West Coast Swing: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Dance style}}

'''West Coast Swing''' ('''WCS''') is a [[partner dance]] derived from [[Lindy Hop]]. By its soul it is a [[street dance]], however it was tamed by [[ballroom dance]] studios.

[[File:Nicolas&Delphine - Strictly West Coast Swing.jpg|thumb|{{center|{{PAGENAME}}}}]]

[[File:Nicole Ramirez & Thibault Ramirez at California Dance Festival 2025 06 (cropped).png|thumb|Nicole & Thibault Ramirez, West Coast Swing instructors, at California Dance Festival 2025]]

'''West Coast Swing''' is a [[partner dance]] with roots in [[Lindy Hop]], characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner [[connection (dance)|connection.]] It is danced primarily in a [[dance slot|slotted area]] on the dance floor. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that emphasize improvisation.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McMains |first=Juliet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C9oTAQAAIAAJ |title=Glamour addiction: inside the American ballroom dance industry |date=2006 |publisher=Wesleyan Univ. Press |isbn=978-0-8195-6774-1 |edition=Wesleyan University Press |___location=Middletown, Conn |language=en |quote=The list includes salsa, Argentine tango, and shag.}}</ref>

Typically the [[follower (dance)|follower]] is led forward into new patterns traveling forward on counts "1" and "2" of each basic pattern, rather than [[Rock Step|rocking back]]. Traditional figures include 6-count and 8-count patterns of one of the four basic varieties: (1) Starter Step, (2) Side Pass, (3) Push Break / Sugar Push, (4) Whip.<ref>{{Cite web

==History==

|url=http://www.westcoastswings.com/index.php/12-basic-dance-guidelines |title=Basic Dance Guidelines |access-date=2016-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820193900/http://www.westcoastswings.com/index.php/12-basic-dance-guidelines |archive-date=2016-08-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Anchor Step]] is a common ending pattern of many West Coast Swing figures.<ref name="Contemporary Social Dance 1978. page 113">Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance. [[Skippy Blair]]. 1978. page 113. {{ISBN|0-932980-01-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sears|first=Harold F.|title=West Coast Swing Figure Patterns Two Count|url=http://rounddancing.net/dance/articles/westcoastfig1.html|website=rounddancing.net}}</ref>

Alternatively the basic patterns in West Coast Swing are defined as: Push Break (or Sugar Push); Left Side Pass; Right Side Pass; Tuck Turn; and Whip. Virtually all other moves in West Coast Swing are variations of these basic patterns.

It is believed that the origins of the WCS are in [[Savoy (ballroom)|Savoy]] style [[Lindy Hop|Lindy]], in a particular style that was popularized by dancer [[Dean Collins]] after he moved to [[California]] in [[1930]]s.

West Coast Swing has the leader using "body leads" versus the "arm leads" of [[East Coast Swing]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Online |first=West Coast Swing |date=2013-11-06 |title=Dancing within your frame (followers) |url=https://www.westcoastswingonline.com/dancing-within-your-frame-for-followers/ |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=West Coast Swing Online |language=en-US}}</ref>

Step sheets from ballroom studios reveal that this particular style was known under different names until it took on the name "West Coast Swing."

==History==

In 1988, West Coast Swing was pronounced the Official State Dance of California (see external links).

The origins of the West Coast Swing are in the [[Lindy Hop]].<ref>''How to Become a Good Dancer'' by [[Arthur Murray]] 1947 Simon and Schuster. revised edition. page 175.</ref> [[Western swing]], [[boogie woogie (music)|country boogie]], and, with a smaller audience, [[jump blues]] were popular on the West Coast throughout the 1940s and into the 1950s when they were renamed and marketed as [[rock and roll]] in 1954.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Dancers danced "a 'swingier' more smooth and subdued" form of [[jitterbug]] to Western swing music.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Brittin|first=Phil|url=https://archive.org/details/completebookofco00brit|title=The Complete Book of Country Swing & Western Dance, and a Bit About Cowboys|date=1981|publisher=Doubleday & Co.|isbn=978-0-385-17601-9|___location=Garden City, N.Y.|pages=44}}</ref>

== West Coast Swing vs. Lindy Hop ==

West Coast Swing is believed to have evolved from [[Lindy Hop]], though both have evolved since the fork. There is still a large amount of crossover between the two dances, and between the various styles.

