About Us:

The Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association (PBDA) was established in 1983 by sisters Erin and Tami Stevens as a space to celebrate and promote all forms of social dancing. What began as a small, local initiative quickly blossomed into a hub for dance enthusiasts of all levels, offering instruction in all styles of Swing plus Ballroom, Salsa, Country Western, and more!

A Legacy of Swing

PBDA played a vital role in the Swing revival of the 1980s and 1990s and the Stevens sisters are recognized for their efforts & contributions in "bringing back Swing.” In 1984, Erin went to New York in search of the roots of Swing and first worked with Al Minns. In 1986, she returned to New York, and found Frankie Manning, the “Father of the Lindy Hop.” She encouraged him out of dance retirement, and he became a lifelong friend often referring to the Stevens sisters as his "California Family."

Under Frankie’s guidance, PBDA helped rekindle the heart and soul of Lindy Hop influencing a new generation of Swing Dancers. This culminated in PBDA’s annual Swing Camp Catalina, which brought thousands of dancers from around the globe to California’s Catalina Island from 1994 to 2004. At its peak in 1999, the camp drew over 2,200 attendees, with dancers flocking to learn, connect, and celebrate the magic of Swing Dancing.

Honoring Dance Excellence

Erin and Tami have traveled extensively teaching at dance camps around the globe. For many years they were the featured instructors/performers for Disneyland’s Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing parties, and Mickey’s Mambo Club.

In the mid-80s, Tami was featured on Peter Jenning’s World News Tonight when West Coast Swing became the official dance of California.

In 1998, Erin was flown to Washington D.C. to dance at the White House for President Clinton in the PBS special “Stomp, Glide, Swing… In Performance at the White House.”

In 2011, Tami authored the textbook “Swing Dancing,” a comprehensive reference guide to the history of swing dancing that’s used in colleges and universities across the country.

Over the years, Erin and Tami have been featured in films, TV specials, and they even danced twice atop floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade!

Today and Beyond

PBDA remains committed to its founding mission of sharing the joy of Dance. From beginning-level classes to advanced workshops, our offerings celebrate Dance as a powerful way to connect, express, and move. Join us as we honor the legacy of Social Dancing and continue to create happy moments that bring people together on the dance floor.