What Is West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing is the smoother, sexier version of the Swing dance family that evolved

from other forms of Swing, such as Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. It is an interesting social dance that can adopt many nuances from other dance forms making it a highly versatile dance. This is partially why it has become so popular across the entire United States. It is modern, versatile and can be danced to just about any 4/4 time music you like including jazz and blues, R&B, Soul, Pop, Funk and Hip Hop.

Because of the variety of music West Coast Swing can be danced to, its look and feel can range from smooth and sexy to soulful and funky. Its interpretation differs depending on the dancers and music. Because of this flexibility, with both music and style, West Coast Swing has a vast appeal and brings together people of all ages.

As in most partner dances, the leader sets the tone for the dance in West Coast Swing, but the follower has a lot of freedom in her musical interpretation. She can use patterns and creative syncopations that aren't necessarily what the leader is doing so long as she does not interfere with the leader. The distinctive elastic look of West Coast Swing results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection.

Characteristically, West Coast Swing is different from other forms of Swing dance in the sense that it is danced in a slot. The slot is an imaginary lane that both partners move back and forth along or trade places in. Often times, both the leader and follower will travel in the same direction down the slot which is another distinguishing characteristic of West Coast Swing from other styles of Swing that use more opposition moves, such as the rock step (both partners rocking back away from each other).

The basic patterns in West Coast Swing are done in 6 and 8 beats, but those patterns can be varied by +/- 2 beat increments. The follower almost always walks forward on the first two beats (1,2) of each pattern and both partners end most patterns with an "achor" step, which is a triple rhythm.

West Coast swing is considered a dancer's dance because it is always changing and evolving and will continue to challenge you. This is why many people fall in love with the dance and stick with it. West Coast Swing is one of the most interesting and versatile social dances of our times and can be danced by young or old alike.

Learn more about West Coast Swing

by: Sandy Tunsky

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