Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

What is West Coast Swing?

Swing dance is a form of partnered jazz dance that evolved along with Swing music and the Big Band Jazz sound, first in America, then around the world by the end of World War II.  Today swing dancing takes many forms the world over.  The "original" style made famous by dancers at the Savoy Ballroom is called the Lindy Hop.  Lindy hop is still a very popular dance today and is usually danced to music in the style of the 20s and 30s jazz bands.  West Coast Swing (WCS) is a variant of Lindy Hop Swing that has developed its own look and feel.  West Coast Swing is well suited to blues and R&B as well as Hip Hop and Pop songs that have a swing rhythm.  Other related dances include East Coast Swing.  If you already know how to dance one varitant of swing, then you are already a step ahead in learning West Coast Swing.   If you have never danced swing then by all means come and find out how much fun you've been missing!

Do I need a partner?

Swing Dancing is a great way to meet people.  During our lessons we rotate partners throughout the lesson, so you will get a chance to meet alot of people. And when the dancing begins, there will be a group of people that you have met and danced with some already, so it is easy to ask them to dance.   If you come with a partner and only want to dance with him or her, thats O.K. too.

What Should I wear?

- Sensible shoes; shoes that you can move in.  For the ladies, sneakers may be better than 3" heels to start out, although soft rubber soles make pivoting tough.  Sandals and shoes that don't have heel straps are to be avoided.  We encourage you to bring a pair of shoes to put on at the dance because it helps keep the dance floor dry and clean.

- WCS dancers tend toward casual dress.