No. 8 Balboa in the City returns for 2025…
Friday 3 October - Sunday 5 October, 2025 with Lauren and Andrew
No. 8 Balboa in the City will be a chance to brush up on your Balboa and learn the iconic Dean Collins Shim Sham (a version popular with Balboa and LA Swing dancers).
We will kick the weekend off on Friday night with a social dance – yes, a chance to dress up, darling! The Zak Pack will be playing from 8-10pm at the historic Thistle Hall.
The following day, there will be four workshops – two fundamentals, one open workshop, and the routine workshop. We will finish the day with more social dancing, because that’s what we do, right?!
To round off, there will be an advanced workshop on Sunday morning for those who want a bit more stretch. And, finally, we will close with our local Sunday Social.
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
The teachers behind No8 Balboa
Lauren and Andrew met on the dance floor in 2010 and have been geeking out about swing dancing and Balboa together ever since. Based in Wellington, they’re known for friendly and engaging classes that make tricky concepts feel totally doable. Over the years, they’ve soaked up inspiration from dance floors and workshops around the world, always returning with fresh ideas to share. They are the duo behind No. 8 Balboa and love sharing the joy of Balboa with anyone who’ll listen.
Times and Venues
Friday 3 October, 7-10pm, Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St – Featuring the Zak Pack from 8pm.
Saturday 4 October, from 9.30am, Te Whaea: National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown. Social dancing from 7-10pm.
Sunday 5 October, 11am, Footnote Dance Studio, Level 1, 80 Cuba St.
Sunday 5 October, 3-5pm, The Garden Room, 90 Guhznee St
Schedule
Saturday workshops are for dancers who have attended at least one beginner Bal class or are experienced social dancers.
Sunday’s workshop is pitched at intermediate/advanced Bal dancers.
Registration
Registrations have now closed. If you are a lead with some Bal experience and are keen to attend, send us an email.
During the weekend, you can pick up your wristband for the weekend on Friday night or Saturday morning. Please make sure you’re in early enough to be ready for the start of the first session at 10am.
Food & drink
Friday night’s social dance is in the city with an abundance of food options nearby, from fast food to high-end dining.
Saturday’s venue is in the suburb of Newtown with cafes, fast food, and a supermarket within a 5-10 minute walk.
Sunday’s venues are in the city again, where you’ll be surrounded by great brunch and coffee sources, as you’d expect for Wellington!
Accommodation
There are heaps of accommodation options around central Wellington, and we'd recommend you make use of social media to connect with locals and others travelling in for the weekend.