04/09/2026
Atomic Ballroom Partners with Visit Newport Beach for a Guinness World Records™ Attempt
Atomic Ballroom is proud to partner with Visit Newport Beach for a FREE, exciting, and historic community event: an official Guinness World Records™ attempt for the Largest Swing Dance Lesson featuring Balboa, the iconic swing dance born right here in Newport Beach.
WHAT: World’s Largest Swing Dance Lesson. Learn the Balboa Swing, invented in Newport Beach during the Big Band era.
WHEN: Sunday, April 19
WHERE: Peninsula Park Athletic Field (next to Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, CA)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
10:00 am – 11:00 am – Check-in Time & Live Music
11:15 am – 11:45 am – The official Guinness World Record Attempt (30 minutes)
After, enjoy live music, food trucks, giveaways, and more.
Reserve your spot today to be part of this historic attempt! Open to individuals or pairs—solo participants can be matched with a partner on site.
No dance experience necessary. Ages 13 and up.
What Is Balboa?
Balboa is a style of swing dance that originated on the Balboa Peninsula during the Big Band era. It began as a close-embrace dance designed for the crowded Rendezvous Ballroom, then evolved to include the turns, spins, and open movement called Bal-Swing. Its roots are deeply tied to Newport Beach and the legendary Rendezvous Ballroom, making this event a meaningful celebration of local history and culture.
Live Music
The event will feature live music by The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. Band leaders and members of the orchestra are deeply connected to the Balboa tradition, making them the perfect band to help bring this historic dance to life.
This event is also endorsed by local historians, the Pacific Swing Dance Foundation, and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Join Us
Be part of history in the place where Balboa began. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, this is your chance to celebrate Newport Beach heritage and help set a world record.
Join us and help make history — one step at a time.
See comments for registration link!
The best part is that it all lines up with Minor Swing weekend at ATOMIC Ballroom, happening April 17 through April 19. So you can spend the weekend dancing at Minor Swing, then head to Newport Beach on Sunday and be part of this exciting Balboa world record attempt. It is the perfect way to cap off a full weekend of dancing, community, and Balboa fun.