A wonderful way to learn a lot of Balboa (for dancers of all levels) is to attend a weekend workshop. Weekend workshops provide a unique experience that can't be duplicated anywhere else. You'll get an entire weekend of dancing, taking classes from some of the best instructors in the world, and watching inspiring competitions and performances.

Here are some of our favorite events:

• All Balboa Weekend - This was the first modern Balboa workshop and is now the biggest. It has tons of classes, competitions, dancing, and lots of other fun stuff.

• California Balboa Classic - Aka "CalBal", CalBal is the go-to event for all who love Balboa. Held in Newport Beach, you will experience the best music, dancing, competition, and instruction, and you will never want to leave. Don't worry, it happens to us all. CalBal is a must!

• Hot Rhythm Holiday - An Austin event, and pretty much a no-brainer because it's local! The Hot Rhythm Foundation brings in some of the best instructors in the world to teach classes and judge competitions. In addition, they also offer classes in Collegiate Shag, Lindy Hop, and more. If you like comps, you can compete in Balboa or Collegiate Shag, or just watch and cheer on your friends. You'll get to experience a mix of out-of-town and local bands and some of the best vintage fast dancing around!

• Great Lakes Balboa Escape - A fabulous summer event held in Chicago! Unique to this event are tracks based on interests, such as social dancing, teaching, or competing. They also have fun theme parties at really cool venues, competitions for those interested, and enough downtime to hang with friends and see the city!

• Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout - Held in the Fall in beautiful Denver, CO. This fun, regional event springs for Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five featuring Hilary Alexander, world-class instructors, and even someone to teach Yoga! You will get tons of social dancing with great people at this event because there are only two comps, an Open Social and Strictly; less sitting and more social dancing! Oh, and it's close to Halloween, so be sure to come in early and join other dancers for a haunted house tour!