC field trip will be to the Wednesday night dance hosted by one of our favorite people, Miss Shannon! And we are so lucky to also have one of our favorite bands playing - the Twin Cities Hot Club!
7pm beginner swing lesson
8-11pm live music
Admission: $10 cash
Winter Balboa House Party!
Please join us for a fun night of escaping the cold (and maybe even snow...) with our favorite huggable shuffle dance - balboa! Everyone is welcome!
8pm-11pm DJed Music
While there usually is a Balboa Basics lesson before each house party, there will not be this time. But even better - we have a Beginner Balboa Bootcamp earlier in the day that you and your friends should check out! https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration/p/bbb2024
Registration https://forms.gle/sVfRhysCSnhwx3BA8
*Clean non-marking dance shoes are required (leather / suede soles recommended). Please do NOT just wear socks.
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
Field Trip to kj’s hideaway feat. Mississippi Hot Club
Join TCBC on January 20th for an evening out and balboa-bombing to the delightful Django Reinhardt-inspired swing tunes from the Mississippi Hot Club!
$15 + tax/fees.
Tickets available online and more info about Mississippi Hot Club and kj's hideaway (https://kjshideaway.com/event/mississippi-hot-club/):
"Mississippi Hot Club is inspiring a new generation of young swingers in Minnesota. With reverence and chops, Mississippi Hot Club’s new album, Swing Cities, shines light on the bold music of Django Reinhardt from a fresh pop-oriented perspective.Recorded at Wild Sound Recording Studio in Minneapolis, Swing Cities masterfully captures MHC’s spunky performances, featuring an upbeat approach to jazz manouche, hot club jazz, and gypsy jazz. Joshua Parlanti’s engaging improvisation on lead guitar is complimented by the fierce solos of violinist Alissa Jacobsen. This fearless duo is supported by la pompe rhythm guitarists Ian Stenlund and Luke Zupan, along with airtight upright bassist Joseph Downing.Spanning several eras of Django’s repertoire, Parlanti conveys his melodies on acoustic and electric guitar, playing with a recognizable “Gypsy” flair. His approach is soulful and refreshing, hitting on the more frisky verve that people in the 1930s heard in Django’s playing."
"Nestled in the heart of St. Paul and tucked away in the lower level of the 1920s-era Hamm Building, you will find a rare gem that is well worth the trip! kj’s hideaway – a bustling new music venue (named after owners Kris and Jeremy Siers), celebrates two years on September 17th, 2023.
Although relatively new, kj’s comes with a rich history. It’s the former home to the much beloved Artist’s Quarter (a.k.a. the AQ) and later, the Vieux Carré. Today, kj’s proudly upholds the time-honored tradition of great live music."
TCBC’s Holiday Party!
Please join us for a fun night of celebrating the Holiday season with our favorite shuffling huggable dance. Everyone is welcome!
We'd also like to encourage you to bring your favorite holiday treat or beverage to share!
There is a Balboa Basics lesson before each house party, so you can jump right in if you're new. Experienced Bal dancers are encouraged to join the lesson to learn a new role, help new dancers learn, and maybe we'll even have some cool stuff for you to work on too!
7-8pm Balboa Basics Lesson
8pm-11pm DJed Music
Registration
https://forms.gle/hxbAJQ8w8V5wi8q3A
*Clean non-marking dance shoes are required (leather / suede soles recommended). Please do NOT just wear socks.
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
TCBC Field Trip - to Miss Shannon's Wed Swing Dance featuring the Southside Aces
This month TCBC field trip will be to the Wednesday night dance hosted by one of our favorite people, Miss Shannon! And we are so lucky to also have one of our favorite bands playing - the Southside Aces!
7pm beginner swing lesson
8-11pm live music
Admission: $10 cash
Variation Exploration! 2-Week Series
Balboa (Level 2+) at 7-8:15pm
Learn some fun new rhythms and stylings to spice up your balboa and gain more tools to experiment with on your own!
Prereqs: ability to execute up- and down-hold basics, out-and-ins, lollies, toss-outs, promenade
Tuesdays, December 5 & 12
+Stay after class for an open practice 8:15-9pm. FREE for class attendees.
2 Ways to Pay:
Online via PayPal https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
At the studio (CASH ONLY)
November Balboa House Party!
Please join us for a fun night of balboa dancing this November! Bring your friends and join us in our favorite shuffling huggable dance. Everyone is welcome!
There is a Balboa Basics lesson before each house party, so you can jump right in if you're new! Experienced Bal dancers are encouraged to join the lesson to learn a new role, help new dancers learn, and maybe we'll even have some cool stuff for you to work on too!
7-8pm Balboa Basics Lesson
8pm-11pm DJed Music
Location: Uptown Minneapolis, exact location provided after registration
Registration
https://forms.gle/aFffrw7W24ezmU3N6
*Clean non-marking dance shoes are required (leather / suede soles recommended). Please do NOT just wear socks.
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
TCBC Field Trip - to GATL show at kj’s hideaway
Join TCBC on November 17th for a night out and dancing to the sizzling hot jazz of the Gentlemen's Anti-Temperance League (GATL)
$15 + tax/fees.
