A whole weekend of balboa classes, socials and fabulous fun with international teachers and a live band in the beautiful village of Islip.
Two tracks - one for fast beginners/improvers and one for intermediates and above, with some classes for everyone. Three socials with a live band on the Saturday.
Levels
Teachers
Practicalities
Schedule
What to do in Islip
Levels
Beginners/Improvers: this level is for those who have been dancing balboa for a year or two (or are very quick learners!) and want to learn more moves, and to refresh their knowledge of the fundamentals of balboa.
Intermediate/Advanced: this level is for those who have a good knowledge of balboa, can dance confidently at faster tempos and want to learn to develop your styling and flow.
Teachers
Anna-Maria and Ralf Bernhard are inspirational balboa dancers and teachers who have taught internationally since 2017. Their dancing has a wonderful flow and smooth style and they bring an infectious joy to the dance floor as well as great musicality. They are brilliant at explaining moves and movement in an encouraging and clear way and we know you will love them. Since 2014 they have run SwingDance Leipzig together teaching LindyHop and solo jazz as well as their favourite dance, balboa. They have been balboa finalists in Europe and the US.
Janet Davis and Chris Riddick
After years of lindy hop Janet and Chris each discovered balboa and became addicted. Janet is well-known for her footwork and her “follower voice”. She loves inspiring dancers of all levels and helps dancers to find their own individual style within the dance. She is brilliant at making the dance approachable, with a supportive and interactive style of teaching. Chris has wonderful musicality and can explain just what is needed to make the dance flow beautifully while having fun with your partner! They can explain the basics really clearly and also stretch and inspire the most advanced dancers.
Practicalities
When
Friday 21st May 2027: Evening warm-up class and social dance.
Saturday 22nd May 2027: Classes for beginners/improvers and for intermediate/advanced during the day and evening social dance with Benoit Viellefon playing for us.
Sunday 23rd May 2027: Classes for beginners/improvers and for intermediate/advanced during the day and afternoon tea dance.
See full schedule under Schedule.
Where
Islip Village Hall, Church Lane, Islip (near Kidlington), OX5 2TA
How much
£155 for the whole weekend, book at Monday classes or on DanceCloud.
We’re afraid we can’t offer a refund but you are welcome to resell your ticket to someone else. Please get in touch with us as we have a list of people on the waiting list.
Schedule
(subject to change)
Friday
19.15 - 20.15: Warm up/recap class with Janet and Chris
20.15 - 23.00: Dance
Saturday
9.45: Doors open
10 - 11.10: Class for fast beginners/improvers: Janet and Chris
11.20 - 12.30: Class for fast beginners/improvers: Anna-Maria and Ralf
12.40 - 13.40: For all: Flow and finesse: Anna-Maria and Ralf
Lunch break
14.30 - 15.40: Class for intermediates/advanced: Anna-Maria and Ralf
15.50 - 17.00: Class for intermediates/advanced: Anna-Maria and Ralf
Supper break
19.45: Doors open
20.30 - 23.00: Social dance with Benoit Viellefon playing live
Sunday
9.45: Doors open
10.00 - 11.10: Class for fast beginners/improvers: Janet and Chris
11.20 - 12.30: Class for fast beginners/improvers: Anna-Maria and Ralf
Lunch break
13.30 - 14.40: Class for intermediates/advanced: Anna-Maria and Ralf
14.50 - 16.00: Class for intermediates/advanced: Anna-Maria and Ralf
16.15 - 18.00: Sunday Tea Dance
Islip
Islip Village Hall has a large dining room, a terrace outside (weather permitting!) and a well-equipped kitchen. You can bring your own food to eat at the hall if you wish. There is a large Sainsbury’s in Kidlington (5-10 minute drive away).
Parking: There is parking at the hall. In the event that it is full, there is free on-street parking in the nearby streets, e.g. on Bletchingdon Road near the school.
Islip is a charming village with several amenities and beautiful walks nearby. Here are some highlights:
Walks
- Islip Circular Walk: This 17.4 km (10.8 miles) walk takes you through rolling countryside, rivers, fields, woods, and the RSPB Otmoor wetland reserve, which is popular with birdwatchers.
- Noke – Islip Loop: A 12.4 km (7.7 miles) intermediate hike that offers scenic views and is suitable for all skill levels.
- RSPB Otmoor Reserve: A shorter, easy hike of about 5.79 km (3.6 miles) starting from Noke, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Tea Rooms and Pubs
- The Abingdon Arms: In nearby Beckley, this 17th-century pub offers an outside terrace with views over the Otmoor reserve.
- Kidlington and Oxford itself offer many eating options.
Getting to Oxford City Centre
Even though public transport and taxis are available, car sharing is easiest. It’s the best way to make the trip more convenient and eco-friendly. Oxford city centre is only about 20 minutes away by car from Islip, making it a quick and easy journey.
Things to Do in Oxford
- Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, offering stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Ashmolean Museum: The University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, with collections ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
- Oxford Covered Market: A historic market with a variety of shops, cafes, and local produce.
- Radcliffe Camera: An iconic building and part of the Bodleian Library, known for its beautiful architecture.
- Oxford Castle & Prison: A historic site offering guided tours and a glimpse into Oxford’s past.
- Pitt Rivers Museum: Known for its extensive anthropological and archaeological collections.
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Home to an internationally significant collection of natural history specimens and stunning neo-Gothic architecture.
- Christ Church College: Famous for its connections to Harry Potter, fans will find the staircase and dining room particularly interesting as they were used as filming locations for Hogwarts.