A smooth partnered dance style, West Coast Swing emerged along with other swing dances, and each evolved independently-in connection with the popular music in different US regions at the time. The West Coast style is also a slotted dance (dancers move back and forth in a linear pattern) and less rotational style compared to East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop.
West Coast Swing is danced to the widest range of music. Its emphasis is on connection and improvisation and has been influenced by other dance forms like Latin and Ballroom, making it versatile and expressive. Today, West Coast Swing is known for its adaptability and playful, interpretive nature. The dancing is cooperative between the lead and follow, passing control back and forth during the dance.
You can find West Coast Swing in both social and competitive dance scenes.
Each of these dances are typically described as:
There’s a great diversity in West Coast Swing music, across many genres, from blues and R&B to contemporary pop and hip-hop and others. Songs exhibit characteristics that complement the dance’s unique style:
The diversity of musical elements allows West Coast Swing to be a highly adaptable and expressive dance form, suitable for a wide range of music styles.
An introductory, beginner-level class will teach you the basics of the dance–and introduce you to other people in our dance community. If you’re entirely new to dance or partner dancing, want to try a different role (lead or follow), or have been away from dance for a while, beginner classes will create the best foundation. You’ll learn patterns like passes, pushes, and the whip, as well as about body movement, footwork, connection, and how to lead or follow.
There are no preliminary requirements to learn West Coast Swing. If you have previous solo or partner dance experience, or are familiar with music rhythm and structure, you may find your current knowledge helpful in learning. However, we teach from the basics, so come as you are!
In our community, our purpose is to help our dancers advance their dance abilities (and have a great time). For those who know the basics, we offer classes in more intermediate patterns and movement, as well as providing more specific and critical focus on technique. Higher level classes will teach the rock-and-go, dips, advanced whips, styling, musicality, and switch dancing.
We also recommend our dancers practice on their own time and attend our social dances to continue improving their West Coast Swing abilities.
You can submit an application to register for upcoming class and workshop dates.
We aim for a balance of leads and follows in each class; therefore, your spot is pending until you receive a confirmation from one of our organizers, and you send payment.
Most people attend our classes solo, a partner is not required. We accept a balance of people in lead and follow roles and there’s always someone to dance with. We teach by rotating partners throughout each lesson, you’ll dance with everyone in the opposite role.
If you want to attend with a partner or friend, you’re welcome to, but you should both expect to spend most of the class dancing with other people.
Dress fairly casual in clothes that breathe and allow you to move easily–it can get warm after a few songs. Many dancers will wear specialized shoes that reduce friction on the floor, but it’s not necessary for the basic patterns. Just choose footwear that’s comfortable with a non-stick or leather sole.
West Coast Swing is an accessible dance at a basic level–with the opportunity to grow quite complex as you advance. Everyone’s learning journey is different, but here’s what we suggest you keep in mind:
A person of any age who has the freedom of mobility throughout their body, is confident in their balance, and can hear or feel the beat will feel confident in our classes. Typically, our students are adult participants, however children with the maturity to focus and follow along are welcome to learn with us.
It is possible to accommodate many accessibility needs, please reach out if you have questions.
We have arranged private lessons in the past, please contact us for more information.
Primarily, we have fun! Social dances are about experiencing West Coast Swing and sharing your enthusiasm with everyone else. Here are some quick good-to-know’s:
Learn more social dance etiquette from the World Swing Dance Council.
Our events are drop-in, no RSVP is needed. You can pay at the door to join in. The event fee or recommended donation amount will be communicated in the event listing on our homepage.
It’s not necessary to bring a partner to our social events–however, your friends and family are certainly welcome to join in! At every song change, dancers switch partners organically, so expect to dance with many different people. Someone may ask you to dance, and you can ask anyone too. (It’s also okay to nicely decline if you’re taking a break.)
We’re enthusiasts and participants in West Coast Swing dancing, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a group, we’ve been having organized events since 2016, with classes, practices and social dances. Our purpose is to support the development of West Coast Swing dancers. In addition to having a great time together, we encourage each other’s growth in skills and ability. Our community is a place for dancers to belong and bond over their love for West Coast Swing.
There are three easy ways to become part of the West Coast Swing scene in Halifax:
Please get in touch with our team if you have questions about the accessibility of joining our socials or lessons.
We welcome anyone to wear a mask for their comfort. No one should attend a class or social event if currently or recently feeling ill or under the weather.
Send us your query and a team member will get in touch!