Upcoming Local Workshops
March 29: Follow Focus Int/Adv Balboa Workshop with Lauren Smith and Theresa Manning
Join Theresa Manney and Lauren Smith for their Follow Focus Balboa Workshop, an exciting exploration of individual expression and technical nuance in partner dancing. This workshop will benefit primary follows, primary leads, and switch dancers alike!
Follows, learn how to style and add rhythmic variations to your dancing, exploring musical and connection ideas. Follows will gain the tools to communicate rhythmic and energy changes, and a variety of stylings to bring more personal flavor to their social and competitive dancing.
Leads, learn how to inspire and collaborate with your partner to bring about more conversational and enjoyable dances. Leads will learn the frameworks necessary to give their follow workable content to explore and stylize each dance.
Prerequisites: Completion of Balboa 1, and at least two series of Balboa 2. Comfortable adjusting techniques, moves, or styling choices for slow, medium, and fast songs. Ability to dance to songs as slow as 90 bpm and as fast as 220 bpm, while looking and feeling comfortable, fluid, and relaxed. Comfortable in the standard Balboa foundations at a variety of tempos, and able to stylize: lollies, toss outs, out and ins, Balboa swivels, and pure Balboa (crab walks, paddles turns, adlibs, etc.) Email contact@cloudlanddance.com with questions about prerequisites.
$50
Register at https://square.link/u/eKvmVTQ0
10:00am-1:00pm Saturday, March 29, Cloudland Dance, Gotta Dance Studio, Redmond, Washington
Meet Your Teachers:
—Theresa Manney—
Theresa Manney has been dancing for as long as she can remember. Her journey as a swing dancer began in 2010 and her passion for the art and its history hasn’t stoped since. You can find her regularly traveling to Balboa, Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag events all over. Theresa is known for her follower influence in musicality, quality of movement, and powerful stylings.
When she’s not tearing it up on the dance floor, you can find her learning how to pole dance, spending time outside, tending to her plants and hanging with her pup, Hondo.
—Lauren Smith—
Lauren Smith is a lifelong dancer in many styles, and started swing dancing in 2007 when a friend brought her to LA’s Lindy Groove. After that, she could be found dancing almost every night of the week, competing regularly, and teaching locally and around the world.
Lauren has headlined events across the globe, teaching at: Balboa on the River (Australia,) Minor Swing (Sweden,) Camp Jitterbug (USA,) Edinburgh Balboa and Shag Festival (Scotland,) Northwest Balboa Festival (USA), Cologne Balboa Festival (Germany,) and Swinging’ by the Sound (USA,) to name a few. She specializes in jazz era dances, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, and Slow Jazz. Her degree in vocal music education allows her to bring a unique approach to classes, incorporating natural musicality, body efficiency, and Alexander method techniques.
Lauren regularly competes as both a lead and a follow, winning and placing in a number of international dance competitions: Balorado, Hot Rhythm Holiday, Camp Hollywood, and All Balboa Weekend, among others. She is a sought after competition judge and DJ at major events, including California Balboa Classic, Snowball, Camp Hollywood, Camp Jitterbug, Hot Rhythm Holiday, The Balboa Experiment, and Balorado, as well as many other events around the world.
HOW TO BE A SWING DJ WORKSHOP, IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Join seasoned DJs Lauren Smith & Peter Flahiff for a deep-dive into what it means to be a great DJ for swing dancers! This workshop is for aspiring and seasoned DJs alike! We will explore building playlists, facilitating a night of great social dancing, and playing for events and competitions.
More than just finding a “Swing Music” playlist on Spotify and hitting shuffle, a great Swing DJ brings a wide range of skills to the booth and creates an evening filled with irresistible tunes that practically compel everyone in the room to have a great time!
With literally thousands of hours of experience playing excellent music for swing dancers of all experience levels all around the world, Lauren and Peter will share with you how they approach everything: building a library, curating specific playlists, DJing for different events and dances, and so much more. Whether you want to learn to do it yourself, or are just curious about what goes on in the mind of a DJ, this workshop will be fun, informative, and full of great music!
