West Coast Swing: Starter Kit

This is a Beginner WCS video which introduces the fundamental techniques and the 6 basic patterns you need to kick start to your WCS. This is the ideal video for the new dancer, or an experienced dancer trying WCS for the first time. Think of it is the “prequel” to the “7 Habits of Highly Effective Swing Dancers” video. We created this video for all the keen new dancers we meet in Vancouver and all over the country that love our teaching style but don’t have regular access.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Swing Dancers (2009 Edition)

We revised this video to reflect the constatnly evolving techniques and styles of WCS. It is designed to augment your existing knowledge of Swing, regardless of your level or experience. Each habit was chosen as a key element in the most current and coveted WCS styles. 1 double length disc.

Check out the new roster of Habits!

Habit #1 Footwork: Rolling, Walking and Sliding
Habit #2 Elasticity & Momentum: Stretch, Spring, Slingshot
Habit #3 Bodywork: Shaping, Groove and Contrabody
Habit #4 Turn Technique: Stationary, Pivot & Chaine Turns
Habit #5 Musicality: Phrasing and Swing Timing
Habit #6 Pattern Structure: Formulae for creating your own
Habit #7  Invitation Leads: The secret behind follower’s “play”

Drivers’ Manual:
Critical Techniques for Authentic Lead and Follow

Wondering why after spending hundreds or thousands on dance lessons you still are struggling with WCS? This video is an epiphany in a box. It’s the stuff your teachers usually can’t fit into their weekly classes, the stuff that makes all your moves actually work! These key elements of the newest technology of the dance are guaranteed to cause breakthroughs in your dancing. Period. We are confident that you will exponentially benefit from this video.

Synergy Skills (Puppeteering Techniques for Blues and WCS)

One of our most popular workshop titles, because it is a topic that is so rarlely taught but so vital to both West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. “Blues” refers to “Blues dancing”, the pattern-less slow dance descended from Lindy Hop, but the SKILLS apply to all types of music. This video breaks down specific puppeteering techniques for connecting with your partner on a profoundly deeper level than you thought was possible. It also provides explanation and inspiration for how to illustrate the music with your partner. Deeper connection to the music and your partner equals dance euphoria!

Lyrical vs Rhythmic Movement

Another one of our most popular workshop titles, this video could be considered another more advanced chapter in the big book of WCS musicality. Now that you have worked so hard to make your swing rhythm automatic, you are now ready to break free of it. This video shows how to progress beyond the basic rhythms, pharsing and breaks. It reveals the qualities of different types of rhythms and instrumentation, from funky pop beats to ethereal acoustic ballads. Learn to move your body to custom tailer your WCS dancing and accurately illustrate the music with your partner.

Dip It Good!

A collaboration of Myles, Tessa, and Doug Silton to demo and breakdown 12 socially leadable Dips & Drops for Intermediate/Advanced dancers. Includes detailed instruction on the basic all-purpose dip.

Night Club Two-Step for Beginners

The title says it all! NightClub 2-step is the ideal “slow dance” which is practical for clubs, romantic occasions, and weddings. Explaining the basic techniques and 6 patterns including a simple dip, this video is ideal for non-dancers looking to learn a slow dance, or for experienced dancers looking to pick up a new style.

Tricks & Competition Moves for WCS, Vol.1

Feeling Confident? Ready to impress the judges? This video will give you material and strategies for advanced social dancing and dance contests.

Styling & Footwork for WCS, Vol.1

Add fabulous style and cool footwork to your dancing! 16 instructors teach 26 of their favorite ways to look good on the dance floor! Special Feature : Trouble in Paradise (claymation short).

Connection & Technique for WCS, Vol.1

24 of these instructors’ fundamentals and concepts, and how to apply them socially. Enhance your partner connection and boost your own dancing with these awesome techniques. Special feature: interviews with the pros.

“got play?” Followers Liberation for WCS: Advanced

Finally! The trilogy is complete! Tessa is known for her intricate and agile musical movement, and the first two dvds in this unique dvd series have been our best sellers so far. The Advanced dvd is right for you if you’ve mastered the skills on the Beginner and Intermediate Got Play dvds, and you have developed great balance and body control, but you are looking for a breakthrough in self expression in your WCS. The Theory section explains several distinctions required for play featuring energy transfer and speed changes. The Technical section breaks down new skills featuring hairwhips, body rolling, and contractions. The Practical section offers several applications of skills for each basic figure, demonstrated using an actual leader. Special emphasis is on Tuck variations and slot deviations. Recommeded pre-requisite: Got Play Beginners and Got Play Intermediate.

“got play?” Followers Liberation for WCS: Intermediate

Suitable for experienced dancers who have already learned the styling concepts from “Got Play Beginners”. You’ve been dancing and playing with syncopations in your WCS, but your craving more and ready to get more agile and creative? The Theory section explains some essential distinctions required for play, featuring “synchopations” and “lyrical movement”. The technical section breaks down new skills, featuring ” rhythmic locomation” and “arm styling”. The Practical section offers several applications of skills for each basic figure. Special emphasis on Passes and Spinouts. *Recommended prerequisite: Got Play Beginners.

“got play?” Followers Liberation for WCS: Beginner

“Beginners” refers to beginner STYLING, not beginner DANCING. You should start with this DVD even if you are en experienced dancer. So you are comfortable with your basic WCS techniques and patterns and you are ready to add a little style to your dance? This video is full of ideas and skills to help you get started, and contains the context and movement vocabulary necessary to understand the Intermediate and Advanced dvds. The Theory section explains several essential distinctions required for play, featured “Groove” and “Hijack”. The Technical section breaks down new skills featuring “Lower Body rhythms & Isolations”. The Practical section offers several applications of skills for each basic figure. Special emphasis is on Anchor and Pass variations.

Triple S: Sensual Styling Secrets

Tess is known as one of the most sensual dancers in WCS. She taught sensual feminine movement workshops and coaching the “T’s Divas” women-only performance team, long before the PussyCat Dolls! Due to overwhelming demand, she has teamed up with Patty Vo, a Swing and Country Pro from California, to put their material on video. Tessa’s assertive, confident, sexy style is balanced well by Patty’s sultry, soft, demure style. The purpose of the video is to empower women of all ages and sizes to discover and express their sensuality through dance. It features a body isolations warmup, key sensual styling tips for all body types, efficient feminine walking techniques, and examples of combinations for practice and inspiration. This non-dance-specific DVD is perfect for ladies who need to start from scratch.