Key differences of WCS are:

=== Slot ===

The follower moves back and forth along a shoulder width rectangle, called the slot, with respect to the leader. The leader is more stationary and also mostly stays in the slot. A general rule is that the leader leaves the slot only to give way for the follower to pass him.

Various reasons have been given for the slotted style. One reason is that when all followers dance in lines, club owners could pack many more dancers onto the floor. Another reason was that in Hollywood, film makers wanted dancers to stay in the same plane, to avoid going in and out of focus.

=== Music ===

WCS emphasizes [[Blues]] and [[Rock and Roll]] music, rather than Swing Jazz. [[#Funky WCS|Funky WCS]] accepts a broad spectrum of contemporary music. In practice, WCS may danced to almost any music in [[Time signature|4/4 time]].

=== Flexibility===

Where [[Lindy Hop]] basics are almost exclusively 8 beat patterns, WCS basics are not. Many moves are done in 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or more counts. As in [[Lindy Hop]], moves can be extended for as long as desired.

== Classic WCS ==

The style of WCS that matches the "classic" WCS music featured by [[swung eighth]]s. In this style the "split-beat" steps are typically counted as: "1 a2"; "3 a4"; "a3 4"; etc. Here "a" denotes the intermediate beat "swung" away from the strict middle position and splitting the beat approximately 2:1. For the comparison, the "a" in "1a2" of [[Samba]] rhythm splits the quarter note 3:1, i.e., it "splits off" a 1/16, so it is "straight" in the sense of binary note duration nomenclature.

== Funky WCS ==

A more contemporary style of WCS that matches [[popular music|American pop music]], which has square [[rhythm]]s. In this style the "split-beat" steps may well be counted in strict time: "1&2"; "3&4"; "&34"; etc., to match the music.

The [[#Classic WCS|Classic WCS]] elements of standard step patterns are modified or replaced. For example, the [[anchor step]]--the cornerstone of the classic WCS--is often replaced by [[hook step|hook]]-replace-side triple-step. The overall appearance is heavily influenced by [[funk]] and [[Hip Hop]] styles.

[[Dean Collins (dancer)|Dean Collins]], a lindy hop dancer who arrived in the [[Los Angeles]] area around 1937, was influential in developing the style of swing dance on the [[West Coast of the United States]] as both a performer and teacher.<ref>Dance Spirit. "The Dean of Swing". Kiku Loomis. June 2001. pages 82, 83.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swingdancecouncil.com/halloffame2.html#carey |title=Swing Dance Hall of Fame Dean Collins|access-date=2009-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722000314/http://www.swingdancecouncil.com/halloffame2.html#carey|archive-date=2011-07-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> Collins was humble about his contributions to the style. According to one of his former students, a member of his last dance troupe, Collins himself said that he had nothing to do with the West Coast Swing style.<ref>The Swing Book. Degen Pener. 1999. Hatchette Book Group. eBook Edition 2009.{{ISBN|978-0-316-07667-8}} note: eBook lacks page numbers. See West Coast Swing section.</ref>

== "True" WCS vs. ballroom WCS ==

Lessons in "The New West Coast Swing" were offered at the [[Arthur Murray Dance Studio]]s in [[San Bernardino]] and Riverside, California in December 1948.<ref>San Bernardino County Sun December 15, 1948 pg5</ref><ref>Riverside Daily Press Wed, Dec 15, 1948 ·Page 9</ref> By 1954 West Coast Swing was taught from Southern California to Vancouver B.C. and from Eastern Washington to Hawaii. By 1957 the dance had reached as far east as Missouri.<ref>The Amusement Scene; The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri); Sun, Feb 24, 1957; Page 66</ref>

Here lies an ironical controversy. It is argued that the WCS in its modern form was documented and elaborated by [[Arthur Murray]] Ballrooom Dance Studios (franchise). Afterwards it broke away to evolve on its own. A renewned interest in WCS encouraged [[ballroom studio]]s to include it in their curricula.

