West Coast Swing Introduction
West Coast Swing is an evolved version of Swing that has roots in Lindy Hop but takes styling from many other dances. It is not the same as the visually well known Lindy Hop or East Coast Swing.
A more detailed overview of West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing Style
West Coast Swing is a slotted dance. All other swing dances work in circular areas. The follow (typically a girl) owns the slot and the lead (typically a guy) moves out of the way to let her by. The follow moves back and forth down the slot in exotic style. The lead leads the patterns but the variances are many and encouraged and patterns can be extended or modified at will. It's a partner dance that relies on a dance "conversation" between the lead and the follow. A very unique style that is danced to the best music and a wide range of music from 78 bpm up to about 140 bpm. It can be danced to swing or straight count music.
How do I learn it?
The best way to learn it initially is via group lessons. They let you learn with multiple partners which help you not only be a better dancer but lets you start dancing right away with people you just practiced with so it's safe to dance with them. A good way to start!
Quick Lesson Finder (Seattle Area)
Why dance West Coast Swing instead of other dances?
West Coast Swing is an extremely creative dance that can be danced at many levels. It has the advantage of letting you dance to the widest range of music and is a dance where both the lead and the follow can be ultra creative. In other words, your only limited by your abillity to practice and learn techniques and skills, the dance itself is without bounds. It has a subculture that is very devoted and is growing all the time!
What is a dance convention?
Dance Conventions are fun. Imagine the best dancers, the best lessons, the best hotels all over America!! It's a fantastic and fun way to dance, improve your dance, meet friends and to just have a blast!!
