Learn Modern Swing dance in Vancouver
Get started with this slick, dynamic, improvised partner dance with an accelerated method that will have you dancing cool, comfortable, and confident in just weeks.
Quick preview of West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is the most modern version of all the Swing dances. It is not a Ballroom dance, but rather a direct descendant of Lindy Hop that has infused other dance styles such as Hip Hop, Hustle, Contemporary, and Zouk.
Here's what Beginners look like after dancing for a few months:
How to start learning West Coast Swing
For the best possible start, join us for SwingSoul Sundays at the new Dance Vancouver studio!
Nobody is born knowing how to dance West Coast Swing. It doesn't matter if you have years of classical training or you have two left feet - everyone needs to take lessons in order to learn. No one expects you to know anything about dancing before you start - that's what the lessons are for!
Everyone starts in a group class called Intro to West Coast Swing, where you will learn foundational skills and basic patterns you need to be able to dance competently and confidently.
SWINGSOUL SATURDAYS: for Beginners
4 SATURDAYS 4-5:15pm
- Starting the first Saturday of every month.
- Couples or singles welcome.
- Classes fill up every month. Register early online to claim your spot. Drop-ins allowed.
Intro to WCS A
Welcome! If you're new, start here!
This class is for the absolute beginner, or dancers from other styles wanting to learn West Coast Swing.
What you'll learn:
Way more than just standard basic patterns: you'll get a well-rounded set of skills that will help you feel successful and confident sooner and have more fun! Content is progressive from week to week and repeats each month.
What's next:
Once dancers can check off all the skills and patterns in the Intro to WCS Checklist, they can move into the next class: Intro to WCS B (Bridge)
4 SATURDAYS 5:15pm
- Starting the first Saturday of every month.
- Couples or singles welcome.
- Classes fill up every month. Register early online to claim your spot. Drop-ins allowed.
New registration opening soon
Intro to WCS B (Bridge)
This "bridge" class is for students who have completed 4 weeks of Intro to WCS A, or for WCS dancers who would like to review their basic skills in order to keep up in the WCS Essentials class.
What you'll learn:
This class builds on the skills from Intro A, with more details and practice to solidify your foundation for West Coast Swing so you can access more confidence, competence, variety, and fun! Content is progressive from week to week and repeats each month.
What's next:
Once dancers are consistently applying all the skills and patterns in the Intro to WCS Checklist, they can move into the next class: WCS Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
When do classes start?
There will be a series of classes starting each month. Like our Facebook page to get notified when registration opens up.
Do I need a partner to sign up with?
Nope! There will be a mix of couples and singles. No partner required.
Do I have to switch partners?
WCS is a social dance, meaning everyone dances with everyone for one song at a time, so you switch partners constantly during the class. But if you have COVID concerns, it's ok to temporarily stay together if you prefer.
What should I wear?
WCS is pretty casual. Pants are recommended instead of skirts. Choose footwear that is not clunky or grippy/sticky or high heels.
What if I am an experienced dancer but new to WCS?
We are excited to welcome you! Intro B class is the perfect place for you because we'll teach you which skills you can use directly and which ones you'll need to modify and how, without having to start from scratch.
What if I want to learn faster?
If you know you learn better one-to-one or would like to accelerate your progress, contact us to discuss options for customized training programs.
How long do I stay in the Intro classes for?
WCS classes are not something you take once and are done. After 4 weeks you will have the skills required for the next class, Intro B. Intro B is a Bridge class that will help you fill out your vocabulary & repertoire of techniques, tactics, and patterns so you can keep up in the Essentials class.
Register now
You're in good hands
What makes these classes different?
Swing Soul teachers use the Swing Literacy Development Method, created by Canadian Champions Myles Munroe & Tessa Cunningham Munroe., which helps dancers learn WCS faster, better, and easier than traditional partner dance classes by using a progressive skills-first approach.
This means you will "get it" sooner, have more fun sooner, and really feel like you're dancing and not just marching through patterns & steps. Dancer trained in this method progress faster, are more "fluent" in the dance, and are better able to learn more skills and moves from any source.
SwingSoul Teachers
CELINA
dalynne
meaghan
Register now
Learn more about WCS
We encourage you to learn more about the big wide world of this fascinating,
kinesthetically satisfying, addictive social dance!
To help you avoid wasting time going down the rabbit hole,
here are some resources to focus your exploration.
All your questions answered
Whether you are just starting out, or you have been dancing for several months already, you probably have a ton of questions....
You deserve to know the answers! We have ALL of them, compiled into this handy blog article.
This is one of our many blog articles about learning and dancing West Coast Swing. Enjoy exploring the rest!
Learn even more about WCS
Curious about West Coast Swing's background, history, global reach, and how it compares to other dance styles? Don't spend hours hunting it all down on the interwebs - we've done the work for you! Enjoy this curated, consolidated resource page that has all you need to know... for now.... ;)
Get Connected
Like the SwingSoul Facebook page
SwingSoul is the name of the West Coast Swing side of the DanceVancouver studio. This group is where we post information about upcoming classes, workshops, and social events at SwingSoul.
SwingSoul Facebook group
Lessons are only the beginning!
West Coast Swing is a global and local community, with regular dance parties, social events, weekend conventions, and online groups. It uses Facebook for networking. We encourage you to join these groups to get connected and discover all the resources that are available. Here are two reliable ones:
Vancouver West Coast Swing Community
Vancouver Westies
Find DanceVancouver and explore the neighbourhood
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