Swing Dance Styles:
West Coast Swing is a smooth style of swing developed in California in the early days of swing and danced in a slot formation. The dance continues to evolve and be influenced by current styles of music and dance (like hip-hip). Often danced to R&B, blues, club, country and pop, it can be danced to many styles of contemporary music including some Latin.
Swing (East Coast Swing/ Lindy Hop/ Jitterbug): Whether you call it Jitterbug (Cab Calloway’s name for it), East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop this dance is just FUN and is the original swing dance. It is not hard to learn, it’s easy to stay hooked and the music will lift up our spirits, the way it has been doing for 90 plus years. Originally danced to the swing music of the late 30’s and 40’s, and early rock n’ roll, this dance style is versatile enough to dance to a wide range of music.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
West Coast Swing 1: Beginning/ Intro
Fun with the smooth and sultry core moves: starter step, left side pass, right side pass, push break (sugar push), whip
West Coast Swing 1 Part 2: Continued Foundation Moves
Multiple your fun with more core moves plus basic turn patterns.
West Coast Swing Level 2: Intermediate
Builds on the basic patterns with variations and more complex moves. Develops partnering and movement technique (like turns and pivots) to support more difficult moves. Each series teaches new moves or variations, so no 2 series are the same.
Pre-req: WC core moves, including whip and basic spin patterns.
West Coast Cool Moves Routine (Inter/Adv) [Spring 2026]
Learn new cool moves in a single class or a short routine that builds over the 4 weeks set to music. Develop your dance skills by drilling the moves, creative footwork, styling and musicality so they come more naturally on the social dance floor.
Pre-req: Comfort and ease with core moves including whip and basic spin patterns.
West Coast Choreography Drill class (Inter/Adv) [Spring 2026]
Review and drill the current and previous routines as they build into a fully choreographed piece set to music. If you learn quickly, you can pick up any of the routine taught in classes you have missed. Performance(s) starting in early June is completely optional.
NEW this year: PARTNERED SOLOS – for those dancers who are interested, there will be an option to take a short solo with your partner as part of the routine.
Swing 1: Basics
Put a swing in your step with this upbeat dance! Learn the core 6 count patterns to get out onto the dance floor and have fun!
Swing Beyond Basics
More advanced turn patterns & an intro to some of the 8 count moves, like the classic Swing Out!
Pre-req: Core swing moves: basic 6 count pattern in closed & open position, inside and outside turns for Leaders and Followers.