Laure' Haile,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-04-17 |title=Laure' Haile – a bit of history |url=https://www.dance-forums.com/threads/laure-haile-%E2%80%93-a-bit-of-history.43311/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Dance Forums |language=en-US}}</ref> an [[Arthur Murray Dance Studio]] National Dance Director, documented the unique style of swing dancing in Los Angeles in 1951 using the name "Western Swing" to describe it.<ref>Dance Teacher Now. November–December 1986 page 27.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lindy Hop History: 1945-1983|url=http://www.dynamics.org/MAUI_SWING/REVIEWS/FROM_WEB/history_b.htm|access-date=2021-06-01|website=www.dynamics.org}}</ref> Arthur Murray Dance Studios developed a syllabus for West Coast Swing from her notes. The Arthur Murray style taught Western Swing beginning from a closed position and the possibility of dancing single, double, or triple rhythm. After "Throwout" patterns began with the woman "walking in" and the man doing a "rock step", or step together for counts one and two.<ref>Dance NoteBook. Laure Haile. 195?. Bronze Level Western Swing.</ref> Although the dance remained basically the same, the Golden State Dance Teachers Association (GSDTA) began teaching from the walk steps, counts 1 and 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm|title=February 2009 – West Coast 101 at SwingWorld.com|access-date=2006-11-22|archive-date=2012-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907075654/http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> It replaced Laure Haile's [[Coaster Step]] with an "Anchor Step" around 1961.<ref name="Blair">{{cite book|last1=Blair|first1=Skippy|title=Dance Terminology Notebook 1995|date=1994|publisher=Alterra Pub. in cooperation with GSDTA|isbn=0-932980-11-2|edition=Rev.|___location=Downey, California|page=3–}}</ref>

Unfortunately the original technique and style of this swing dance is being levelled out by the "averaged" ballroom technique of mass consumption, as it happened with many other dances, such as [[Samba]], [[Cha Cha Cha]] and [[East Coast Swing]]. While abuse of [[cuban motion]] in "ballroom WCS," lack of understanding of [[swung eighth]]s, and dancing rehearsed patterns strung one after another without paying much attention to musical phrasing are among frequent complaints of "true" WCS dancers, the main bone of contention is the Coaster Step.

"West Coast Swing" as a synonym for "Western swing" appears in a 1961 dance book.<ref>Social Dance. Yerrington, Outland. 1961. page 34. no ISBN or Library of Congress number</ref> The name was used in an advertisement by ballroom dancer [[Skippy Blair]] circa 1958–1962.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usaswingnet.com/2004_POTY.htm|title=USA Swing Net|website=USA Swing Net }}</ref><ref name="Watson">{{cite web|last1=Watson|first1=Sonny|title=Skippy Blair at Dancer Archive |url=http://www.streetswing.com/histmai2/d2skippy.htm|website=Street Swing|access-date=27 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>In her ''Dance Terminology Notebook''. Skippy Blair. Altera. page 79. {{ISBN|0-932980-11-2}}. Blair writes, "The news advertised 'West Coast Swing' (1958).</ref> However, the term wasn't incorporated into mainstream swing circles until the late 1960s.<ref name="swingworld.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm |title=WCS |access-date=2006-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201061619/http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm |archive-date=2006-12-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Blair preferred the name "West Coast Swing" because of the ambiguous meaning of "Western" (in dance, usually referring to [[Country–western dance|country and western]]), as distinguished from "West Coast," referring to California, where the style was actually developed.<ref name="Blair" /> Blair credits Jim Bannister, editor of the ''Herald American'' newspaper in Downey, California, for suggesting the name West Coast Swing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm|title=SwingDanceWorld February 2009 - West Coast 101|access-date=2006-11-22|archive-date=2012-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907075654/http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Coaster Step was originally a styling variation for followers, practiced by an influential dancer at the Long Beach [[Arthur Murray]] studio, and from there was institutionalized in the official syllabus. However, this was done through a considerable simplification. While the original variation involved angling the body, thereby maintaining the connection with the leader, the current coaster step is done inline with the follower doing back-together-forward at the end of every pattern. This causes the follower to come forward, regardless any indication of the leader to do so. This violates the notion of "true" WCS that the follower's motion is completely led. It makes it impossible for a leader to extend a pattern two a few counts if the music so dictates. True WCS leaders loath dancing with followers who do coaster steps.

