Frequently Asked Questions about West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing FAQs
What is the history of West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing originated from African American social dances and the Black community's creation of Lindy Hop in Harlem during the 1920s and 30s. Like many African American art forms of the era, the dance was influenced by jazz, blues, and swing music.
The dance has roots in Boogie Woogie, blues, and the elastic rhythms characteristic of Black social dancing. Despite being named the state dance of California in 1988, it's important to recognize that West Coast Swing, like many American social dances, comes from Black cultural innovation and artistic expression. Today, while the dance continues to evolve with modern music, its core characteristics reflect this rich cultural heritage.
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a popular partner dance that can be performed to many types of music, including pop, R&B, country, and blues. It's characterized by its smooth, linear movements and elastic connection between partners. Unlike many other partner dances, WCS emphasizes improvised creativity and musicality while maintaining a structured foundation.
How is it different from other swing dances?
While West Coast Swing belongs to the swing dance family, it has distinct characteristics. The dance is performed in a slot or line rather than the circular pattern common in East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop. WCS also tends to be more grounded, with less bounce, and allows for modern music interpretation.
Do I need to bring a partner to learn?
No, you don't need a partner to learn West Coast Swing. Most classes and social dances use a rotation system where students dance with different partners. This approach helps develop better leading and following skills and is standard practice in partner dance communities.
What if I'm a complete beginner?
Everyone starts as a beginner. West Coast Swing is taught progressively, starting with basic patterns and fundamentals. Most dance communities offer dedicated beginner classes where you'll learn alongside others who are also just starting. The basic steps can typically be learned in a few classes, though mastering the dance takes longer.
What should I wear to dance?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. For footwear, choose shoes with smooth soles that won't stick to the floor. Many dancers wear:
Suede-soled dance shoes
Clean, smooth-soled sneakers
Dance sneakers Avoid shoes with rubber soles that grip the floor, as they can impede movement and potentially cause injury. (Ask me how I know)
How long does it take to learn?
Learning timeline varies by individual and depends on factors like:
Frequency of classes and practice
Previous dance experience
Time spent social dancing: Most students can learn basic patterns within a few weeks and become comfortable social dancing within a few months of regular practice.
What makes West Coast Swing unique?
West Coast Swing has several distinctive features:
Adaptability to various music styles (my favorite!)
Equal emphasis on both partners' creativity (next favorite)
Mix of structure and improvisation
Strong focus on musicality
Welcoming community spanning all age groups, levels, and abilities
How is the social atmosphere?
Good West Coast Swing communities typically maintain a welcoming environment for newcomers, sometimes even offering free classes for beginners. Social dances often include dancers of various skill levels, and it's pretty common for more experienced dancers to dance with brand new beginners. Most communities host regular social dances, workshops, and events like the occasional weekend conventions all over the world.
How do I get started?
To begin learning West Coast Swing:
Find local classes in your area
Start with beginner or fundamentals classes
Attend social dances to practice
Consider private lessons for personalized instruction
Watch videos to familiarize yourself with the dance style
What about making mistakes?
Making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process. All dancers, including experienced ones, continue to learn and improve. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and remember that every experienced dancer was once a beginner.
“Do you teach West Coast Swing?”
Yes, I do! I teach both West Coast Swing private lessons and WCS group classes in Seattle and when I travel for events. My speciality is individualizing your dance growth and personal development. It must be all the years as an inclusion teacher!
Contact me to book a lesson, organize a workshop in Seattle, or ask a question about West Coast Swing!
