A whole weekend of balboa taught by the balboa icons David Rehm and Kate Hedin with the fabulous Jim Wynn Swingtet playing live in the beautiful village of Islip.

6 hours of balboa classes with tippy-top international teachers, three socials including music from one of the best balboa bands in the UK in the beautiful village of Islip, just outside Oxford.

Book on DanceCloud.

When
Where
How much
Level
Teachers
Schedule
Refund
What to do in Islip

When

Friday 6th November 2026: Evening warm-up class and social dance.
Saturday 7th November 2026: Classes during the day and evening social dance with the Jim Wynn Swingtet playing live.
Sunday 8th November 2026: Classes followed by an afternoon tea dance.

See full schedule under Schedule.

Where

Islip Village Hall, Church Lane, Islip (near Kidlington), OX5 2TA

Tickets

Full Weekend Pass (early bird price): £155. Price will increase to £165 nearer the date.
Social Dance Pass: £30
Saturday Social Dance only: £25

Book on DanceCloud.

If a waitlist arises we would encourage you to find someone of the other role to book with.

Level

Intermediate and above: You will have a good knowledge of balboa fundamentals including uphold, downhold, lolly kicks, inside and outside turns, out-and-ins, paddles, crab walks and throw-outs and be able to dance confidently to music between 160 and 200 bpm. You will be keen to strengthen your technique and to add to your knowledge of styling variations, all with improved flow and connection with your partner.

Teachers

David Rehm
David is a professional dance workshop instructor specializing in the partnered swing dances, Lindy and Balboa, and widely considered one of the top Balboa dancers and instructors in the world. For over two decades he has been regularly featured teaching throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He conceived, founded and directs the Experiment, a highly intensive Balboa residential with small select groups of participants spending a week together with other dedicated dancers in an extraordinary live+work+play dance environment.

Outside of dance, David enjoys researching and is a passionate speaker on a range of his interests, including a variety of technologies such as electric micro-mobility and VR & AR; the intersections of language, philosophy of knowledge, and pedagogy; and public education and advocacy surrounding ASD, aphantasia, and SDAM. He is also an avid PC gamer who has spoken on the topics of gaming culture and video games as art.

Kate Hedin
For almost two decades Kate Hedin has taught Balboa and Lindy Hop around the world and holds almost every major championship title in the modern Balboa era. As a teacher, Kate is passionate about pedagogy, lead/follow mechanics as a way of expression, and follower voice as an integrated part of the dance. She is the creator of several groundbreaking DVDs on Balboa Followers Technique and Aesthetics, as well as other online lessons, which can be found at www.onlinebalboa.com, and is one of the scene’s top Jewel McGowan experts.

She is also a highly sought-after judge and DJ. When she is not teaching dance, she leads a secret double life as a Twitch streamer, that focuses on video games as art, education, entertainment, and human connection. She is always ready to geek out about dance, classical music (she has a degree in viola), trapeze, and video games, so please don’t be intimidated by her quiet demeanour and asymmetrical hair and ask her anything!

Schedule

(subject to change)

Friday 6th November 2026
19:15 - 20:15 Warm up and mixer with Janet and Chris
20:15 - 23:00: Social Dance

Saturday 7th November 2026
10:15: Doors open
10:30 - 11:30: Class
11:40 - 12:40: Class
12:40 - 13:55: Lunch break
14:00 - 15:00: Class
Supper break
19:45: Social dance: doors open
20:00 - 23:00: Dance with music from the Jim Wynn Swingtet

Sunday 8th November 2026
10:45: Doors open
11:00 - 12:00: Class
12:10 - 13:10: Class
13:10 - 14:40: Lunch break
14:45 - 15.45: Class
15:45 - 18:30: Sunday Tea Dance

Refund

We’re afraid we can’t offer a refund if you have to cancel, but you are welcome to resell your ticket to someone else of the same role. Please get in touch with us as we may well have people on the waiting list.

Islip

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.

Getting to Oxford City Centre

Public transport is possible but not always convenient. Taxis are available. We’ll set up a WhatsApp chat closer to the date to co-ordinate lifts. It’s the best way to make the trip more convenient and eco-friendly. The 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.

Parks for Picnics and Lovely Views

  • Port Meadow: A vast open space with breathtaking views and a great atmosphere, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
  • University Parks: Beautifully landscaped with plenty of open spaces, ideal for a relaxing picnic.
  • Christ Church Meadow: Located in the heart of Oxford, this spot offers lovely views and a peaceful setting for a picnic.

These activities are all centrally located and can be comfortably explored within a few hours.