While teenagers preferred to dance freestyle through a constantly changing succession of discotheque social [[fad dance|dance fads]] during the 1960s, adults kept swing alive.<ref>Social Dance. John G. Youmans. Goodyear Publishing Company, Inc. 1969. page 25. Library of Congress Number 69-17984</ref> In the mid-1970s, the advent of [[disco]] music revitalized partner dancing. In California, West Coast Swing was one of the popular dances of the era.<ref>Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance. Skippy Blair. 1978. pages 113-119 {{ISBN|0-932980-01-5}}</ref> By 1978, "California Swing" had developed as a variation of West Coast Swing, with styling that Blair wrote was "considered more UP, with a more Contemporary flavor."<ref>Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance" Skippy Blair 1978 page 176 {{ISBN|0-932980-01-5}}</ref> By 1978 GSDTA had "some 200 or more patterns and variations" for West Coast Swing."<ref>Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance" Skippy Blair. 1978. page 118. {{ISBN|0-932980-00-7}}</ref>

== Beginning dancers ==

In 1988, West Coast Swing was pronounced the [[List of U.S. state dances|Official State Dance]] of California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.streetswing.com/statednc.htm|title=West Coast Swing Official State Dance of California|first=Sonny|last=Watson|website=www.streetswing.com}}</ref>

Beginning dancers generally focus on simple moves, as they gain understanding of the dance. There are plenty of beginning WCS lessons available in any city. Often there are lessons before dances, but it would benefit a prospective student to take longer classes (5-10 weeks) and try different teachers, to find what they like.

When Disco fell out of favor, West Coast Swing was one of the dances done in country western bars in Los Angeles.<ref>Country-Western Dance within the Context of Popular Culture in the Los Angeles Area by Dvorah Heifetz Master of Arts in Dance University of California, Los Angeles, 1982 pages 9, 96</ref> and an instructional booklet for the dance was advertised with a heading of "Cowboy Dancing!".<ref>New West magazine July 28, 1980 page 93</ref>

Typical beginners must concentrate much on being where the are supposed to be--including their feet or hands. Unfortunately, many teachers neglect to teach their students the importance of leading and following.

By the 1990s country western dancers were dancing West Coast Swing to contemporary country western songs.<ref>West Coast Swing for C/W Dancers; Gellett, K, 1992 Hutchinson 1988 Swing Dancer Manual page 1.7-2</ref>

== Slot ==

The next step, ironically, is to re-learn all that you know. Moves are to be led and followed, which is typically not what a beginner is doing. Once one is comfortable dancing the [[#Moves|basic patterns]], it may time to learn to lead/follow them. This is the time when most people want to learn more complicated moves, and often put off learning to lead/follow in order to do that. At some point it will become clear that all moves are just recombinations of the fundamentals.

[[File:Hollywood Ballroom Friday West Coast Swing night in December 2023 video.webm|thumb|West Coast Swing dancing in Maryland in December 2023]]

West Coast Swing is a [[slotted dance]], which means that the steps of the dance are confined to an imaginary "slot" on the dance floor. For West Coast Swing, the slot is a long, thin, rectangular area whose length depends on the tempo of the music – it can be eight or nine feet long for slower songs, but will be shorter for faster music. The follower travels back and forth in the slot, while the leader moves only minimally. When the follower reaches the leader, the leader moves a minimal amount (at mid-way point) to the side, barely out of the follower's way. The follower in turn lightly brushes against the leader each time they pass.<ref>Swing Dance Encyclopedia. Thomas L. Nelson. 2008. second edition. Authorhouse. page 6.168. {{ISBN|978-1-4343-5960-5}}</ref>

The use of the "dance slot" for energetic and improvisational dances like the West Coast Swing allows for dancers to dance on a crowded dance floor without colliding with other couples; remaining within one's slot is considered proper etiquette.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wcs-dancer.com/SkippyBlairDanceDictionary.html|title=West Coast Swing Dancer|website=www.wcs-dancer.com|access-date=2011-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006080012/http://www.wcs-dancer.com/SkippyBlairDanceDictionary.html|archive-date=2011-10-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> Couples usually establish their own slot parallel with dancers who have already established a space on the dance floor.<ref name="Swing Dance Encyclopedia 2008. page 6">Swing Dance Encyclopedia. Thomas L. Nelson. 2008. second edition. Authorhouse. page 6.218. {{ISBN|978-1-4343-5960-5}}</ref> If the dance floor is not crowded and the couple is afforded more space, such as during a competitive event, the dancers may move the slot around the floor more liberally.

