IMMERSIVE BALBOA WEEKEND
SEPTEMBER 4th to 7th 2026
1000 ISLANDS, GANANOQUE, ONTARIO, CANADA
Registrations Open February 1st 10:00 am ET
Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot early and be part of this unique Balboa adventure!
A Balboa Experience You Will Never Forget
What to Expect:
- 4 Days of Balboa Immersion: with 6 h of classes and 4 h of tasters, taught by inspiring international instructors.
- 3 Nights of Dancing: Evening parties with live swing bands and DJs — pure joy, pure Balboa!
- An amazing dance cruise among the 1000 Islands with a live band!
- Monday Dance: Keep the vibe alive with live music and an impromptu jam session from our talented participants.
- Friendly competitions, it is just for fun!
- Shared Meals & Community Spirit in an intimate setting: All meals are included buffet-style (with vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options).
Join us for an unforgettable four-day Balboa experience surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the 1000 Islands!
Balboa On The River is more than a dance event, it’s a full weekend getaway where music, dance, activities, and friendship meet the magic of the St. Lawrence River.
Imagine a hotel filled entirely with dancers, one community, one rhythm. You’ll wake up to the sound of swing, share every meal with fellow Balboa lovers, and end each night on the dance floor to live music and great DJs.
Between classes and parties, enjoy group activities such as jam sessions, water fun, games, and taster classes to broaden your skills and connections. Not to mention our crown jewel, a unique experience dancing outdoors on a boat cruise surrounded by magnificent castles and the sound of live music. You will feel like you are in Canadian-New Orleans!
Every moment is designed to bring us together.
Whether you’re drawn by the music, the movement, or the friendships that last beyond the dance floor, this weekend is your chance to reconnect with what makes swing dancing so special.
Meet The Organizers
Romy and Xavier met during a summer Balboa troup in Montreal; and the rest is history…
Romy
Romy has been dancing since she was a toddler, but discovered her true passion, swing dance, in 2014 when she was invited to a beginner’s dancing class in Montreal by a dear friend. Since, she has dabbled in Lindy Hop and in West Coast Swing, but has mostly focused on her favorite, Balboa.
She enjoys being a dance generalist and bringing aspects of different dances into others to create a unique experience with her dance partners.
Romy likes to be part of the party! With Balboa on the River, she is looking to create a one of a kind Balboa event which perfectly brings together the ambience, quality and appeal of European festivals to the spectacular Canadian scenery and the very welcoming Canadian Balboa community. She is looking forward to meeting Balboa enthusiasts from all over the world and to fully enjoy the 1000 Islands amongst friends.
Xavier
Xavier began dancing Lindy Hop and Charleston, right after an amazing New Year’s Eve Charleston party at the start of 2018 in Montreal at Cat’s Corner. He discovered Balboa in 2019 and began taking intensive classes as soon as the confinement ended.
He then travelled across Europe, hopping from one festival to another and meeting incredible teachers and dancers along the way.
He performed two very small but very fun choreographies in Montreal and started teaching beginner Balboa classes in Lisbon in September 2025 at Blues & Swing Lisboa school.
His dream is to create a wonderful, fun, immersive Balboa festival, with many activities, in Canada, and who knows, maybe somewhere else as well!
VENUE
Gananoque Inn & Spa, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Gananoque Inn & Spa, a historical site on St-Lawrence River.
It began its life in the 1870s as Gananoque Carriage Works, a carriage factory founded by Grant Burrows and Charles Taylor.
In June 1896 the carriage works complex was converted into a summer hotel, giving birth to the Gananoque Inn.
Today it stands as a historic waterfront inn in the heart of the Thousand Islands, offering both its original charm and modern amenities.
We’ve designed an all-inclusive, effortlessly comfortable experience just for you. Classes, parties, meals, and accommodations, all in one beautiful location, so you can enjoy every moment without rushing anywhere. Add a classy setting and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and we know you’re going to love your time at the Gananoque Inn.
