Expanding your dance education
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing gained popularity because of its refined style and ability to be adapted to contemporary music. During the late 1950s, the dance began to gain national recognition and has continued to grow in popularity until the present day.
After nearly five decades, West Coast Swing has endured the test of time and it’s no surprise why.
This adaptable dance incorporates many forms of swing including the Lindy, Shag, Whip and Push.
Eager to display their talent, versatile dancers are continually innovating creative and interesting movements in swing
​Why we love West Coast Swing (and why you should learn it)
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​Versatile & Practical: WCS is a dance that adapts to a wide range of music, from slow and sensual to fast and rhythmic. Whether you're grooving to Top 40 hits, R'n'B, classic Swing, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Pop, Country & Western, or even Hip Hop, WCS keeps you moving. It’s perfect for any setting—whether in a lively club, at a fun wedding, or even entertaining guests at a restaurant. (You might even get a tip from the staff for your performance!)
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A Dance of Equal Partnership: WCS is a conversation between partners. While the leader sets the pace, the follower adds flair and spontaneity, turning the dance into an exciting, dynamic exchange. This constant interplay is what makes WCS so thrilling. The focus is on the roles of "lead" and "follow"—not gender—allowing anyone to dance with anyone, making it a truly inclusive, "degendered" dance.t is “socially acceptable” for two men or two women to dance with each other - referred to as a "degendered dance."
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A Blend of Techniques: WCS invites dancers to draw inspiration from a wide variety of styles. Whether you’re infusing Ballroom elegance, Country flair, Latin passion, or even Hip Hop energy, you can weave those elements into your WCS dance, making it uniquely your own.
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Unleash Your Creativity: When it comes to creativity, no other partner dance offers as much freedom as West Coast Swing. It’s like a smooth rollercoaster ride—once you’ve mastered the basics of timing, technique, and communication, you’re free to surprise yourself and your partner with new steps and patterns. The potential for invention is endless, making every dance an exciting opportunity to express yourself.
