Gandalf: I do not know how you fit westcoast into the category with Shag and Balboa, but then again I don't know a whole lot about west coast. Shag and Balboa however, look very similar in their foot pattern, but at the same time are very different in count, style and intricacy. Balboa is an 8 count dance. There are many styles, but in Cleveland we are taught one that is VERY close to your partner.. in fact, the lead into it is reffered to as "The Smush" anyway, the foot work is very small and shuffle-y, which makes the leads very subtle. Learning balboa is a great way to work on lead/follow skills because of it's intricacy. Balboa came about because the dance floors (in California I think- don't quote me on that though!) were so crowded that dancers were forced to be "smushed" with their partners and their steps had to be small. Some creative dancers were able to make interesting and complicated moves with this intricate footwork, but sometimes the floors were so crowded it was possible to be kicked out for doing anything to fancy and far away from your partner! Because it's so small, it can be done to the REALLY fast music (Like, up into the 230 beats per minute!) There are also many forms of Shag.I know collegiate shag, just because of the part of the country I live in- it may be different for you! Shag is an eight count dance and is my favorite form of swing dance! It's very kicky,jumpy, and very areobic- usually people only last 1 or 2 songs, then they're whipped for the night! The movement of this dance reminds me a lot of sailors. It is usually done in closed position, with different variations on where to hold the hand (depends on the guy- Balboa is the same in that respect) although some moves and styling call for open position. It's best done to Rockabilly and oldies (Like, Rockin' Robin) and the tempo really depends on how physically fit the couple is.. fast shag is really tiring! That's about all I know!
Swingin out until next time!
Jess