Rooms Description
There are 3 types of rooms that you can choose from. All the rooms have a private bathroom, with free toiletries and towels.
Since we’ve got varying sizes and perks, we’ll be sorting them out based on when people signed up. So, whoever registered first will get the best room within that price category, and so forth. That way, we’re making sure it’s fair for everyone. Several rooms possess either a fireplace and/or a hot tub. The best way to guarantee obtaining such a perk is to register early. Finally, it is important to note that spaces are limited and that some room categories might be sold out quickly.
Standard: A lovely standard room within the beautiful Gananoque Inn. This room category is available for single, double, or quadruple registration, as detailed below.
Superior: Perfect if you are looking to get a larger room with a partial view of the river or a lovely garden view. This room category is only available for double or quadruple registration.
Premium: Our largest and nicest rooms, offering a splendid view of the St. Lawrence River. This room category is only available for double or quadruple registration.
Depending on the room you choose, you will pay a different price for the Full Pass. You do not need to deal with the hotel to book your swing vacations; we will do that job for you! The price also varies depending on your registration choice (single, double, or quadruple registration).
Meals
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, from Friday dinner to Monday breakfast, and are served buffet-style. On Monday, after the cruise, we will have snacks and sandwiches. If you have the munchies, snacks will be available day and night at an affordable price. To comply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, our meals are mainly vegetarian, with some vegan options. In the registration form, you will have the opportunity to let us know about any food allergies or intolerances.
How to get there
If you come from abroad, we advise you to check flights for Montreal or Toronto. Two weeks before the festival, we will open a carpool Facebook group where you can share your ride or join someone else traveling from downtown Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, as well as from the Montreal or Toronto airports.
If you come by car…
- From Montreal: take Highway 20 West toward Toronto, take Exit 648 on Highway 401 West and follow downtown Gananoque, turn left on Stone Street.
- From Ottawa: Take Highway 416 South toward Toronto, Merge onto Highway 401 toward Toronto, take Exit 648 and follow downtown Gananoque.
- From Toronto: Take Highway 401 East toward Kingston / Montreal. Take Exit 645. Follow Stone St N/County Rd 32.
- From the US (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, etc.): Take Highway I-81 N toward Waterfront. Enter Canada and continue on ON 137 N. Merge on Highway 401 West, take Exit 648 and follow downtown Gananoque, turn left on Stone Street.
The Gananoque Inn is located 550 Stone Street, along the waterfront and is easy to spot.
If you use public transportation, there are trains from Montreal and Toronto to Kingston, with connections from Kingston to Gananoque, as well as buses from Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. Let us know your schedule, and we’ll be happy to help you find the most cost-effective option.
LEVELS
I am a skilled dancer,
and I am all about having fun
You have between one to three years of Balboa dance experience. You know all the basic steps, and perhaps several complex moves, you have been dancing socially in your local scene, maybe followed workshops or participated in one or two festivals. You want to have fun while learning, enjoy precious time spent with friends and good music.
I am a relentless dancer,
always chasing new challenges
You have been dancing Balboa for more than two years. Whether you love to learn choreographies, have participated in several workshops, or bounce around local or international festivals, one thing is for sure: you cannot stop dancing! Balboa is the passion moving your life.
TEACHERS
Yuliya Sofronova & Aaron Tokatch
We are thrilled to welcome, for the first time in Canada, Yuliya & Aaron to our teaching team this year, two deeply musical dancers whose workshops are as inspiring as they are educational.
Based in Frankfurt, Yuliya & Aaron bring a powerful blend of precision, warmth, and creativity to the Balboa floor.
Yuliya and Aaron have been dancing and teaching Balboa together since 2016, transforming a simple passion project in Albuquerque, New Mexico into a vibrant journey of teaching, performing, and community building.
Over the past nine years, they’ve travelled to Balboa events across the United States, continuously expanding their knowledge and bringing home fresh ideas, creative techniques, and renewed inspiration to share with their local community.
