West Coast Swing is a modern social dance developed in California during the ’40s and ’50s. It constantly evolves as popular music changes. Like all swing dances, its roots are in Lindy hop, which originated in the Black communities of Harlem, New York City.

This dance prioritizes connection and conversation with your partner, musicality, and improvisation. It is characterized by being danced on a slot, using an elastic redirection, and delayed weight transfers. The West Coast Swing community has become worldwide; dances and events can be found in most major cities and beyond.

In this first week, we will explore the structure and connection of West Coast Swing, starting with one of the most basic yet valuable varieties of patterns: passes. If you are new to a fundamentals class, please read the full description of this format. Instruction will last from 2 to 3 p.m.; the last half hour will be for practice, repetition, questions, and feedback. The “Next Steps” intermediate class participants will be invited to join us starting at 3 p.m. to practice with us.

In the full series, we will explore passes (week 1), pushes (week 2), the triple rhythm (week 3), whips (week 4), starters and throw-outs (week 5), Tucks (week 6), Spins & Turns (week 7), Quality of Movement (week 8), and Musicality (week 9). For the last three weeks of this series, you are strongly encouraged to have attended a few of the previous classes or have some experience.

Registration is optional but strongly encouraged as details are always subject to change. Please reach out to me to let me know you are coming.

$15 per class 

If you are taking Fundamentals for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. time they are $10 per class