Augsburg Balboa & Shag Festival

A Festival for the Swing Dance Scene

The Augsburg Balboa & Shag Festival is dedicated to two of the most charming dances of the swing era: Balboa, originating from Southern California, and the fast-paced Collegiate Shag. Both dances emerged in the 1920s and 1930s and are currently experiencing a vibrant renaissance in the international Lindy Hop and Swing community. Every September, dance enthusiasts from Germany and abroad gather in Augsburg for a weekend full of workshops, parties, and live music.

Workshops with International Teachers

The heart of the festival lies in the dance classes taught by internationally sought-after teaching couples. For the upcoming editions, Javi & Lucía, Sandy & Fancy, and Heiko & Larissa are among those announced. The workshops cater to various skill levels, allowing both advanced dancers and ambitious beginners to deepen their skills.

Live Music and Social Dancing

In the evenings, the dance floors transform into a stage for classic swing. Renowned bands like the Daniel Duspiwa Quartett and The Big Five Septet provide authentic sound, as does singer Nicolle Rochelle. Experienced DJs spin tunes between live sets, ensuring the social dancing continues into the early morning hours.

Augsburg as Host City

The organizer is the Hep Cat Club from Augsburg, one of the most active swing dance clubs in the region. Augsburg, an independent city in the Bavarian administrative region of Swabia, offers the perfect setting with its historic old town and vibrant cultural scene for a festival that combines dance tradition and international exchange.