Tune in virtually! We will set up a Zoom option for out-of-towners! We’ll send out a private Zoom link via email Thurs/Fri before the workshop. (You will be able to ask questions via the chat, but we ask that you remain muted.) If attending virtually, please register no later than 10am PST on April 19th or you may not receive your Zoom link in time!
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025 12-2:30pm
Location: Lowdown Ballroom, Seattle and online via Zoom
Cost: $25
Register at: https://square.link/u/0FHM8hog
**This will NOT be recorded. We ask that you PLEASE not record any portion of this workshop. We’ve had classes stolen before, and would like to protect our intellectual property. Thank you for your understanding.
(Date TBA) : Balboa Crash Course
This workshop will benefit primary follows, primary leads, and switch dancers alike!
12:00-3:00pm, Century Ballroom, main ballroom
Prerequisites: None
$50
Register at https://buy.stripe.com/cN27ss86KaP6gkE5l1
(Date TBA) Dean Collins Shim Sham Workshop
Learn this fun and innovative variation of the Shim Sham routine made famous by swing era Lindy Hopper Dean Collins! Dean’s version of the Shim Sham is exciting and creative, and includes many movements and steps not found in the “standard” version of the Shim Sham. This version of the is not taught often, so don’t miss this chance!
March 10, 12:00-2:00pm
$40
https://centuryballroom.com/events/shimsham-workshop-249/
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to Swing and Lindy 1, comfortable with social dancing basic lindy hop. Appropriate for Swing or Tap dancers with at least two class sessions of experience.
WHAT IS THE DEAN COLLINS SHIM SHAM??
The Dean Collins Shim Sham is a solo jazz dance routine (and line dance) that begins with the familiar patterns of the original Shim Sham (a standard footwork from the tap dance world,) but then diverges into material that captures the innovative styles developed by Dean Collins himself. This routine was originally created as a three-man performance that included Jack Arkin and Johnny Mattox.
Born Sol Ruddosky, May 29, 1917, Dean Collins was an American dancer and choreographer, credited with bringing the Lindy Hop from New York to Southern California. He is also undeniably linked to the history of “West Coast Swing”. In his heyday, Dean Collins appeared in over 30 Hollywood films showcasing his innovative style of Lindy Hop. His dance partner of 11 years, Jewel McGowan, also recognized as one of the great Lindy Hoppers of all time, appeared with Dean in Buck Privates (1941) and Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1942) and can be seen demonstrating patterns from this Shim Sham in a film called “The Hep and Happy” by Glen Grey Orchestra.
Previous teaching and djing engagements
~~2024~~
January 12-15: California Balboa Classic (Burbank, USA) — Balboa
February 3: Customize Your Swing Out, Customize Your Swivels Workshop — Lindy Hop
February 9-11: Bubble City Bash (Champaign, USA) — Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag
March 1-22: Guest Teachers for Savoy Swing Club, Balboa Crash Course (Seattle, USA)– Balboa