In the classroom, Yuliya and Aaron focus on clear technique, body awareness, and connection, helping dancers truly understand each movement, and feel confident expressing it on the social dance floor. Their teaching is driven by a deep love of Balboa and a commitment to making the dance accessible, musical, and joyful for students of all levels.
Mel Calanglang & Jo Calanglang
Mel and Jo are passionate dance enthusiasts dedicated to growing and sharing swing dancing across the United Kingdom. With roots in Lindy Hop and Blues, their current passion is mastering Balboa and Bal-Swing – a journey of continuous learning.
Their dance story began with salsa in Singapore. After moving to the UK in 2000, they immersed themselves in swing dancing, exploring Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Blues before falling in love with Balboa in 2008. While Balboa remains their primary passion, they continue to enjoy and dance all swing styles.
Jo has been athletic since she was a teenager and currently holds a brown belt in Xen-Do Martial Arts. Mel, who also accomplished medals in various sports, was a break-dancer and a DJ in his younger years. From this personal experience, also supported by their Tai Chi practice, they apply the techniques of physical motion to help them understand and master the nature of dance movement.
Mel and Jo teach and compete throughout the UK, Europe, and the United States. Known for their down-to-earth and positive approach, they create classes that are both insightful and genuinely fun, while continuing to share their love of music, dance, and community.
BANDS & DJS
All Parties Will Be With An Amazing Band And A Wonderfull DJ!
West End Riverboat Band
John David Williams on Clarinet, Chris Adriaanse on bass, and Benson Lee on Banjo, have been performing together for near a decade. The trio of musicians long steeped in various facets of Ontario’s traditional jazz scenes first got together to make music in the vein of the trio recordings of the great New Orleans clarinettist George Lewis.
Known for their joyful energy and vintage-inspired sound, they deliver the perfect mix of rhythm, melody, and dance-floor lift.
Their dynamic arrangements keep Balboa dancers floating with ease, from smooth glides to fast-paced footwork.
With musicians who truly understand what keeps a room buzzing, the West End Riverboat Band transforms every set into a celebration. Get ready for one of the most spirited live music experiences of the weekend!
Michael Srey Legacy Band
Led by multi-instrumentalist, composer, and jazz arranger Michael Srey, the band offers a truly unique repertoire. Their music includes original arrangements constantly renewed and never performed live elsewhere.
Rooted in the great jazz tradition, the band draws inspiration from legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Mary Lou Williams, Jimmy Smith, Quincy Jones, and Oscar Peterson. With exceptional musicianship, the band creates a powerful synergy between music and movement, always delivering music that grooves, breathes, and inspires. A reference on the local jazz scene, Michael Srey Legacy Band is known for its versatility and broad stylistic range always with dancers in mind. Expect unforgettable nights where emotion, spectacle, and festive swing rhythms come together to make the dance floor vibrate.
Our DJs
DJ Lizou Bouchard
Lizou is a Calgary-based dancer, DJ, and instructor with over a decade of experience DJing for Balboa. She specializes in classic swing-era recordings and is recognized for a thoughtful, dancer-focused approach to music curation.
As a longtime community leader in Montreal, she co-founded “Apéro Balboa” and “Come Around Montreal“, two events that contributed to building a warm and engaged local scene.
Her work across roles is guided by a consistent philosophy: respect for the dance, respect for the music, and care for every student and dancer she serves.
DJ Mel Calanglang
Mel, known for bringing his enthusiasm and charisma to any dance floor, is a dance instructor who dedicates his time to encouraging swing dancing in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
He began his dancing and musical background as a break-dancer and DJ in his teenage years in Canada and has been dancing and competing in swing events across Europe and the United States since 2002.
Mel’s aspiration to be an ambassador for Balboa stems from a drive to continuously learn and share his passion of Balboa to enthusiasts alike.
Our MC
Sara Rodriguez
Meet our wonderful MC, Sara! Sara has spent her life working in live entertainment in Canada and the US.
With a background in ballroom, she is a multicultural ball of energy who’s stepping into the world of Balboa for the very first time, and loving every second of it!
