Frequently Asked Questions!

 What is West Coast Swing?

West Coast Swing is a modern form of swing dancing.  It is the natural evolution of what has happened to the original jitterbug and lindy hop of the 30's and 40's as music and culture changed over the decades.  West Coast Swing originated in California, and is, in fact, the official state dance.  It is smoother than the original styles of swing, and is danced to blues music rather than swing music.  If you think of old jitterbug crossed with the smooth disco look of "Saturday Night Fever," you'll be pretty close.

Many people think that "swing" means aerials--throwing your partner around in showy, athletic moves.  Swing is actually characterized by some basic six and eight count rhythms in the dance, and there are many varieties of swing.  West Coast Swing is one.  There are also Whip and Push (danced in Texas), Carolina Shag (danced in the south), German Boogie Woogie, French Ce Roc, Imperial Swing, East Coast Swing (also commonly called Jitterbug), and Lindy.  There are even many more local varieties.

West Coast Swing is characterized by a combination of fancy spinning patterns, and rhythmic, creative footwork.  The lady is encouraged to be creative, and is the showpiece of the dance.  West Coast Swing is a "living" dance.  Dancers are always creating new steps, and the dance is constantly metamorphosing.  West Coast Swing can be challenging, but for those who get bitten by the bug, it is endlessly fascinating.

 To what kind of music is WCS danced?

West Coast Swing is danced to blues music, or other musical styles derived from the blues, such as R&B, funk, pop, rock, hip-hop, country rock, even disco!  It ranges from blues standards like "Kansas City", to Aretha Franklin's "Think" and other motown tunes, to current hits by Danni Minogue, Outkast, and Britney Spears.

Do you teach other dances?

Yes!  Currently we offer several classes that cover other dances.  We also offer privates and semi private lessons that cover a wide range of dances and are working on a series of videos!  Call to enquire, and check our 'classes' page to see our current class schedule.

I don't have a partner.  Will there be people to dance with in the group classes?

Yes!  Being firm believers in social dancing, Heart & Sole Dance makes it easy for singles to join class.  Each group class has a mandatory rotation policy--this means each gentleman dances with every lady, and vice versa.  The rotation scheme accomplishes four main tasks:

It handles uneven numbers of men and women very well.  While classes are usually pretty balanced in gender, there are usually a few extra gentlemen or ladies (yes, ladies, we often have extra gentlemen!).  Since couples are rotated every few minutes, each person has to stand out without a partner for only a few minutes before they have a partner again.

It allows those without a built-in partner to learn to social dance, where they will meet many, many partners!

It increases the learning of the students.  West Coast Swing is a lead/follow dance, and those who dance only with one partner compensate for each other and don't truly learn to lead and follow. When a student rotates, he or she learns something new from each new partner, regardless of their dance level.

Rotation schemes help the teacher to teach by revealing where certain lead and follow problems lie.

Rotating during group class helps you learn faster, meet a wide variety of people and is fun!  If for some reason you do not want to dance with other partners, you can contact us about scheduling private lessons.

 What should I wear?

For class or dancing, nice casual clothing is appropriate. In consideration of your partners, men should not wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts, and ladies should avoid backless dresses.  You will need shoes that stay on your feet, and which will pivot on the dance floor.  With experience, you will be able to choose shoes that are neither too sticky or slick.  Beach style sandals are inappropriate.  Cowboy boots and other heavy or large shoes are discouraged, since they limit your movement.

Be sure to shower, wear deodorant, and brush your teeth before dancing...you will be in close contact with others!

 How long will it take me to learn to dance?  To learn WCS?

Dancing is simple and fun and well worth whatever time and energy you have to put into it!  Depending on the dance and your interest, as well as the level you desire to reach it can take as little as a few classes or privates.

Heart & Sole Dance structures it's WCS lessons so that 2 months of classes will teach you all the basic patterns necessary... of course, you'll be out on the dance floor in two or three lessons with a good foundation and an itch to learn more.  A good foundation for Salsa will take even less time!

 Which class(es) should I take?

Heart & Sole dance structures it's classes so that everyone advances as quickly as possible while having fun.  Beginners and those new to WCS should take just the beginner class for the first month.

After that, students have an option of an 'evening' of classes (both beginner and intermediate classes).  This allows for a mixing of levels which benefits both the beginner and the intermediate/advanced dancer.  Intermediate/advanced students review their basics and beginner students get exposed to good footwork, execution and lead and follow from day one. 

Beginner classes are for beginners and teach dances from the ground up.  They are designed so that students learn all the basic moves and technique in a finite amount of time (for example, WCS will take 2 4-week sessions).  If you can't make each class, it will obviously take longer.  Intermediate dancers that have a knowledge and feel of the dance are often present to review and improve their basics.  This is encouraged and VERY helpful to the beginners.

Intermediate classes are designed for those that know the basics and want to learn more advanced patterns, technique and footwork variations.  Beginners that choose to stay for intermediate classes will be exposed to additional information, tidbits and tricks to help them as they progress through the beginner classes.  

 I'm a beginner, can I come to a Specialty Workshop?

Check the information provided with each workshop, or contact us for more information as to the level of the workshops offered.