West Coast Swing

A really cool dance!

The state dance of California, West Coast Swing is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Known as one of the most versatile partner dances because of its ability to be danced to a broad range of styles of music. It’s not the easiest dance, but well worth the effort. West Coast Swings origins are definitely in Lindy Hop, but has changed over the years! It’s distinctive “dancing in a slot” approach derives from San Diego dance halls as far back as 1938.

This is what west coast swing is!

How to get started west coast swing?

FREE 30-minute WCS Lesson

We offer group classes & private lessons but a free lesson is the the best way I could think to help get you started learning West Coast Swing.

This is the BEST way to get started!

Please give us a call – We can’t wait to dance with you.

502-377-4859

Salsa Dance Teachers

Wanna learn west coast swing?
We have 3 great options for you!

We offer group and private lessons but in addition, we also offer the largest online library of wcs lessons

WCS Group Lessons

How do they work?

Group classes are where you’ll meet new people, learn to dance with others and learn new moves. We have beginner – advanced classes so there’s plenty to learn.

  • No partner necessary!
  • Singles and couples are welcome!
  • We rotate partners during class
  • Meet people of all ages
  • See our GROUP CLASS CALENDAR

 

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West Coast Swing

WCS Private Lessons

The best way to learn west coast swing

Our instructors are know across the globe (literally) for their ability to teach west coast swing. Private lessons are the best way for you to master this tricky dance.

  •  IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU: Work at your own pace with your teacher.
  • SCHEDULING IS A BREEZE: You’re busy so group classes are sometimes hard to make. Privates can be scheduled 7 days a week.
  • FIRST LESSON FREE: We can’t think of an easier way to get started. (502) 377-4859

 

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Salsa Private Lessons Louisville KY

WCS Online Lessons

How do they work?

Learning to dance in the studio so you can meet new people and learn to dance with others is the goal. Online videos help support your goals. We’ve created the world’s largest library of online WCS videos to help you on your dance journey.

  • Videos to help you remember
  • Practice at home
  • Or just binge watch at 1am we won’t judge 😉

 

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Salsa Group Classes in Louisville KY

West Coast Swing Dancing
A quick history of WCS

The state dance of California, West Coast Swing is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Known as one of the most versatile partner dances because of its ability to be danced to a broad range of styles of music. It’s not the easiest dance, but well worth the effort.

West Coast Swing’s origins are definitely in Lindy Hop, but has changed over the years! It’s distinctive “dancing in a slot” approach derives from San Diego dance halls as far back as 1938. The kicking jitterbugs would frolic in the center of the floor, with the smooth dancers grooving on the periphery. First called western swing by Arthur Murray in the 1950s, swing had taken a definite right turn. A “slot” appeared along with the follower’s “walk walk” on the first two steps thanks to Murray’s initial coding of the dance in a studio.

In the 50’s, this dance was sometimes referred to as western swing and/or sophisticated swing, and sometimes it still is. In Downey, California in 1958, any dance called “western” would not attract students. Skippy Blair and her crew would explain that “western” really meant “west coast.” Then, Jim Banister, local editor of the Herald American Newspaper suggested that they call it just that. So when they advertised in 1961, they advertised the dance as west coast swing. The dances current name, West Coast Swing, entered into mainstream swing circles in the late 60’s. Many credit the current name of the dance to Skippy Blair.

Latin styles and hustle influenced WCS from the 70’s. Beginners seeing hustle and west coast swing often cannot distinguish them. Current WCS styles vary considerably. Modern WCS can be conservatively upright-postured, smooth and warm, or a funky, hot-partnered jazz dance. Understanding the west coast swing basics is important to be able to show the musicality later required in the dance.. It is the social dance that allows for the greatest choice in styles of music.

Looking for more great online west coast swing instruction? You can learn all of the beginner patterns of west coast swing here.

Please check out our online site: WestCoastSwingOnline.com Its the #1 website for all things west coast swing related!

The state dance of California, West Coast Swing is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Known as one of the most versatile partner dances because of its ability to be danced to a broad range of styles of music. It’s not the easiest dance, but well worth the effort.

West Coast Swing’s origins are definitely in Lindy Hop, but has changed over the years! It’s distinctive “dancing in a slot” approach derives from San Diego dance halls as far back as 1938. The kicking jitterbugs would frolic in the center of the floor, with the smooth dancers grooving on the periphery. First called western swing by Arthur Murray in the 1950s, swing had taken a definite right turn. A “slot” appeared along with the follower’s “walk walk” on the first two steps thanks to Murray’s initial coding of the dance in a studio.

In the 50’s, this dance was sometimes referred to as western swing and/or sophisticated swing, and sometimes it still is. In Downey, California in 1958, any dance called “western” would not attract students. Skippy Blair and her crew would explain that “western” really meant “west coast.” Then, Jim Banister, local editor of the Herald American Newspaper suggested that they call it just that. So when they advertised in 1961, they advertised the dance as west coast swing. The dances current name, West Coast Swing, entered into mainstream swing circles in the late 60’s. Many credit the current name of the dance to Skippy Blair.

Latin styles and hustle influenced WCS from the 70’s. Beginners seeing hustle and west coast swing often cannot distinguish them. Current WCS styles vary considerably. Modern WCS can be conservatively upright-postured, smooth and warm, or a funky, hot-partnered jazz dance. Understanding the west coast swing basics is important to be able to show the musicality later required in the dance.. It is the social dance that allows for the greatest choice in styles of music.

Looking for more great online west coast swing instruction? You can learn all of the beginner patterns of west coast swing here.

Please check out our online site: WestCoastSwingOnline.com Its the #1 website for all things west coast swing related!

West Coast Swing Basics

There are 3 main basics to learn

West coast swing can get very complicated. It’s easiest to think of the 100’s of moves relating back to the three basic patterns. You can learn them all in the video below.

  • Sugar Push (push break)
  • Pass (right or left side pass)
  • Whip (the first 8 count basic)

Ready to get started?

First Wedding Dance Class FREE

We’re excited to show you this amazing, modern dance style. You’re gonna have a lot of fun with and and meet a lot of really cool people ddancing.

Give us a call

We can’t wait to meet you!

502-377-4859

 

Salsa Dance Teachers

I look forward to meeting you!

Brian B (owner, Dance Louisville)

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