Traditional Balboa is a dance that originated on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California in the thirties. Evolving out of the Charleston, it is a close dance that employs simple, repetitive footwork and is danced to fast music. Preferably Boogie Woogie!

Innovator, JohnnieRay has taken basic Balboa, and combined it with Freestyle to create what he calls Freestyle Bal Swing. His own easy to learn transitions allow students to move seamlessly back and forth between Balboa and Swing—taking their dancing to new and exciting levels. Like Freestyle Swing, Freestyle Bal Swing can be danced to a wide variety of music.