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NYC West Coast Swing

West Coast Swing is a modern swing dance style spreading rapidly around the world. This improvisational partner dance offers freedom of expression for leaders and followers alike. Its adaptability extends to various musical genres, including R&B, pop, jazz, and hip hop.

Our West Coast Swing classes and events provide a friendly and welcoming environment. Join us on the dance floor to explore this dance!

Claim Intro Offer

Get 50% savings on a private lesson and two classes or socials!

Beginner Classes

Wed, May 14

Intro to West Coast Swing

Every Wednesday

8:30 PM - 9 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 1

Learn the basic WCS movements with Jes Ann before the House of West social. No partner or experience needed.

with Galen Chen • Level 1

The 101 class covers the basic patterns and requires no prior knowledge of WCS!

Wed, May 21

Intro to West Coast Swing

Every Wednesday

8:30 PM - 9 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 1

Learn the basic WCS movements with Jes Ann before the House of West social. No partner or experience needed.

with Galen Chen • Level 1

The 101 class covers the basic patterns and requires no prior knowledge of WCS!

Wed, May 28

Intro to West Coast Swing

Every Wednesday

8:30 PM - 9 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 1

Learn the basic WCS movements with Jes Ann before the House of West social. No partner or experience needed.

Fri, May 30

Flow Fridays + Intro to West Coast Swing!

Select Fridays

8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

with NYC Swings • Level 1

A fun and friendly intro to West Coast Swing class before the Flow Fridays social party!

Workshops

Sat, Jun 7 • 5 PM

West Coast Swing Performance and Competition Prep

NYC

Fri, May 30 • 9 PM

Inspirational ARTists Series at Flow Fridays

NYC

Beyond Beginner Classes

Wed, May 14

West Coast Swing (Level 3)

Every Wednesday

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 3

Learn musicality and advanced concepts of West Coast Swing.

Wed, May 14

West Coast Swing (Level 2)

Every Wednesday

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 2

Learn the basic eight-count patterns, advanced variations, footwork, and technique.

with Galen Chen • Level 2

Learn technique to smoothly add variations to the basic patterns, and how to get more creative with the music.

Fri, May 16

Swingiversity: Open Practice

Every Friday

8:30 PM - 10 PM

with Galen Chen • All-Levels

The focus of Swingiversity is to provide you a growth path in your WCS journey to be able to create and enjoy all of your dances, regardless of skill level.

with Joe Miller • All-Levels

A level-adaptive class focused on developing dance concepts within the basic figures of WCS.

Sun, May 18

Transitions & Toolkits

Every Sunday

4 PM - 5 PM

with Joe Miller • Level 2+

Master the art of linking patterns, and transitions with the goal of creating musical moments with your partner.

Wed, May 21

West Coast Swing (Level 3)

Every Wednesday

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 3

Learn musicality and advanced concepts of West Coast Swing.

Wed, May 21

West Coast Swing (Level 2)

Every Wednesday

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 2

Learn the basic eight-count patterns, advanced variations, footwork, and technique.

with Galen Chen • Level 2

Learn technique to smoothly add variations to the basic patterns, and how to get more creative with the music.

Fri, May 23

Swingiversity: Open Practice

Every Friday

8:30 PM - 10 PM

with Galen Chen • All-Levels

The focus of Swingiversity is to provide you a growth path in your WCS journey to be able to create and enjoy all of your dances, regardless of skill level.

with Joe Miller • All-Levels

A level-adaptive class focused on developing dance concepts within the basic figures of WCS.

Sun, May 25

Transitions & Toolkits

Every Sunday

4 PM - 5 PM

with Joe Miller • Level 2+

Master the art of linking patterns, and transitions with the goal of creating musical moments with your partner.

Wed, May 28

West Coast Swing (Level 3)

Every Wednesday

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 3

Learn musicality and advanced concepts of West Coast Swing.

Wed, May 28

West Coast Swing (Level 2)

Every Wednesday

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

with Jes Ann Nail • Level 2

Learn the basic eight-count patterns, advanced variations, footwork, and technique.

Fri, May 30

Swingiversity > Flow Fridays

Every Friday

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

with Galen Chen • Level 2

with Joe Miller • All-Levels

A level-adaptive class focused on developing dance concepts within the basic figures of WCS.

Sun, Jun 1

Transitions & Toolkits

Every Sunday

4 PM - 5 PM

with Joe Miller • Level 2+

Master the art of linking patterns, and transitions with the goal of creating musical moments with your partner.

Socials

Sun, Jun 8 • 5 PM

Soul Sunday

NYC

Fri, May 30 • 8:30 PM

Flow Fridays

NYC

Wed, May 14 • 9 PM

House of West

NYC

Instructors

NYC West Coast Swing

Get 50% Savings On Our Intro Package

Try a private lesson and two socials or classes, a $200 value, for just $99! Good for individuals or couples. New clients only.

Questions? Contact us or call +1-212-500-1064

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Questions about West Coast Swing

What is the difference between swing dancing and West Coast Swing?

1 Answer

Swing dancing refers to a family of styles dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. West Coast Swing is a modern member of this family, developed over decades by incorporating elements from styles like Lindy Hop, Dallas Push, Houston Whip and Carolina Shag. Rather than being separate, West Coast Swing is part of the broader swing dance tradition.

Danznik Studios

Oct 13, 2024

What are the basics of West Coast Swing?

1 Answer

West Coast Swing's basics are pushes, passes and whips. In beginner classes, you'll focus on the sugar push and two pass variations: left-side pass and right-side pass (also called underarm turn). As it's an improvisational dance, connecting with your partner through stretch and compression is equally important.

Danznik Studios

Oct 13, 2024

What defines West Coast Swing?

1 Answer

West Coast Swing is defined by its versatility across musical genres—from hip hop and blues to swing and pop. Characterized by an elastic quality, it allows for highly improvisational interaction between leader and follower. A significant social dance culture underscores its emphasis on connection and community.

Danznik Studios

Oct 13, 2024

Is West Coast Swing hard to learn?

1 Answer

West Coast Swing can be a bit challenging due to its improvisational nature, the combination of 6-count and 8-count patterns, and its adaptability to various musical genres. Often called a "dancer's dance," it may seem daunting. However, beginners shouldn't be deterred; a clear progression of figures makes getting started approachable.

Danznik Studios

Oct 14, 2024

What is the difference between Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing?

1 Answer

Both Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing are swing dances with global communities. Lindy Hop originated in the African-American community of 1930s Harlem, danced to jazz and blues. West Coast Swing evolved over decades, resurging in the '80s and '90s, adapting to modern music genres at slower tempos.

Danznik Studios

Oct 14, 2024

Is West Coast Swing 6 or 8?

1 Answer

West Coast Swing utilizes both 6-count and 8-count patterns, all danced to music in 4/4 time signature. The 6-count patterns consist of basic passes and pushes, whereas 8-count patterns include moves like the whip. This variety allows the dance significant flexibility and room for improvisation.

Danznik Studios

Oct 13, 2024

What is the difference between East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing?

1 Answer

West Coast Swing is a modern evolution of swing dance, tracing its roots to Lindy Hop and incorporating elements from various regional styles. East Coast Swing was developed in ballroom dance studios to simplify Lindy Hop moves for beginners. Despite their names, the two styles have distinct techniques and are not directly comparable.

Danznik Studios

Oct 14, 2024