What is West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a 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 put a premium on improvisation.

West Coast Swing High-Low (Female high/Male low) dance competition at the FreZno Dance Classic in Fresno, CA.

West Coast Swing Strictly Swing dance competition at Monterey Swingfest in Monterey, CA.

NOT West Coast Swing:

Video credit: flynace99

NOT West Coast Swing:

Video credit: SwingStepTV

YES! West Coast Swing:

Video credit: TropiKen

The first two video examples above are East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. While those dances are two types of “swing” dancing and are a lot of fun for sure, they are not West Coast Swing. The West Coast Swing Dance Company teaches and promotes classes and holds social dance parties in West Coast Swing.