– Only know the pure-bal basics and come-arounds?
– Already enjoy the balboa connection?
– Want to dance more balboa at social dances?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then this class is for you!
This month only, Katy Spray and Eric Chen will teach a 3 hour bal-swing workshop on Saturday, FEBRUARY 7th, from 1-4pm at Dance with Joy Studios!
For $45, you will receive three hours of instruction, as well as free entry to our 90 minute guided practice from 4:00 – 5:30pm! Then join us for food and drinks after in the Sellwood area!
Sign up for the workshop here: https://dancewithjoystudios.com/balswing
Please feel free to reach out if in need of financial assistance.
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Class Description:
Experience the unique connection and rhythm of Bal-Swing! This session focuses on the quintessential movements that define the dance: come-arounds, toss-outs, and out-and-ins.
For Experienced Dancers: Dive deep into the nuanced technique and connection that make these classic figures feel smooth, effortless, and musical.
For New Learners: We will teach each movement from the ground up. This class moves at a faster pace than a standard introductory session, making it perfect for those ready for a challenge.
Prerequisite: Participants should be comfortable with basic Pure Balboa (closed position) and fundamental footwork.
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About Our Instructors:
Katy Spray started swing dancing in 1998 in Southern California during the height of the swing revival. She has always been passionate about developing new dancers and introducing people to the joy of swing dance. While she dances many other dances, her focus is swing dances of the 20s, 30s, and 40s including Lindy Hop and Balboa. Her instruction style is joyful, inclusive, and prioritizes expression and creativity over perfection. She has two children and is an accountant in her alternate life.
Eric Chen has been dancing lindy hop, charleston, and blues since 2013, with special focus on balboa since 2021. He began DJing and teaching at PLS weekly dances in 2023, from foundational classes to ELEF (everybody leads, everybody follows) to intermediate classes focused on musicality and rhythmic variations. As of 2025, he has joined Katy Spray in teaching Fridays at Dance with Joy Studios covering beginning charleston, balboa, and lindy hop.
Both Katy Spray and Eric Chen are available to teach private lessons!
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About Dance with Joy Studios
Dance with Joy Studios is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming community space for all persons, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, nationality, profession, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, social skill, dance skill, or fitness level.
We believe everyone deserves to express themselves freely and joyfully in dance, without fear of harassment, discrimination, or harm. Together, we build a studio culture of kindness, respect, and care.
By entering Dance with Joy Studios, all staff, students, and guests agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and contribute to a safe, joyful, and welcoming dance community.