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.
Level 1 | Brand-New to Balboa!
The level 1 Intro Series will introduce the basic movements.
👉 No partner or experience needed!
Level 1.5 | Adv Beginner
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 Beginner class.
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 level 1.5.
Download the Motivo LA App for iPhone or Android for easy sign-up and class management.
Choose your price in checkout 👇
Level 1 Series
Month-long commitment at $20 per session.
Drop-ins: $30 at the door, space permitting (no pre-registration)
Ongoing Series (level 1.5 & up)
Drop-In: $30.00
Punch Cards: $19.00-$22.00
Unlimited Membership: $205.00/month
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.