Balboa Dance Classes in Atwater Village, Los Angeles
Join a welcoming, creative community and learn from top instructors in an intimate, structured setting.
We offer Balboa dance classes for both beginners and advanced dancers every week.
We also have practice sessions, socials, and live music events every month.
Mondays:
8:00 - 9:00 pm | Level 1 | Nick Williams & Sarah Jensen
9:00 - 10:00 pm | Level 2 | Nick Williams & Sarah Jensen
10:00 - 11:00 pm | Open Practice FREE with any class! | Nick Williams & Sarah Jensen
Sign Up Now ▼
If you’re brand new, please sign up on to any 1st Monday of the month to get an introduction to the basics! Confirm your spot here.
Download the Motivto LA App for iPhone or Android for easy sign-up and class management. Walk-ins Welcome
Level 1 | Brand-New to Balboa!
Each series will start with basic movements, with a different topic each month. Intended to help you grow your Balboa basics and fundamentals.
👉 No partner or experience needed!
👉 If you’re brand new, please sign up for level 1 on the 1st Monday of the month to get an introduction to the basics!
Level 2 | Intermediate Balboa
Understanding and proficiency with basic forms is expected.
This level is intended to help you push into more challenging territory and tackle more advanced concepts. While we may explore similar topics/themes, the content will be stand-alone and is not intended as an extension of the Beg/Int class.
Choose your drop-in price in checkout 👇
Meet Your Instructor
Nick Williams | Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag
Nick Williams has been living and breathing swing dance since his very first class in 1998. From Lindy Hop to Balboa to Collegiate Shag, he’s had the rare privilege of studying directly with some of the original dancers—giving his dancing a deep connection to the roots of the art form. What makes Nick stand out is how he blends that authenticity with a fresh, evolving style full of precision, lightness, musicality, and energy that inspires both on and off the dance floor.
A decorated champion many times over - including titles like World Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, and American Classic Balboa Champion - Nick has also choreographed for stages and screens, even appearing on So You Think You Can Dance.
But what students love most about him is his teaching. Nick has a gift for breaking down complex movements into simple, actionable steps, making learning both approachable and fun. His classes are full of laughter, clarity, and “aha” moments that stick. Fueled by his love of music and movement, Nick is always growing as a dancer and teacher—and he can’t wait to pass that inspiration on to you.
About Balboa Dance
Balboa swing dance is a smooth, close-embrace partner dance that originated in Southern California in the 1930s. It evolved alongside the big band swing era and is known for its tight footwork, subtle movements, and fast-paced rhythms, making it ideal for crowded dance floors. Balboa has two main styles: Pure Balboa, danced in close hold with minimal upper body movement, and Bal-Swing, which incorporates open position, turns, and more dynamic movements.
Join Nick Williams, Sarah Jensen and Motivto Dance LA to begin your dance journey into Balboa, a style celebrated and danced across the globe in all its forms - uniting people through music, movement, and the joy of shared rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No partner required! In class we rotate frequently so everyone gets a chance to dance and practice with different people. If you do come with a partner and prefer to stay together, that’s totally fine too. Just let the instructor know at the beginning of class.
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Wear shoes that are comfortable that you can move in. Dance shoes with suede soles are great, but not required — sneakers or flats with a smooth sole work just fine. Avoid shoes with a sticky, rubbery bottom, heavy boots, flip flops, or anything that sticks to the floor.
We also have shoes available for purchase at the studio when you’re ready to invest in a good pair of dance shoes!
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You can reserve your spot directly through Motivo LA’s app for iPhone or Android.
We recommend signing up in advance to guarantee your place and to make checking in before class quick and easy, but walk-ins are welcome!
We offer single drop-in class packages, 8-class packages, and 16-class packages. All classes expire one year from purchase, so you have plenty of time to use your credits!
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Yes! Motivo Dance LA offers weekly social practice sessions where you can apply what you’re learning in class in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s the perfect way to get more comfortable dancing with different partners and to enjoy the community.
Open practice sessions are included when you take any class that evening at the studio!