Basics

What is LA Style WCS?

We use this name for West Coast Swing as it is taught and performed in California, the birthplace of WCS. Many dancers have remarked about the smoothness and flow that is inherent in the dance style. The style is rooted in the idea of "rolling Count" and seamless dancing where one pattern flows right into the next.

In this class, Bruce and Beth go over basic concepts in WCS and how to work with your basic to produce a flowing, fun dance!

The focus at the start of this series is to impart as much of the techniques that are universal to dancing and particular to WCS to the students. Although a little tougher for the student at the beginning, understanding body positions and using your center to move is going to benefit you more in the long run than just showing you steps. Instead of programming you, we want you to feel your dance develop and ultimately develop further and faster by learning through technique.

This class is taught over a 12 week period. It is broken into 4 parts or "modules" to further your dancing by focus on particular topics grouped together.

The first 3 weeks will be spent on fundamental techniques and passes.

The second module develops your understanding of starting the dance and rotational movements.

The third module discusses compression between partners and how to use this important part of the dance properly.

The last module focuses on 8 count patterns known as Whips. Whips are lead intensive and have a centrifugal factor that when used correctly, makes the dance even more fun and exciting.

The beginner series incorporates the 22 fundamental patterns identified by the Golden State Dance Teachers Association as the essentials to West Coast Swing development.

For our class schedules, please click here.

Building On Basics

Wondered whether you are ready for an Intermediate class? Not sure where to go after a round of basic lessons? We have built the bridge between those levels.

In order to qualify to begin training in the new class, titled "Building Your Basics," we will require demonstration of your ability to execute the basics as described in our "LA Style WCS Basics" class. In demonstrating these foundational patterns, you will show that you will be able to handle the more advanced material.

This class will introduce the students to the paths that change your dance from simple basics to the more complex. The primary focus will be on the introduction of variations of the basic patterns. We will also touch on extensions and syncopations, major processes that take your basics and make them more interesting. We will also spend some time on musicality. In all of the material, the central theme will be introducing the concept and giving simple examples in various patterns that will allow you to generate variety in your dancing. The goal will be to build your confidence and "toolbox" in dance. This will allow each student to move on to even higher level concepts in their pursuit of mastery in West Coast Swing.

We will take a few moments before each class to allow each student that wants to transition to demonstrate their grasp of the basics to receive approval to move to this class. Please understand that we do not want to block students from moving up, but must be sure you are prepared to advance to this next level and will not hold back the rest of the class due to a lack of proper preparation.

If you do not qualify for this class, We will gladly discuss with you the things we feel will need to be addressed to allow you to accomplish the transition at a later time.

We require a thorough understanding of the 22 fundamental patterns as identified by the GSDTA (Golden State Dance Teachers Association) and taught by us in our beginner series before joining this class. Please arrive early for the class if you have not been observed by the instructors and cleared for the transition.

For our class schedules, please click here.

Intermediate

You've got a good grasp of fundamentals. You've been taught about variations, syncopations and extensions. Now...How Do You Use Them?

Our intermediate class series is focused on extending your knowledge from the fundamentals and variations to adjust them to fit the music you are dancing to. Join us and explore different ideas and ways to change your dance, to enhance your style and your ability to inject your personality into your dancing. We recommend a thorough understanding of the 22 fundamental patterns as identified by the GSDTA (Golden State Dance Teachers Association) and taught by us in our beginner series before joining this class.

We also recommend joining our "Building On Your Basics" Class Series to get comfortable with advanced basic techniques before tackling the material in this class.

For our class schedules, please click here.

The Recipe Class

We take a basic pattern as defined by the GSDTA (Golden State Dance Teachers Association).

We check it for freshness and accuracy for both lead and follow. This part of the class allows a new student to get a taste of the dance.

Now, take that basic idea and make some changes to create some zest and spice in your dance. Changes can come in three major flavors; Variations, Syncopations and Extensions. Any one of the three is a possibility in this fun and informative class on how to make your dance new and different without triple somersaults and handstands!

Spicing up the basic may take several changes through the class to allow beginners through intermediate level dancers to profit from the hour class.

Funny chef hats and aprons are entirely optional...

For our class schedules, please click here.

Nightclub Slow Dance

Due to a large number of requests, Beth and Bruce have added Nightclub Slow Dance to our class schedule!

Nightclub Slow Dance is a variation of Nightclub 2 Step. Country dancing made some changes to this dance style and we give you the info you need to begin dancing this slower, fun dance. Many ballads from both the pop charts and the country music mix can be used to dance this style. We show you the basics and some variations to create a foundation for you to get up and enjoy the slow music with someone special or just someone you enjoy dancing with. We also include a DVD recap disc for those students who take the entire 5 weeks series for this basic module!

For our class schedules, please click here.