Tickets available online and more info about GATL and kj's hideaway (https://kjshideaway.com/event/the-gentlemens-anti-temperance-league/):
"1 part infectious enthusiasm
1 part vintage hot club jazz
1 part modern songwriting
1 part hot picking swing
Shake with ice and you’ve got The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League.
The GATL plays jazz originals. Modern songs under an old-time facade. It’s music your granddad would listen to, if your granddad was a time-traveler from 2050 with a hankering for vintage cocktails and hot jazz. It’s hot, infectious, and emotional. Kind of like that on-and-off relationship you had in your early twenties, but a lot more grounded."
"Nestled in the heart of St. Paul and tucked away in the lower level of the 1920s-era Hamm Building, you will find a rare gem that is well worth the trip! kj’s hideaway – a bustling new music venue (named after owners Kris and Jeremy Siers), celebrates two years on September 17th, 2023.
Although relatively new, kj’s comes with a rich history. It’s the former home to the much beloved Artist’s Quarter (a.k.a. the AQ) and later, the Vieux Carré. Today, kj’s proudly upholds the time-honored tradition of great live music."
Level-Up Your Balboa
Balboa (Level 1.5) at 7-8:15pm
This class is designed to transition new balboa dancers from Level 1 to Level 2. We will review Level 1 content and technique and then expand upon it, diving into toss-outs, transitions and variations.
Prereqs: Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing, or other balboa fundamentals course
Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28
+Stay after class for an open practice 8:15-9pm. FREE for class attendees.
2 Ways to Pay:
Online via PayPal https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
At the studio (CASH ONLY)
HALLOWEEN Balboa Party!
It's that time of year again! Time to don scary/silly costumes, eat yummy fall foods, and dance balboa to all of the creepy/awesome/weird Halloween swing music!
There is a Balboa Basics lesson before each house party, so you can jump right in if you're new! Experienced Bal dancers are encouraged to join the lesson to learn a new role, help new dancers learn, and maybe we'll even have some cool stuff for you to work on too!
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going and pay our teachers/DJs, or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
7-8pm Balboa Basics Lesson
8pm-11pm DJed Spooktacular music
Registration
https://forms.gle/UTtLJDTqYgAmraqr8
Exact location provided via email after registering. This party will be in Blaine, MN.
*Clean non-marking dance shoes are required (leather / suede soles recommended). Please do NOT just wear socks.
Field Trip to SWINGesota!
Balboa friends, for this month's field trip, we invite you to join us in an excursion over to *the dark side* (jkjk) to have some West Coast Swing fun!
Did you know that several of the balboa dancers in our scene are also westies?! But don't worry if you've never done WCS before, there's a FREE BEGINNER LESSON before the dance. In fact, SWINGesota is actually doing a WHOLE MONTH of free beginner classes before the dance!
https://www.facebook.com/events/343681891336640/343681904669972
Entry to the dance-only is $8. If you are taking the FREE beginner class, the dance is also FREE!
Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing (Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2)
Starting from zero we’ll work on the basic step and add on several moves and variations. Balboa is known known for its close-embrace “hug-like” connection and fast shuffling footwork. It’s great for dancing to fast music while using much less energy than its Lindy Hop and Charleston cousins.
No experience necessary. No partner necessary. Presented in partnership with Uptown Swing.
Thursdays in October (5, 19, 26 - not 12) plus Nov 2 at 8:30pm
Get Your Balboa Up To Speed
Balboa (Level 2+) at 7-8:15pm
Learn how to get comfortable dancing at the super fast tempos that balboa is known for with this month-long series. We’ll cover technique, drills, variations and new moves that will make fast dancing seem like a breeze!
Prereqs: up/down-hold basics, come-around, out-and-ins, lollies, promenade, and toss-outs
Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24
+Stay after class for an open practice 8:15-9pm. FREE for class attendees. For non-attendees we suggest a $3-5 donation to help pay for the space.
2 Ways to Pay:
Online via PayPal https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
At the studio (CASH ONLY)
September Balboa House Party!
Join us for some fun hangout and dance balboa time! Everyone is welcome!
There is a Balboa Basics lesson before each house party, so you can jump right in if you're new! Experienced Bal dancers are encouraged to join the lesson to learn a new role, help new dancers learn, and maybe we'll even have some cool stuff for you to work on too!
Please consider donating $5-10 to help keep TCBC activities going and pay our teachers/DJs, or bring a food/beverage to share with everyone!
7-8pm Balboa Basics Lesson
8pm-11pm DJed music
Register here:
https://forms.gle/yFMAnCTLojiQYDG67
TCBC Bal Party at Lake Harriet feat. Gypsy Mania Hot Club Swing
As Minnesotans we relish the sunny summers and spending time at the lake, so why not combine that with our favorite year-around activity - balboa dancing!
We'll meet somewhere between the Lake Harriet Bandshell and the Wheel of Fun Rentals around 4pm for paddling, swimming, or other park activities of your choice
Then we'll head over to the bandshell at 5:30pm to listen and dance to Gypsy Mania Hot Club Swing! (Note that there isn't a great dance floor, so bring shoes that you feel comfortable dancing on concrete with).