March 22: Swing Continuum – Lindy Hop/West Coast Swing Crossover Workshop (Seattle, USA)– Lindy Hop
March 23: Olympia Balboa Workshop (Olympia, USA)– Balboa
March 24: Fast Feet Balboa Workshop (Seattle, USA)– Balboa
April 12-14: Swinging’ by the Sound (Port Townsend, USA)– Collegiate Shag
May 3-5: For Dancers Only (Sydney, Australia)– Balboa, Lindy Hop
May 10-12: Perth Swing Weekend (Perth, Australia)– Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag
May 16: Inglemoor High School Jazz Night (Seattle, USA)
May 18: Dean and Jewel Style Lindy Workshop (Seattle, USA) — Lindy Hop
May 19: How to Be a Swing DJ Workshop (Seattle and virtual)–DJing
June 1: Balboa Inventions Workshop (Seattle, USA) — Balboa
June 27-30: Balorado (Denver, USA)–DJing
July 19-21: Midsummer Mashup (Sacramento, USA)– Balboa, Lindy Hop
July 28-30: Northwest Balboa Festival (Seattle, USA)–DJ
August 15: Dancing Til Dusk Balboa (Seattle, USA)
August 17: Northwest Dance Balboa Taster (Seattle, USA)
September 6-9: Camp Hollywood (Los Angeles, USA)–DJ
September 28: Portland Collegiate Shag Crash Course Workshop (Portland, USA)
October 11-13: Whistle Stop Weekend Purdue University (Indianapolis, USA)
October 18-20: Vancouver Mini Balboa Weekend (Vancouver, Canada)
November 2-3: Peter DJing and Balboa Workshop (Denver, USA)
November 22-24: Balboa Lab (Edmonton, Canada)
December 6-8: Seabeck Dance Weekend (Seabeck, USA)
~~2023~~
January 7: Level Up Your Balboa Workshop (Seattle, USA)
January 13-15: California Balboa Classic — DJ (Pasadena, USA)
January 28: Customize Your Swing out, Customize Your Swivels Workshop (Seattle, USA)
February 17-19: Hot Rhythm Holiday — DJ/Judge (Austin, USA)
February 25: How to Be a Swing DJ Workshop (Seattle, USA)
March 18: Balboa Dynamic Out Ins Workshop (Seattle, USA)
March 31-April 2: Swingin’ By the Sound (Port Townsend, USA)
April 22-23: Hop, Skip Jump Weekend (Boise, USA)
May 6: Slow Balboa Workshop (Seattle, USA)
May 13: Slow Dancing Workshop with Peter and Ana Lisa (Seattle, USA)
May 19-21: SwingTyne Lindy Balboa Shag Weekend (Newcastle upon Tyne, England)
May 26-29: Edinburgh Balboa Weekend (Edinburgh, Scotland)
June 3: London Balboa Syndicate Workshops (London, England)
July 1: Balboa Inventions Workshop (Seattle, Washington)
July 8: How to Be a Swing DJ Workshop (Seattle, Washington)
July 28-30: Northwest Balboa Festival (Seattle, Washington)
August 25-27: Swing Summit Summer Retreat (Hope, Canada)
September 16: Art of Social Dancing (Seattle, Washington)
10/7 Pure Balboa Workshop
10/20-22: Emerald Swing (Dublin)
11/3-5: Seabeck Dance Weekend
11/11: Collegiate Shag Workshops
11/17: Sacramento Workshop
12/9: The Ins & Outs of Out-and-Ins Workshop
12/13: Follow Focus Workshop — Lindy Hop
12/16: Tap Shim Sham for Lindy Hoppers
~~2022~~
Camp Jitterbug – Seattle, Washington
Northwest Balboa Festival – Seattle, Washington
Camp Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA
Brisbane Balboa Festival – Brisbane, Australia
Shake That Thing – Canberra, Australia
Fancy Feet – Adelaide, Australia
Victoria Swing Weekend – Victoria, Canada
~ 2020 ~
1/17-19: California Balboa Classic – Newport Beach, USA – Emcee (Link)
February
We’re moving to Seattle!
