Swing sessions: Pure Balboa with Yoshi and Etsuko
Swing sessions: Pure Balboa with Yoshi and Etsuko
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Lace up your shoes on May 30, 2026 for an afternoon of Pure Balboa Classes and an evening of Social Dancing with Yoshi and Etsuko Uemura.
You must know and be comfortable with Balboa basics for all of these classes - they won't be covered at this workshop.
Passes are available now.
Don’t forget about our evening Balboa social dance with the Flying Saucers! Dance Only Passes are available in our SDAV Shop. If you purchased a full Swing Sessions Pass, you don’t need a Dance Only Pass.
Yoshi and Etsuko will be available for a small number of private lessons.
Please contact Yoshi and Etsuko via email: heelslide@gmail.com
Schedule
Schedule
12:30pm - Doors Open
1:00pm - Class 1
2:15pm - Class 2
3:15pm - Snack Break
3:45pm - Class 3
4:45 pm - Class 4
6:00pm - Everyone Out for Dinner
9:00pm - Doors Open for Social Dancing
12:00am - Everyone Out
*schedule may be subject to change
Class Information
Class Information
You must know and be comfortable with Balboa basics for all of these classes - they won't be covered at this workshop.
Class 1: Pure Balboa Foundations & Connection
This class focuses on building a strong technical foundation in Pure Balboa. We will refine posture, frame, and partner connection while developing a consistent rhythm to the music.
Class 2: Pure Balboa Flow, Shuffle & Transitions
In this class, we expand into traveling movements while introducing shuffle as a core basic element of Pure Balboa. You’ll work on integrating shuffle into your foundation, alongside box basics and directional movement, with an emphasis on smooth flow and rhythmic clarity.
Class 3: Pure Balboa Footwork & Variations
This class highlights footwork as a core element of musicality and expression in Pure Balboa. We will explore a range of footwork variations and texture within the basic structure. The goal is to develop precision, clarity, and the ability to adapt your footwork creatively while staying connected with your partner.
Class 4: Pure Balboa Musical Movement
Designed to bring everything together, this class focuses on integrating technique, rhythm, and movement into a cohesive dance. We will explore timing variations, directional changes, and dynamic contrast to help you respond more intuitively to the music and your partner.
Class Pricing
Class Pricing
The Swing Dance Association of Victoria has a Financial Assistance Fund to help dancers who require financial assistance to attend Swing Dance Association of Victoria workshops and events. If you need to access the Financial Assistance Fund please email us at hello@swingvictoria.net
You can learn about the fund or contribute to the fund here: https://www.swingvictoria.net/faq/financial-assistance-fund
Teacher Information
Teacher Information
Yoshi and Etsuko Uemura
Yoshi and Etsuko Uemura
Hailing from Japan, currently live in Seattle, USA, with the passion of the swing dance since 2001, Yoshi and Etsuko Uemura are experts in Pure Balboa, bringing a distinctive style to their dancing, performances, and workshops. They focus on the classic style and aesthetics with smooth footwork, yet innovative forward thinking concept, ensuring a strong lead-follow communication on the dance floor. Whether it's a workshop, social dance, or competition, they will bring the joy and excitement of Pure Balboa to the dance floor.
Yoshi and Etsuko have been finalists in the Pure Balboa Contest at California Balboa Classic since 2017. This year, 2026, they came in 1st place! Previously, they took home the championship title in 2023 and the 2nd place in 2025.
Live Band
Live Band
The Flying Saucers
The Flying Saucers
The Flying Saucers will be channeling their inner Benny Goodman Small Group for your Balboa delight!
The Flying Saucers are a Victoria institution. They are a traditional swing, ragtime and blues band based here in Victoria. This special line up of features Clark Brendon on guitar and vocals, Al Pease on clarinet and saxophone, Joey Smith on the upright bass, and Cyril Lojda on drums.
Location
Location
Friendship Hall (formerly Norway House): 1110 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2A7, Canada
Taking BC Transit? Victoria has a public transit system. Check out the BC Transit website for bus information.
Riding your bicycle? Getting to the Friendship Hall is very bike-able. Check out the City of Victoria website.
Driving to the Friendship Hall? Friendship Hall has it's own parking lot and some street parking is available but please review the parking restriction signs and pay particular attention to the restrictions. Check out the City of Victoria website for parking information.
Food and Drinks near Friendship Hall
Food and Drinks near Friendship Hall
Delicious pub food, pizzas, and drinks. 1028 Hillside Avenue. Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 am to 11:45 pm. https://fifthstreet.ca
Upscale local bistro. 2656 Quadra Street. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 4:30 pm to 10 pm. https://www.partandparcel.ca/dinner
Vietnamese restaurant with good food. 2630 Quadra Street. Hours: Monday - Sunday 11 am to 8:30 pm. https://www.alysapho.ca
Delicious cafe with food service. 965 Kings Road. Hours: Sunday - Wednesday 7 am - 6:30 pm, Thursday - Saturday 7 am to 9 pm. https://caffefantastico.com
Cute local cafe. 1002 Hillside Avenue. Hours: Monday - Sunday 9am to 3 pm. https://www.gigiscafe.ca
Things to Bring and Consider
Things to Bring and Consider
Bal is danced in close embrace (chest-to-chest.) If you are not comfortable with this proximity then this may not be the dance for you. That being said, each person in a partnership helps to create a comfortable embrace, and consent is still required.
Indoor shoes for dancing are a must. We recommend shoes with suede or leather soles.
Water bottle. Stay hydrated.
Towel. Stay dry.
Wearing a mask is encouraged for events. If you are asking a person who is wearing a mask to dance or chat, please ask them if you should wear a mask. Masks are available for your use at events (for free).
For the safety of attendees with allergies and sensitivities, please avoid wearing strong scents (perfume, cologne, scented lotion) at all SDAV events.
The Fine Print
The Fine Print
By registering for this event I agree to adhere to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Code of Conduct
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Cancellation Policy
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Covid Plan
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Event Waiver
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