Out-And-Ins All-Around
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us to for our class: Out-And-Ins All-Around!
Did you know that you could have a really fun balboa dance just doing out-an-ins? In this class we will explore this incredibly versatile “move”, playing around with footwork, rhythm, shaping and other variations.
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, basic lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, and out-and-ins
Wednesdays, August 16th and 23rd 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing (Aug 3, 10, 17, 31 [not 31])
Starting from zero we’ll work on the basic step and add on several moves and variations. Balboa is known known for its close-embrace “hug-like” connection and fast shuffling footwork. It’s great for dancing to fast music while using much less energy than its Lindy Hop and Charleston cousins.
No experience necessary. No partner necessary. Presented in partnership with Uptown Swing.
Thursdays in August (3, 10, 17, and 31 - not 23) at 8:30pm
30-Sec Choreo to “Exactly Like You” (Sam Cooke version)
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us to learn our 30-Sec Choreo!
In this class we will teach you our routine to “Exactly Like You” by Sam Cooke!
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, out-and-ins
Wednesdays, August 2nd and 9th 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
Lindy-to-Bal and Back Again - Summer Mini-Series
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us for Lindy-to-Bal and Back Again!
In this class we will find various ways of transitioning between lindy hop/Charleston and balboa to give you even more options to incorporate moves of any of these swing genres into any dance.
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, out-and-ins
Wednesdays, July 19th and 26th 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
Supersonic Sundays - Fast Swing Dance / Practice
Join us for a new weekly fast swing dance practice! Each Sunday we will be DJ'ing swing music 170+bpm for your fast swing dancing pleasure. All are welcome to come practice balboa, Charleston, fast lindy, solo jazz, collegiate shag, etc.
Location: Small/Front Studio - Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis
Must wear clean/non-marking dance shoes in the studio. $5 donation suggested but not required.
Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing
Starting from zero we’ll work on the basic step and add on several moves and variations. Balboa is known known for its close-embrace “hug-like” connection and fast shuffling footwork. It’s great for dancing to fast music while using much less energy than its Lindy Hop and Charleston cousins.
No experience necessary. No partner necessary. Presented in partnership with Uptown Swing.
Thursdays in July at 8:45pm
Toss-Outs Every Which Way - Summer Mini-Series
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us for Toss-Outs Every Which Way!
Let’s explore toss-outs - refining technique - playing with circular momentum and direction - and learning more complicated variations.
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, out-and-ins
Wednesdays, July 5th and 12th 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration
Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing
Starting from zero we’ll work on the basic step and add on several moves and variations. Balboa is known known for its close-embrace “hug-like” connection and fast shuffling footwork. It’s great for dancing to fast music while using much less energy than its Lindy Hop and Charleston cousins.
No experience necessary. No partner necessary. Presented in partnership with Uptown Swing.
Thursdays in June at 7pm (NO CLASS June 8th)
Swivels Intensive - Summer Mini-Series
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us for a Swivels Intensive!
We’ll start with a deep-dive into the mechanics of swivels, how to get into and out of them. Then we’ll show you common footwork variations, and finish with ideas on how to develop your own fancy footwork variations.
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, out-and-ins
Wednesdays, June 7th and 14th 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration https://www.facebook.com/events/3650342805197423/?event_time_id=3650342811864089
Balboa 1 at Uptown Swing
Starting from zero we’ll work on the basic step and add on several moves and variations. Balboa is known known for its close-embrace “hug-like” connection and fast shuffling footwork. It’s great for dancing to fast music while using much less energy than its Lindy Hop and Charleston cousins.
No experience necessary. No partner necessary. Presented in partnership with Uptown Swing.
Thursdays in June at 7pm (NO CLASS June 8th)
Swivels Intensive - Summer Mini-Series
Level up your balboa this summer with TCBC's balboa summer mini-series sessions! Invite your friends, because learning is more fun when you do it with friends!
Join us for a Swivels Intensive!
We’ll start with a deep-dive into the mechanics of swivels, how to get into and out of them. Then we’ll show you common footwork variations, and finish with ideas on how to develop your own fancy footwork variations.
Pre-requisites: up-hold and down-hold basics, lollies, come arounds, toss-outs, out-and-ins
Wednesdays, June 7th and 14th 7-8:15pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (large studio in the back)
Pre-register now - $22 for full 2-week session (drop-ins are $15 each)
https://www.tcbalboaconnection.org/tcbc-classes-registration https://www.facebook.com/events/3650342805197423/?event_time_id=3650342811864089
Supersonic Sundays - Fast Swing Dance / Practice
Join us for a new weekly fast swing dance practice! Each Sunday we will be DJ'ing swing music 170+bpm for your fast swing dancing pleasure. All are welcome to come practice balboa, Charleston, fast lindy, solo jazz, collegiate shag, etc.
Location: Small/Front Studio - Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis
Must wear clean/non-marking dance shoes in the studio $5 donation suggested but not required