With infectious enthusiasm and a love for all things dance, she’s ready to be your hype person, while keeping you moving, and entertained through four unforgettable days of fun in the magical Thousand Islands.
ACTIVITIES
On top of the dance courses and parties, there will be many more fun activities, jams, tasters, kayaking, etc.
Welcome cocktail
Come get to know your fellow dancemates in a convivial setting upon arrival. After settling into your room and before starting your first night of dancing, join us to meet the staff and other participants, and get all the information you’ll need regarding the long weekend.
Beach time
The venue is located by a lovely beach. Come enjoy some sunbathing time or play beach volleyball after lunch. An animator will be present at the beach at appointed times to get the ambience going.
Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River
Feel like adding a little adventure to your festival? Kayaks will be available to rent at a small additional cost for one or two hours. Reserve your spot in advance, spaces are very limited, and treat yourself to a peaceful, scenic ride on the majestic St. Lawrence River.
Trekking Along the Gananoque River
Stretch your legs and take in the stunning scenery with a refreshing trek along the Gananoque River. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or an energizing hike, this is your chance to enjoy nature, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the beauty of the 1000 Islands up close.
Board games
Give your feet a rest and enjoy some good old fun by playing board games with fellow dance mates between classes and parties. A selection of games will be available on site, but feel free to bring your own if you’d like to introduce your friends to something new.
Music jams
Do you play an instrument? Bring it along and jump into the jam! Throughout the festival, several music jam sessions will be organized. You can join the musicians or simply grab a drink, relax, and soak in the joyful sounds. Whether you’re making the music or just enjoying it, it’s all about sharing good vibes, great tunes, and unforgettable moments together.
Choir
We’re dreaming of bringing voices together with several fun singing sessions during the festival, and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help lead a jazz choir! If you’d love to guide this joyful musical adventure, leave us a message during registration and let’s make some harmony together.
Tasters (Dance)
Our talented teachers want to give you the opportunity to learn new skills in a fun way. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, after dinner, join us to explore specific Balboa topics. More information will follow.
Tasters (Other)
With Balboa on the River, we aim to create a unique event where all the participants have the opportunity to suggest activities to contribute in making this event the festival of their dreams. In our registration form, you will have the opportunity to suggest activities and propose your own tasters. We can’t wait to hear your creative ideas and offers.
Parade through town
At the closing of the event, if the weather is on our side, we will parade through Kingston from the harbour to the park, showcasing our love of Balboa and our musical talents.
Dancing soirées
During our Friday and Saturday night parties, you will have the opportunity to enjoy our live 4-piece band (Michael Srey Legacy Band) and music from our talented DJ Lizou, take part in friendly competitions (Slow Bal, Mix & Match, surprise competitions), and even showcase a choreography routine if you wish.
On Sunday night, you will be treated to a 5-piece band (West Riverboat Band) to celebrate the festival’s last party on dry land. DJ Lizou will once again be there to keep you moving between sets.
Evening parties will end at 1:30 am to give you enough time to rest up before morning classes during the weekend and before the cruise on Monday morning.
Dancing cruise
Imagine the beauty of the 1000 Islands. Imagine the pleasure of sightseeing historic castles from a private, chartered boat for two hours. Now imagine dancing to live music on board, with the river and the islands all around you. This rare and unforgettable experience is not to be missed.
Our dancing cruise will take place on Monday, September 7th, in the morning, departing from Kingston. The Kingston Marina is about 25 minutes drive from the hotel. The West End Riverboat Band trio and DJ Mel will keep us moving as we dance on the water.