=== Moves ===

There are [[urban myths]] regarding the origin of the slotted style. According to one version, it was an invention of Hollywood film makers who wanted "dancers to stay in the same plane, to avoid going in and out of focus".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outtodance.com/swing-lindy-dance.html|title=Swing Dance Lessons|website=www.outtodance.com|access-date=2007-04-21|archive-date=2019-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803152107/http://www.outtodance.com/swing-lindy-dance.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="streetswing1">{{cite web|url=http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3wcs1.htm|title=West Coast Swing Dance Dance Evolution – Origin – Clips – History| first=Sonny|last=Watson| website=Street Swing}}</ref>

Ten Basic moves that any WCS dancer should know are:

* Starter Step: Two triple steps in closed position to begin the dance, so that the leader and follower can get in sync with each other.

* Throw Out: A six count basic where the follower is led from the [[closed position]] to open.

* Sugar Push: A six count basic where the follower, facing the leader, is led from the end of the slot to a two hand hold, then led back to the same end of the slot.

* Right Side Pass: A six count basic where the follower is led to the other end of the slot, the couple passing the on their right.

* Underarm Pass: A six count basic where the follower is led to the other end of the slot, passing the leader underarm on the right.

* Left Side Pass: A six count basic where the follower is led past the leader to the other end of the slot, passing the leader on the left.

* Return to Close: In six counts, the follower is led 3/4 of the way around the leader into closed position.

* Tuck Turn: This is like a throw out in 6 counts, but the follower is blocked and led to turn under her arm (an [[inside turn]]).

* Whip: This 8 count basic resembles [[Lindy Hop]]. The follower starts at one end of the slot and is led around the lead, to the same end of the slot she started.

== Associated musical styles ==

With these ten moves, anyone can do a lot.

West Coast Swing can be traced to the [[swing era]] of jazz. During this period many jazz, blues, and country musicians incorporated swing in their music. Writing in the ''Arthur Murray Silver Dance Notebook'', Laure Haile, who first described "Western Swing", listed the following songs as "Good Swing or Fox Trot Records":<ref>Arthur Murray Silver Dance Notebook, Laure Haile, 195?, page 10. no ISBN or copyright in one line database [http://www.copyright.gov/records/ copyright database]</ref>

* "Let's Dance" by [[Ray Anthony]] ((Capitol L-258)(1951)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bsnpubs.com/capitol/02capitol150-299.html|title=Capitol Album Discography, Part 2: 10" LPs 150 to 299|website=www.bsnpubs.com}}</ref>)

=== Style ===

* "Be-Bop's Spoken Here" by [[Les Brown (bandleader)|Les Brown]] Columbia 38499 (4/14/49)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://78discography.com/COL38000.htm|title=COLUMBIA 78rpm numerical listing discography: 38000 - 38500| website=78discography.com}}</ref>

* "[[One Mint Julep]]", [[Buddy Morrow]], Victor 20-4869 (June/July 1952)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://78discography.com/RCA204500.htm|title=RCA Victor 20-prefix series: 4500 - 5000, 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com}}</ref>

* "Dry Bones", [[Tommy Dorsey]], Victor 20-3523 (1949?)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://78discography.com/RCA203500.htm|title=RCA Victor 20-3500 - 4000 78rpm numerical listing discography|website=78discography.com}}</ref>

Western Swing was documented in the 1971 edition of the ''Encyclopedia of Social Dance'', listing the "Coaster Step" (with a forward step as the last step of the second triple) rather than the Anchor Step. The one song that was listed for this dance was "Comin' On" by [[Bill Black]]'s Combo (1964 Hi #2072).<ref name="Social Dance 1975. pages 140–145">Encyclopedia of Social Dance. Albert and Josephine Butler. 1971 & 1975. Albert Butler Ballroom Dance Service. New York, NY. pages 140-145 in 1971 edition. no ISBN or other ID</ref>