2/14-16: Hot Rhythm Holiday – Austin, USA – DJs (Link)
POSTPONED 3/2: Balboa Basics and Beyond–March Class Series – Bellevue, Washington (Link)
3/8: Suburban Swing Teaching Residency–Intermediate Lindy Hop, Intro to Lindy Hop, Intro to Balboa – Abbotsford, Canada (Link)
POSTPONED 3/9: Balboa Basics and Beyond–March Class Series – Bellevue, Washington (Link)
3/15: Suburban Swing Teaching Residency – Abbotsford, Canada (Link)
POSTPONED 3/16: Balboa Basics and Beyond–March Class Series – Bellevue, Washington (Link)
3/22: Suburban Swing Teaching Residency – Abbotsford, Canada (Link)
POSTPONED 3/23: Balboa Basics and Beyond–March Class Series – Bellevue, Washington (Link)
3/29: Suburban Swing Teaching Residency – Abbotsford, Canada (Link)
POSTPONED 5/1-3: Scissortail Swing 2020 – Oklahoma City, USA (Link)
POSTPONED 6/18-21: All Balboa Weekend – Cleveland, USA – competing
POSTPONED 6/25-29: Big Sky Weekend – Kalispell, USA (Link)
POSTPONED 6/30-7/22: Australia Tour
POSTPONED 7/3-5: Shake That Thing – Canberra, AUS
POSTPONED 7/10-12: Winter Swing Storm – Perth, AUS
POSTPONED 7/17-19: Brisbane Weekend of Swing – Brisbane, AUS
POSTPONED 9/4-7: Camp Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA (Link)
POSTPONED 9/25-27: Top City Swing 2020 – Topeka, USA (Link)
POSTPONED Victoria Swing Weekend
~~ 2019 ~~
January
1/19-21: California Balboa Classic – Newport Beach, USA – Emcee (Link)
1/25-27: Shuffle: A Balboa Story – Edmonton, Canada (Check out the awesome event description here)
February
2/15-17: Hot Rhythm Holiday – Austin, USA – DJs (Link)
March
3/8-10: La-La Lindy in Music City – Nashville, USA (Link)
3/24-31: The Balboa Experiment (Week 2 Participants)
April
4/12-14: Private lessons – San Luis Obispo, USA (Book here)
4/26-28: Scissortail Swing – Oklahoma City, USA (Link)
May
5/3-5: Lindy Hop & Balboa Workshop – Kansas City, USA
June
6/13-16: All Balboa Weekend – Cleveland, USA – competing
6/28-7/1: Big Sky Weekend – Kalispell, USA (Link)
July
7/6-7: Swing Summit 2019 – Vancouver, Canada (Link)
7/20-21: Workshops – San Francisco, USA (TBA)
August
8/3-13: Workshops and private lessons – Pacific Northwest (TBA)
September
8/30-9/2: Camp Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA (Link)
October
10/18-20: Edinburgh Balboa and Shag Festival – Edinburgh, Scotland
10/25-27: Balboa Cologne – Cologne, Germany (Link)
November
11/8-10: Autumn Rhythm – Edmonton, Canada (Link)
December
12/28-1/1: Santa Swing – Santa Barbara, USA (Link)
~~ 2018 ~~
January
12/26-1/1: The Snowball – Stockholm, Sweden – DJ (Link)
1/2-4: Dublin Lindy Hop Workshop – Dublin, Ireland (Link)
1/19-21: California Balboa Classic – Pasadena, USA – DJ (Link)
February
2/2-4: SparX Case-Western – Cleveland, USA (Link)
2/9-11: Kansas City Lindy & Balboa Workshop – Kansas City, USA (Link)
2/13: St. Louis Balboa Workshop – St. Louis, USA
April
4/1-8: Balboa Experiment – North Carolina, USA – Peter Head DJ (Link)
4/8-15: Balboa Experiment Week 4 (attending)
4/21: Intermediate Lindy Hop Workshop – Atomic Ballroom, USA (Link)
4/27-29: San Luis Obispo Lindy Exchange – California, USA – DJ (Link)
May
5/3-7: Balboa & Lindy Hop Workshops – Kansas City, USA (Link)
5/8-11: Iowa City Balboa Workshops – Iowa City, USA
5/12: St. Louis Shuffle Balboa Workshop – St. Louis, USA (Link)