SCHEDULE
Join us from Friday through Monday for parties, classes, jams, outdoor activities, and communal breakfasts, lunches, and dinners! A detailed nightly schedule, featuring competitions, presentations, and special events, will be available upon arrival.
| Friday & Saturday | Sunday & Monday |
|---|---|
|
Friday
15:00 – 21:00
Registration
Gananoque Inn Reception
15:00 – 17:00 Leisure time on the beach
The Beach
17:00 – 18:30 Welcome Cocktail
Lawn / Terrace
18:30 – 20:30 Dinner
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
20:00 – 21:00 Taster Dancing
Curling Club
21:30 – 01:30 Party, M&M Competition
Curling Club
Saturday
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
10:30 – 12:00 Dancer Classes #1
Curling Club / Watermark Room
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
13:30 – 16:00 Jam, Beach, Choir, Trekking, kayak
Various Locations
16:30 – 18:00 Dancer Classes #2
Curling Club / Watermark Room
18:30 – 20:30 Dinner
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
20:00 – 21:00 Taster Dancing
Watermark Room
21:30 – 01:30 Party, Strickly Competition
Watermark Room
|
Sunday
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
10:30 – 12:00 Dancer Classes #3
Curling Club / Watermark Room
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
13:30 – 16:00 Jam, Beach, Choir, kayak/
Various Locations
16:30 – 18:00 Dancer Classes #4
Curling Club / Watermark Room
18:30 – 20:30 Dinner
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
20:00 – 21:00 Taster Dancing
Watermark Room
21:30 – 01:30 Party 5-Piece Band, Competition
Watermark Room
Monday
07:30 – 10:00 Breakfast & Check-out
Gananoque Inn Restaurant
10:30 – 13:30 Dancing Cruise 🚢
Kingston Harbour
13:30 – 16:00 Chill, Jam & Dance
Kingston
16:00 End of Event
|
PRICING
Start gathering your friends’ and partners’ information and choose your preferred room configuration.
You may pay the full amount upfront or split it into two installments. If you need a more flexible payment option, just let us know in the registration form, we’re happy to help.
We accept payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD), US Dollars (USD), and Euros (EUR).
| Full Pass |
|---|
| 6 H Balboa Courses |
| International Teachers |
| 4 Parties With Live Band |
| 3 H Tasters |
| On-Site Hotel Room |
| All Meals Included |
| 2 H Dance Cruise On St-Lawrence River |
| Friendly Competitions |
| Our Event T-Shirt |
| Music Jams |
| All Activities |
| Solo Registration |
|---|
| Standard 2 People Room |
| 990 CAD – 615 EUR – 725 USD /px |
| 2 Double Beds |
| Private Bathroom |
| Register With A Friend |
|---|
| Standard 2 People Room |
| 980 CAD – 610 EUR – 720 USD /px |
| 2 Double Beds or 1 Queen Bed |
| Private Bathroom |
| Register With Your Partner |
|---|
| Standard 2 People Room |
| 980 CAD – 610 EUR – 720 USD /px |
| 1 Queen Bed |
| Private Bathroom |
| Register With Your Partner/Friend |
|---|
| Superior 2 People Room w/ Partial View |
| 1090 CAD – 685 EUR – 795 USD /px |
| Large Room, 1 Queen/King Bed |
| Private Bathroom, Hot Tub or Fire Place |
| Register With Your Partner/Friend |
|---|
| Premium 2 People Room w/ River View |
| 1185 CAD – 740 EUR – 870 USD /px |
| Spacious Room, 1 King/Queen Bed |
| Private Bathroom, Suite, Hot Tub or Fire Place |
| Register With 3 Friends |
|---|
| Standard 4 People Room |
| 795 CAD – 495 EUR – 585 USD /px |
| 2 Queen Beds |
| Private Bathroom |
| Register With 3 Friends |
|---|
| Superior 4 People Room w/ View |
| 890 CAD – 555 EUR – 650 USD /px |
| Large Room, 2 Queen Beds |
| Private Bathroom |
| Register With 3 Friends |
|---|
| Premium 4 People Room w/ River View |
| 975 CAD – 610 EUR – 720 USD /px |
| Spacious Room, 2 Queen Beds |
| Private Bathroom |
CONTACT US
We will be very happy to answer all your questions!
Send us an email at: contact@balboaontheriver.com
Or contact us on messager from our facebook page: facebook.com/balboaontheriver
Or follow us on Instagram
Our Partners & Friends
