Types of Dance ✦ Social & Club
Smooth, playful and endlessly creative, West Coast Swing is the swing dance for today's music. Danced to pop, R&B, blues and country, it's all about connection, improvisation and personal style. At VM Ballroom Dance Studios, we'll teach you the foundations of WCS so you can dance with confidence at socials, conventions and anywhere the music is playing.
Prefer to talk? Call (321) 477-9959 or text (689) 334-0707
West Coast Swing evolved from the Lindy Hop in California in the 1940s and 50s. It was adapted for smaller floors and slower music, which led to its signature "slot," a narrow lane the follower travels up and down. It was named California's official state dance in 1988 and has a thriving social and competition community worldwide.
All Types of Dance
Getting to know it
West Coast Swing is danced to 4/4 music, usually about 90–130 beats per minute. Patterns are six or eight counts long and end with an "anchor step," a triple step that settles the connection between partners.
West Coast Swing takes a little longer to feel comfortable than East Coast Swing, because it relies on connection, lead and follow, and musical interpretation. Most students dance the basic patterns after a few lessons, and the dance keeps rewarding you for years.
On the playlist
The four foundations are the sugar push, left side pass, right side pass and underarm turn. Nearly every other pattern builds on them.
An imaginary narrow lane on the floor. The follower travels back and forth along it while the leader moves in and out of the way.
East Coast Swing is circular and bouncy. West Coast Swing is linear, smooth and danced to slower, more modern music.
Almost anything in 4/4 at a moderate tempo: pop, R&B, blues, hip-hop, country and funk.
At studio practice parties, local WCS socials and weekend conventions. Ask us about upcoming events in Lake Mary, FL.
Learn it with us
Book a West Coast Swing lesson at VM Ballroom Dance Studios in Lake Mary, FL. Call 321-477-9959.
New to the studio? Ask about our introductory offer for new students. And if you enjoy the West Coast Swing, you may also like the East Coast Swing and Hustle.
Our Introductory OfferStart dancing
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New Student Special ✦ VM Ballroom
Get your intro offer when you sign up — $79 for (2) private ½-hour lessons.