West Coast Swing can be danced to almost any music written in {{music|time|4|4}} time. In the past, the ideal speed for West Coast Swing was cited as 32 measures per minute or 128 bpm,<ref name="Swing Dance Encyclopedia 2008. page 6" /> compared to the recommended 112 bpm for [[Western swing|Western Swing]].<ref>''Encyclopedia of Social Dance''. Albert and Josephine Butler. 1971 & 1975. Albert Butler Ballroom Dance Service. New York, NY. page 140 (1971). no ISBN or other ID</ref> In its 2014–2016 rules, the [[United Country Western Dance Council]] (UCWDC) specified a range of 102–114 bpm with a preferred speed of 108 bpm "for all."<ref>UCWDC Rules page 10</ref> West Coast Swing dancers have adopted music genres such as hip hop and blues, both of which often range well below 100 bpm.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Beginning dancers focus on squaring up their bodies with their partners and staying with the music.

==Basic guidelines==

== Advanced dancers ==

West Coast Swing is an evolving social dance that has gone through many changes throughout its short history, over time incorporating techniques from numerous dance styles. However, there are many guidelines that should be followed to maintain the true character of the dance. A dance's character is typically defined by a basic philosophy, principles of movement, and traditional steps and figures.<ref>Latin: Thinking, Sensing, Doing in Latin American Dancing. Ruud Vermey. Kastell Verlag (January 1, 1994). 192 pages. {{ISBN|3924592446}}</ref> While these guidelines can be violated, by committing too many violations one risks departing from the defining features of the dance.

Modern West Coast Swing is in large part defined by an emphasis on musicality and connection.<ref>Dance Jam Productions MAD JAM 2009 VIDEO NOTEBOOK DVD: Workshop by Bill Cameron</ref> Movement is based on a principle borrowed from ballroom and Latin dance in which the dancer moves their center of gravity immediately over the foot when a weight transfer is desired. Traditional figures include 6-count and 8-count patterns of one of the four basic varieties: (1) Starter Step, (2) Side Pass, (3) Push Break / Sugar Push, (4) Whip. Many common West Coast Swing figures are derived from simple variations of these basic figures.<ref>Dance Jam Productions MAD JAM 2009 VIDEO NOTEBOOK DVD: Workshop by Chris Hussy and Katrina Branson</ref> West Coast Swing is also a fundamentally improvised dance, and thus such defined figures are simply starting points for the skilled dancer. Additionally, West Coast Swing can be said to rely on the leader creating and redirecting the momentum of the follower in order to communicate how they wish to lead the dance.<ref>Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance. Skippy Blair. 1978. pages 113, 114. {{ISBN|0-932980-01-5}}</ref> The follower's step is different from the leader's; partners do not mirror each other.<ref>Social dance : from Dance a while / Jane A. Harris, Anne M. Pittman, Marlys S. Waller. 1998 Allyn & Bacon. page 44. {{ISBN|0-205-27477-3}}</ref>

Advanced dancers may be allowed to break the rules and won't remember what patterns they've just done.

Dancing to different types of music gives a different feel and look.<ref name="streetswing1" /> In writing about West Coast Swing, Skippy Blair said, "The only problem that exists in swing is when someone decides there is only one way to dance it. There is never only one way to do anything."<ref name="Contemporary Social Dance 1978. page 113" /> In 1994 Blair noted that the posture for men had trended to be more upright than in previous years.<ref>Dance Terminology Notebook. Skippy Blair. 1994. Altera. page 6. {{ISBN|0-932980-11-2}}.</ref>

=== Other moves ===

A 1998 summary of trends in West Coast Swing distinguished the traditional or classic style from modern variations as follows:<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hutchinson|first=Craig R.|title=Swing Dancer: a Swing Dancer's Manual (Version 1.7)|date=1998|publisher=Potomac Swing Dance Club|isbn=0-9620617-0-0|edition=|___location=Alexandria, VA|pages=3.5.1–2|oclc=21616706}}</ref>

West Coast has many colorful moves:

* ''Traditional/Classic:'' minimal extension of the free arm, the leader moves off and on the center of the track for most moves

* Sugar Tuck: Like a sugar push, but ends with a 2 count underarm turn

* ''Modern'': the free arm may be extended for style, emphasis on large number of spins and other flourishes

* Cement Mixer:

* Basket Whip:

* Man around the Woman:

* Woman around the Man:

* Reverse Whip:

* Reverse Close:

* [[Swivel Walks]]

* [[Chicken Walks (dance move)|Chicken Walks]]

* [[Tennis Elbow]]

* Octopus:

===Basic Style figures===

The following are some examples of basic West Coast Swing patterns. Most are performed with the same "step step tri-ple-step tri-ple-step" pattern equalling eight steps in six beats of music. The term "count" is used as a synonym for a "beat", usually a quarter note, of music.

