'Pure' Balboa is a lead/ follow swing dance characterized by an upright posture with forward intent, and partners closely connecting (in numerous ways) at the lead's right side.
The dance generates shared movement, creating many different rhythmic variations most noticeable in the feet.
Bal-Swing evolved when original Balboa dancers broke hold and experimented with including features of So Cal Swing dancing.
In this form of Balboa a variety of rotational and linear movements -mainly generated by' out and in' movement- create spins, turns, dips, and occasionally tricks.
Much footage of original Balboa dancers, such as the Hignetts, the Thompsons, the Rafterys, the Takiers and the Steinbroners dancing at Bobby McGees can be found online.
It was created for the Panama Californian Exhibition, Balboa Park, 1915-17, with illustrated instructions published in newspapers.
In approximately 2005 a concerted effort was made to invite original dancers to share their knowledge resulting in another range of interpretations, and discoveries.
In 1978, two long-time Balboa dancers Ed and Inez Thompson met their Balboa-dancing friends Hal and Marge Takier to discuss starting a twice-a-month Balboa dance on Sunday afternoons at a Bobby McGee's restaurant/ nightclub in Newport.