What is West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing (WCS) 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 used to be called ‘Western Swing’ or ‘Sophisticated Swing’. The popularity of this dance is increasing steadily in the Netherlands.

 

Music

West Coast Swing can be danced to different styles of music e.g. pop, R&B, Dance, soul en blues. Because of this diversity in music a WCS social never gets boring!

Known WCS dancers

Here are names of a few great West Coast Swing dancers from Europe:

  • Maxence Martin & Virginie Grondin
  • Maxime & Torri Zzaoui
  • Olivier & Virginie Massart

Some of the biggest names in West Coast Swing are from the US:

  • Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollman
  • Benji Schwimmer
  • Kyle Redd & Sara vann Drake
  • Ben Morris & Victoria Henk

 

 

West Coast Swing in Nijmegen at Salsa Tipica

Courses

The popularity of WCS have increased over the last few years in Europe. Manoah & Femke started dancing WCS in 2012. Since 2013 Salsa Tipica offers West Coast Swing classes. We offer West Coast Swing classes in different levels at Salsa Tipica.

A course consists of 10 weekly one hour classes. We offer three courses per year starting in January, April and September. We also offer a crash course for beginners in the month of August. Take a look at our class schedule to find the current dates and times of our WCS classes.


WCS impro & show van Manoah en Femke:

 

Dutch Open WCS

Salsa Tipica is also promoter of the event Dutch Open West Coast Swing in Nijmegen.

This yearly 4 day event hosts top West Coast Swing teachers from different countries. People can follow different leveled workshops during this event. Jack & Jill competitions are also being held. And every night there is a party. In other words, if you are a West Coast Swing dancer you cannot miss this event!

You can choose between different options: a party pass, full pass or an all-in package including overnight stays and meals at the event hotel.

For dates, schedule, registration and other info please go to www.dutchopenwcs.com.

Dutch Open WCS