*'''Underarm pass''': Also called the right-side pass. A six-count basic where the follower is led to the other end of the slot, passing on the leader's right (right side pass), typically under the leader's arm (underarm pass).

* '''Left-side pass''': A six-count basic where the follower is led to the other end of the slot, passing on the leader's left.

* '''Tuck pass''': Similar to a left side pass in six counts, except that the leader creates a "tuck" action on the second count by turning the follower towards themselves and then reversing their direction back toward the slot on the fourth count. Then the follower turns under the leader's left arm – either a half turn or a turn and a half – on the final two counts.

* '''Sugar push''': Also called the "push break" or "six-count basic".<ref>Picture Yourself Dancing. Shawn and Joanna Trautman. Thomson Course Technology PTR. 2006. page 232. {{ISBN|1-59863-246-9}}</ref> In this six-count move, the follower, facing the leader, is led from the end of the slot to a one- or two-hand hold, then led back to the same end of the slot. The deceptively simple pattern requires "compression" or "resistance" with firm but flexible arms, and no excessive pushing or pulling . While the arms remain firm but flexible, there should be no excessive pushing or pulling in the arms but in the body.<ref>Skippy Blair on Contemporary Social Dance" Skippy Blair 1978 page 116 {{ISBN|0-932980-01-5}}</ref> The Sugar Push has been around since 1952.<ref>Skippy Blair at http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907075654/http://www.swingworld.com/wcs.htm |date=2012-09-07 }} rtvd 6.12.2011</ref>

* '''Whip''': An eight-count basic with many variations. In a basic whip, the follower is led past the leader and then redirected (or "whipped") back towards the end of slot from which they started. The basic footwork for a whip extends the six-count pattern by inserting a pair of walking steps between the triple steps. The footwork is therefore "step step tri-ple-step step step tri-ple-step." The whip is an evolution of the Lindy Hop basic, but with a smoother and more grounded west coast swing interpretation.

== Global spread ==

Advanced dancers [[Syncopation|syncopate]] their [[footwork]] to match the music and turn their bodies to interesting angles to flow more gracefully.

[[File:West Coast Swing dance in Somerville, Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|A West Coast Swing dance in [[Somerville, Massachusetts]], in 2022]]

West Coast Swing is danced all over the world. It is most popular in the United States, and has spread across the country since its inception.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.worldsdc.com/event-list/ | title=Event List – World Swing Dance Council }}</ref>

