I often get asked what makes a Swing song a typical Balboa song. This is a very good question but from my point of view only a subjective answer could be given.
Generally we could say – and this is broken down to a very simple quote – that danceable Swing music from the 30s and the first half of the 40s is a good source for Balboa dancing, while R&B from the later 40s and 50s is not suitable.
Of course we could go now much more in details but I rather show you good examples. Let's start with the tune Alreet by Anita O'Day (1919-2006) and Gene Krupa & His Orchestra.
The rhythm section with bass and drums is great and pushes the song forward. When I hear this song I wanna dance Balboa immediately!
Title: Alreet
Artist: Anita O'Day with Gene Krupa & His Orchestra
Recorded: 12.03.1941
Tempo: 190 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop
By the way, there is a documentary about Anita O'Day's career:
Anita O'Day – The Life Of A Jazz Singer
You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist.
Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw
Do you like the «Song of the Week» series? Share your thoughts below.