Adapted with permission from Halifax West Coast Swing.
What is West Coast Swing?
A smooth partnered dance style, West Coast Swing (AKA “Modern Swing”) has roots in Lindy Hop, the classic swing dance that was born from African-American communities in Harlem, NYC, in the 1920’s. West Coast Swing is danced to a wide range of music, often pop music, and also blues, ballads, motown, disco, and jazz. In its present form it is strongly influenced by other dance forms such as Latin dances, contemporary, and hip hop. The West Coast style is also a slotted dance (dancers move back and forth in a linear pattern) and less rotational style compared to East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop.
Its emphasis is on connection and improvisation, making it versatile and expressive. Today, West Coast Swing is known for its adaptability and playful, interpretive nature. The dancing is cooperative between the lead and follow, passing control back and forth during the dance.
You can find West Coast Swing in both social and competitive dance scenes.
What happens at a West Coast Swing social dance event?
Primarily, we have fun! Social dances are about experiencing West Coast Swing and sharing your enthusiasm with everyone else. Here are some quick good-to-know’s:
You’ll dance to our resident DJ’s playlists of songs from blues to R&B, hip-hop, contemporary pop and more! At each song change, you switch partners. You’ll dance with many different people, which will greatly improve your lead and follow skills by practicing with different kinds of partners. In West Coast Swing, anyone can ask anyone to dance, regardless of gender, skill, experience, or anything else. (It’s also okay to decline or skip a song if you’re asked and want to take a break.) Social events are typically two hours and are not meant to be used as lessons (so don’t expect or provide feedback). They are great practice to reinforce what you’ve been learning, get some new experiences with different partners and learn more about West Coast Swing by watching others. Be respectful of others’ boundaries and abilities and do your best to make sure they have a good time.
Learn more social dance etiquette from the World Swing Dance Council.
How does West Coast Swing compare to Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Jive, and Country Swing?
Each of these dances are typically described as:
West Coast Swing: smooth, elastic, grounded, controlled. It is an evocative dance—you have time to embellish the figures with whatever foot and body styling you might be moved to add. Connection and musicality are emphasized. Dance is done in a “slot” formation, to contemporary music from recent decades.
Lindy Hop: athletic, historic, traditional. Known for whips, kicks, swing-out, aerial and lift movements. Danced to ‘20s – ‘50s-era music known for being upbeat. Danced in a “spot/circular” formation.
East Coast Swing: fast, bouncy. Emphasized with high-energy flicks and kicks of the legs and feet, plus a pendulum hip swing. Danced in a “spot/circular” formation.
Jive: fast, active, bouncy, light, loose. Lots of rocking movements. Considered a ballroom dance that is part of the International Latin dances. Danced in a “spot/circular” formation.
To what kind of music do people dance West Coast Swing?
There’s a great diversity in West Coast Swing music, across many genres, from blues and R&B to contemporary pop and hip-hop and others. Songs exhibit characteristics that complement the dance’s unique style:
Time signature: Songs typically have a 4/4 time signature, providing a steady and consistent rhythm for dancers.
Tempo: West Coast Swing is accommodating to a range of beats, from slower, sultry numbers to faster, more lively tracks. Songs generally range from 90 to 120 beats per minute (bpm).
Rhythmic variety: Songs often feature syncopated beats and breaks. This variety allows dancers to play with timing and add personal flair, called “musicality.”
The diversity of musical elements allows West Coast Swing to be a highly adaptable and expressive dance form, suitable for a wide range of music styles.
How do I get started learning West Coast Swing?
An introductory, beginner-level class (like our 4-week series) will teach you the basics of the dance–and introduce you to other people in our dance community. If you’re entirely new to dance or partner dancing, want to try a different role (lead or follow), or have been away from dance for a while, beginner classes will create the best foundation. You’ll learn patterns like passes, pushes, and the whip, as well as about body movement, footwork, connection, and how to lead or follow.
Do I need previous dance experience to learn West Coast Swing?
There are no preliminary requirements to learn West Coast Swing. If you have previous solo or partner dance experience, or are familiar with music rhythm and structure, you may find your current knowledge helpful in learning. However, we teach from the basics, so come as you are!
How can I improve and expand my West Coast Swing skills?
We offer beginner progressive series as well as short workshops for those who know the basics. In addition, we invite everyone who is taking a class with us to attend Friday night socials for free! Practicing in a social setting is hands down the best way to get those patterns solid and comfortable!
We also recommend our dancers practice on their own time and to attend workshops and classes in other cities when possible. Just be careful, once you start traveling to dance, it’s so much fun it’s hard to stop!
Do I need to bring a partner to dance with in class?
Most people attend our classes solo, a partner is not required. We teach by rotating partners throughout each lesson, you’ll dance with everyone in the opposite role.
If you want to attend with a partner or friend, you’re welcome to, but you should both expect to spend most of the class dancing with other people.
What do I wear to class?
Dress fairly casual in clothes that breathe and allow you to move easily–it can get warm after a few songs. Many dancers will wear specialized shoes that reduce friction on the floor, but it’s not necessary for the basic patterns. Outdoor shoes are not permitted in the studio. Dancing in socks is just fine! If you are bringing indoor footwear, please ensure they are non-marking and no heels.
Do I need to bring a partner to a West Coast Swing social?
It’s not necessary to bring a partner to our social events–however, your friends and family are certainly welcome to join in! At every song change, dancers switch partners organically, so expect to dance with many different people. Someone may ask you to dance, and you can ask anyone too. (It’s also okay to nicely decline if you’re taking a break.)
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes! Please use the contact form to reach out, or come and introduce yourself at a Friday night social. Private lessons are $50/hr + studio fees, if applicable.