5/14-16: Balboa & Lindy Hop Workshops – Kansas City, USA
5/18-24: Spring Fling By the Sea – Edmonton, Canada (Link)
5/26-27: Workshop – San Luis Obispo, USA (TBA)
June
6/14-17: All Balboa Weekend – Cleveland, USA – DJ (Link)
6/22-25: Big Sky Weekend – Kalispell, USA (Link)
6/26-7/2: Private lessons – Seattle, USA (Book your private lesson HERE)
6/30: Beginner Swing Dance Workshop – Seattle, USA (Link)
July
7/7-8: Shake That Thing 2018 – Canberra, Australia (Link)
7/14-15: The Art of Social Dancing Weekend – Sydney, Australia (Link)
7/21-22: Fancy Feet 2018 – Adelaide, Australia (Link)
7/28-29: A Piece of Los Angeles Workshop – Melbourne, Australia (Link)
August
8/6-16: Private lessons – Seattle, USA (Book your private lesson HERE)
8/15: Lindy Hop Workshop – Yakima, USA – TBA
8/18: Atomic Ballroom Intermediate Lindy Hop Workshop – Irvine, USA (TBA)
September
8/31-9/3: Camp Hollywood – Los Angeles, USA – DJ (Link)
October
10/12-15: Private lessons – San Luis Obispo, USA (Book your private lesson HERE)
10/19-21: Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout – Denver, USA – DJ, Staff (Link)
November
11/10-12: Derby City Jockey Jump & A Day at the Races – Louisville, USA – (Link)
11/16-18: Swing Dance Nashville Workshop – Nashville, USA – (Link)
December
12/13: Balboa Basics Workshop – Tacoma, USA (Link)
12/15: Balboa Workshop w/Peter & Lauren – Tacoma, USA (Link)
12/16: Intermediate/Advanced Lindy Hop Workshop – Tacoma, USA (Link)
12/19: Beginner & Intermediate Lindy Hop Workshops – Yakima, USA (Link)
~~ 2017 ~~
January
1/6-8: California Balboa Classic – DJ (Pasadena, USA)
1/14: Atomic Workshop Swing Bootcamp (Irvine, USA)
February
2/10-12: Fancy Feet 2017 (Adelaide, Australia)
2/17-19: Shake That Thing! 2018 (Canberra, Australia)
March
3/3-5: The Art of Social Dancing Weekend (Sydney, Australia)
3/11-12 – Peter Balboa Workshops (Minneapolis, USA)
3/26-4/16 The Balboa Experiment
April
3/19-4/16 The Balboa Experiment
4/28-30: Minor Swing Weekend (Gothenburg, Sweden)
May
5/2: Swing Patrol Lindy Hop Workshops (London, England)
5/6-7: San Francisco lindy Hop & Balboa Workshops
June
6/3-4: Intermediate Balboa Workshop (Phoenix, USA)
6/23-26: Big Sky Weekend (Kalispell, USA)
July
7/1-2: Canada 150 Workshops (Abbotsford & Vancouver, Canada)
7/15: Atomic Beginner Bootcamp Workshop (Irvine, USA)
August
8/5-6: Bal-Ast Off! – DJ, Staff (Huntsville, USA)
Sept
9/1-4: Camp Hollywood – DJ (Los Angeles, USA)
9/5, 12, 21, 26: Headliners Good Morning (from “Singin’ in the Rain”) September Series
9/16-17: Shag Workshop (Phoenix, USA)
9/23-24: Harvest Moon Weekend (Seattle, USA)
9/30: So Cal Balboa Friends & Family Workshop (Irvine, Ca)
October
10/7-8: Basics & Beyond: Balboa Workshops (St. Louis, USA)
10/12: Intermediate/Advanced Balboa Workshop (Iowa City, USA)
10/14-15: Lindy & Balboa Workshops (Kansas City, USA)
November
11/18: Atomic Ballroom Art & Science of Social Dancing Workshop (Irvine, USA)
11/27: T-Town Lindy Hop & Balboa Workshops (Tacoma, USA)
December
12/30-3: SwingTyne Lindy, Balboa, &Shag Workshops (Newcastle, England)
12/7-14: Lindy Hop Workshops via Edinbop & EUSDS (Edinburgh, Scotland)
12/18-23: Shag Workshops (Brighton, England)
12/26-1: The Snowball – DJ (Stockholm, Sweden)
Peter and Lauren 