Downtownswing presents

BALBOA LAB 7

Back from the Break. Ready for More.


with

Anna-Maria & Ralf

Oct 10-11, 2026

Zurich, Switzerland

The Concept

High Intensity Balboa Workshop

Get inspired by the dance skills and vast teaching experience of our amazing instructors, techniques and practice ideas & drills - this is not your regular 'yet-another-move-workshop'.

Fundamental Idea

Get together in a group of motivated and like-minded Balboa dancers and individually progress to a next dance level.

Workshop Environment

The limited number of participants allows to work and interact with the instructors and other dancers in an intimate atmosphere.

Motivation and Goals

Work on Balboa aspects guided by instructors and polish your steps during practice sessions in a group setting and with your dance partner.

Class and Practice Sessions

Two carefully prepared classes per day led by our instructors followed by a structured, self-guided practice sessions after each class are waiting for you.

The Structure

Discover, practice, refine
and repeat

An iterative process of working individually and together to elevate your dancing.

1. Discovery

Get inspired with fresh ideas and techniques from our instructors. Exercises and drills will prepare you for the practice session.

2. Practice

Apply and train the techniques you learned in class. Part One of the practice session focusses on the social dance aspect of Balboa including changing dance partners.

3. Refinement

In part Two of the practice session you're free to choose how to use the practice time: continue with changing partners, train with your individual dance partner or process the new impressions in your own time and way.

Artists

Get to know our fabulous instructors

Case study 1

Instructor

Anna-Maria

Anna-Maria explored ballet and other dances since her childhood, before becoming infected with the fun of Swing Dancing. She also has an apprenticeship in Yoga.

Case study 2

Instructor

Ralf

Ralf was playing Badminton in his childhood until he started swing dancing in 2007. He has been teaching Lindy Hop and Balboa since 2010 in Leipzig and pushed the scene building a lot.

Testimonials

What they say about us

A multitude of dancers have already participated in the Balboa Lab editions and shared their experience with us.

Why dancers return to Balboa Lab

A small-group format - two levels, structured, self-guided practice after every class, and room to work in depth.

Previous Balboa Lab editions

6

Dancers in past Labs

150+

Skill levels per weekend

2

Thanks for giving so much energy in organizing those lab. They are great and I am always learning much in an easy and sharing way. It is for me a really good form of learning... learning by sharing is for me the best.

The Lab concept is great, enabling to integrate the topics learned in the practice sessions

This really got me more creative, and moved me towards dancing with my feet and thinking more about the music and taking care of partner.....also gave me content to teach my students

I found the workshop content and insights excellent. The atmosphere was collegial and relaxed. The organization was perfect. So many small details had been thought of, and I was met with so much attention, care, and warmth. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and made the most of every moment. Thank you all very much!!!

Let's grow together!