Welcome to West Coast Swing!
West Coast Swing is a fun, casual partner dance done to pop, club or blues music. It can be done fast or slow, and there are great opportunities for improvisation and working with the music.
Music and rhythm:
West Coast Swing (WCS) is danced to any 4:4 time music. Mostly pop, club, and blues music.
The basic steps are done in six beats of music.
As a count, the basic rhythm goes: 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6. (each of the ‘and’s is a step)
An alternate way of counting it out: walk, walk, tri-ple-step, tri-ple-step. (Each syllable is a step)
Help! I’ve never been to a social dance!
We’re thrilled you’re here! We want to grow our community of WCS dancers and we want to make you feel as welcome as possible. You’re made a great first step coming out! Everyone is here to have a good time.
I have zero dance experience. Can I learn this?
Yes, definitely! If you can walk and count to six, you can do this dance.
Don’t be intimidated!
It’s perfectly natural to be nervous going into an unknown situation. Keep in mind every one of the dancers here was once just like you, starting this dance from zero. They worked at it, put time into it, took lessons, got better and had a lot of fun along the way.
About our beginner group lesson:
Our goal is to teach you a few things to get you up and dancing, and introduce you to the dance.
Our instructors will cover some basic moves to get you up and dancing!
We encourage people to rotate partners, because you get to meet a lot of people and it generally helps everyone improve their dancing. But its totally okay if you’d like to just dance together as a couple.
The experienced dancers want to help you! Dance with them, ask them questions!
How can I learn more?
Our goal at WCSA is to just get you on the floor and have a good experience. If you want to learn more moves (there are thousands!) and develop better connection to your partner, we suggest you look at taking group or private lessons. You can get instruction for your level, and keep adding to your dance experience. Good news: you usually don’t need a partner for lessons.
I have lots of dance experience from other dances. What’s the best way to learn?
That’s great! If you are coming from any kind of dance background (ballroom, country, blues, salsa, ballet, etc) you’ll pick up this dance very quickly. Seek out a dance instructor who can direct you to the right level of group or private lessons.
Helpful terms:
Group lessons:
Private lessons:
First Timer, Beginner Tips:
Shoes: Wear something comfortable to move in. Avoid too high a heel, or heavy rubber soles.
Dress: Casual, comfortable. You’ll be moving a lot!
Lesson: Will be for beginners just like you. Most people will rotate and switch partners
throughout the lesson. Great way to meet everyone!
Partner: Not required, but bring ’em if you’ve got ’em.