Internationally, West Coast Swing is popular in France,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westiebabies.com|title=Westie Babies, the french site for West Coast Swing|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.west-coast-swing.fr/|title=West Coast Swing - West Coast Swing, dansez, vivez, partagez !|website=West Coast Swing}}</ref> Russia,<ref>Westie Fest http://westiefest.org/en/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607130243/http://westiefest.org/en/ |date=2013-06-07 }} 14.10.2012</ref> Germany,<ref>Tanzschule Gutmann West Coast Swing http://www.westcoastswing.de/</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tanzschuledresen.de/dDorf/kurse/westcoast/index.html|title=Tanzschule Dresen|website=www.tanzschuledresen.de|access-date=2016-02-18|archive-date=2018-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324224519/http://www.tanzschuledresen.de/dDorf/kurse/westcoast/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://westcoastswing-munich.com/|title=West Coast Swing Munich|website=westcoastswing-munich.com}}</ref> Switzerland,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.westcoastswingswitzerland.ch/|title=West Coast Swing Switzerland|website=www.westcoastswingswitzerland.ch}}</ref> Israel,<ref>Swing Dancing in Israel http://www.swinginisrael.com/Home.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226164938/http://www.swinginisrael.com/Home.html |date=2017-02-26 }} 14.10.2012</ref> Iceland,<ref>West Coast Swing Iceland http://www.westcoastswing.is {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907060642/http://www.westcoastswing.is/ |date=2012-09-07 }} 14.10.2012</ref> New Zealand,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Street Swing - West Coast Swing Auckland |url=https://www.streetswing.co.nz/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Street Swing |language=en}}</ref><ref>Code 03 Swing Christchurch NZ https://www.code03swing.com/</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Swing Central - West Coast Swing Wellington |url=https://swingcentral.nz/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=swingcentral.nz}}</ref> Australia,<ref>West Coast Swing Australia http://www.rawconnection.com.au</ref><ref>West Coast Swing Perth http://www.danceamanda.com</ref><ref>West Coast Swing Sydney Australia http://www.shanekeridance.com.au 10.11.2019</ref> Austria,<ref>West Coast Swing Styria http://www.wcsstyria.at</ref><ref>West Coast Swing Austria http://www.wcsaustria.com</ref><ref>Swingvester https://www.swingvester.com/</ref> Poland,<ref>Warszawa - Sezon na Westa https://www.sezonnawesta.pl/</ref><ref>Warszawa - Warsaw Swing https://warsawswing.pl/</ref><ref>Warszawa - Warsaw Salsa Club https://www.warsawsalsaclub.pl/west-coast-swing</ref><ref>Kraków - Skalski Dance https://www.skalskidance.pl/oferta/west-coast-swing</ref><ref>Kraków - U2 Dance https://www.u2dance.pl/west-coast-swing/</ref><ref>Gdańsk - Wayne & Aggi Swing https://wayne-aggi-swing.com/west-coast-swing-gdansk/</ref><ref>Gdańsk - So Salsa https://sosalsa.pl/west-coast-swing,190,pl</ref><ref>Poznań https://west-coast-swing-poznan.pl/</ref> Singapore,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiawcsopen.com/|title=Asia West Coast Swing Open|website=Asia West Coast Swing Open}}</ref> Hungary,<ref>News site for West Coast Swing in Hungary http://wcshirek.hu/</ref><ref>Budafest http://wcs-budafest.com/ 14.10.2012</ref><ref>Hungarian Open http://wcs-ho.com/</ref> Romania,<ref>Citadel Swing http://citadelswing.ro {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914191123/http://www.citadelswing.ro/ |date=2016-09-14 }}</ref> Latvia, Spain,<ref>Arousa Westie Fest https://arousawestiefest.com/</ref><ref>BeeMad https://beemadwcs.com/</ref> Sweden, Norway, Netherlands,<ref name="nether">{{cite web |title=West Coast Swing The Netherlands {{!}} Dutch Westie on Tour |url=https://www.westcoastswingthenetherlands.com/ |website=westcoastswingthenetherlands.com |access-date=19 February 2019 |language=nl}}</ref> Finland, Belarus, Panama City,<ref>West Coast Swing Panama City</ref> and the United Kingdom.<ref>Easton Swing. http://www.eastonswing.com</ref><ref>West Coast Swing UK http://www.westcoastswing.co.uk 14.10.2012</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=West Coast Swing London |url=https://wcs.london/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=West Coast Swing London |language=en}}</ref>

Footwork variations include [[kick ball change]]s and [[flea hop]]s (all others are disallowed).

==See References also==

* [[Colin Campbell and his Highland Band]]

* [[East Coast Swing]]

* [[Lindy Hop]]

==References==

See also:

{{Reflist|30em}}

[[dancing]]: [[Swing Out]], [[Swing Dance]], [[Lindy Hop]], [[Ballroom Dance]];

[[music]]: [[popular music]], [[pop music]], [[contemporary music]];

== External links ==

{{commons category|West Coast Swing}}

[http://www.ss.ca.gov/executive/ca_roster/2003/roster03_sec11_miscellany.pdf California Roster];

*[http://www.streetswingswingdancecouncil.com/statednc.htm OfficialWorld StateSwing Dance ofCouncil official Californiawebsite];

[http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3wcs1.htm Sonny Watson dance history archives: West Coast Swing];

[[Category:West Coast Swing| ]]

[[Category:Symbols of California]]

[[Category:Social dance]]

[[Category:Partner dance]]

[[Category:Competitive dance]]