Class Information

Class Format
Classes are ongoing and present different material in each series. Class series typically begins the first week of the month (check schedule to verify date). Each class series contains new material, as well as technique, lead/follow, and styling tips. New material is presented each week along with a review of the previous week's information within the series. Approximately the first 10 minutes of class is set aside for warm-up and practice with the balance of the class time composed of a review of previous week's material, learning new material and practice time. Classes are held on Tuesday in San Francisco and Thursday in Palo Alto.

West Coast Swing Class Levels & Guidelines
-Basics Plus class presents the basic steps, rhythm and WCS concepts and requires no prior experience.
-Fundamentals Plus class requires knowledge and proficiency of the basic steps. WCS Basic Steps include: Sugar Push, Under Arm Turn, Side Pass, Tuck Turn, Turning Basic, Basic Whip & Whip Variations as well as some turns. (see instructional video page for more extensive step list) click here
-Intermediate class requires knowledge and proficiency of the Fundamentals Plus level skills.

Registration, Policies & Fees**
Classes may be taken as a monthly series or on a drop-in week-to-week basis (space permitting). Pre-registration confirms your place in class and is a commitment to attend. Class fees are as listed above and reflect the "cash discount" pricing. All fees listed are per person rates. No refunds or credit for unattended classes. Missed classes may not be carried over to another month. As a courtesy you may make-up a missed class, within the same month, by exchanging a Tuesday/Thursday WCS Group Class or you can attend our San Mateo B Street Boogie WCS Wednesday or 2nd Sunday Swing Dance Class & Dance [make-ups require an instructor issued special pass]. Class series typically begins on the first week of the month. Email to confirm dates, available space and to receive more information. Video recording is permitted only during the summary review at the end of class. Singles, couples and all ages welcome. We rotate partners so no partner is necessary and/or guaranteed.

TO REGISTER: Register at the door or pre-register by email


Various Swing Dance Styles:
Visit Sonny Watson's website for an indepth view into swing dance styles and swing dance history.

West Coast Swing
This swing dance style is a smooth, slotted dance done to many types of music. Traditionally west coast swing has been danced to rhythm & blues and jazz, however in recent years the music spectrum has broadened to include many other music styles such as rock, disco, country, and contemporary/funk. West Coast Swing is one of the most versatile partner dances there is allowing each partner to express their individual interpretation while doing the basic dance patterns, as well as more intricate steps, footwork, and body movement.

Other Swing Styles (listed for informational purpose only):
East Coast Swing
This is a very common style of swing you might see done socially at parties and weddings. East Coast Swing is typically danced to big band, rock & roll, rock-a-billy, jump blues, and some contemporary music. There are two basic rhythms used in east coast swing... single time (for faster music) and triple time (for slower to medium speeds of music). This style of swing dances more in the round contrasting to the slotted style of west coast swing.

Lindy
This is the original form of swing dance. The Lindy has roots way back to the 1920's when Jazz and Blues hit the music scene. You can see traces of Lindy in both East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing. The Lindy is primarily danced to big band, jazz, and blues music. There are a variety of Lindy styles. Each containing their own unique characteristics some examples are: Smooth Lindy, Hollywood Style Lindy, and Flying Lindy. Dance music speed varies from slower to faster depending on which Lindy style you are dancing.

Balboa
An upbeat Swing dance style that originated in Southern California. This dance style was originally danced totally in closed dance position with emphasis on fast and intricate footwork. Bal-Swing, which encompases open figures, has evolved from the original Balboa style.

Carolina Shag
A smooth, slow to medium speed style of slotted swing with emphasis on footwork. Originally done in the southeastern United States (North & South Carolina & Virginia, Florida) and primarily danced to beach music ... as well as other more traditional music styles of the 1950's & 1960's.
Ex:
Nikki Kontoulas & Autumn Jones

St. Louis Shag
An upbeat swing style with emphasis on footwork & kicks. Typically danced to big band as well as faster R&B and Rock & Roll music.

Texas Push
A smooth style of swing with emphasis on 2-hand patterns, wraps, and turns. Done primarily in the midwest area of the United States. Danced to a variety of traditional R&B, Blues, and some contemporary music.

Houston Whip
Similar to Texas Push and done in the southern Texas area. Danced primarily to traditional R&B & Blues.

DC Hand Dance
Sort of a mixture between East and West Coast Swing, this dance uses a variety of music and originates in the Washington DC area.

Bop
Similar to East Coast Swing and done primarily in the southeastern United States. Danced to more traditional sounds of beach music, Rock & Roll, and R&B tunes.

Boogie Woogie
Similar to East Coast Swing. Danced to faster traditional boogie woogie 1940's style swing music; frequently big band tunes.

Jive
Similar to East Coast Swing. Danced to faster traditional swing music; big band tunes.

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