What is West Coast Swing ?

◊  A distinctive trait of west coast is its fluid look, elegance and at the same time 

    sexy. In the words of one of our friends :"Sexy but not cheap".(Thanks Louise).

◊  The dance is almost totally absent of jerky and bouncy movements.

◊  A basic principle of West Coast Swing is the slot rule, meaning the follow

     dances in the line of a slot or corridor.

◊ Most of the dance patterns are linear in shape (to allow for the slot shape of the dance).

◊  The lead is more stationary in the dance, moving to one side or the other of the

    slot or corridor when necessary to allow the follow to pass.

◊ The dance allows for a lot of individual movements and expressions.

◊ There are few of the mirror effects between partners that you would see in many

     of the other social dances.

◊ While the dancers dance to the same rhythm or beat, they do not necessarily

     always do the same steps.

◊ The emphasis is on connection between the partners. (The language of the dancers).

    And by this we aren't talking spiritual connection or good vibes-although it can help.

Advantages of West Coast Swing.

♦ Considered a more relaxed dance, allowing more freedom (of expression and

    movement) to the follow.

♦ A very practical dance style, as West Coast Swing can be danced in different

    context, from large ballroom dance halls to small clubs, wedding to house

    parties ; you can always find a place to dance your West Coast Swing.

♦ Will surely increase your ability level in social dancing, (with skills

    developed in West Coast Swing transferring easily to other dances).

♦ Puts at your disposal a multitude of dance patterns, wich you can use when

   dancing other, more traditional social dances.

♦ The extraordinary range of music styles wich West Coast Swing can be

   dance to ... The Top 40's of the last 40 years, Blues, R&B, Disco, Jazz and many more.

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