Learn to dance West Coast Swing/WCS; Dance Lessons: Riverside Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance Studios

West Coast Swing: The sophisticated style and ease of movement makes this dance a popular favorite.

History:

In the 1940's with the wild abandonment of the Jitterbug being banned from dance halls due to too many injuries, Arthur Murray developed and documented several swing steps that he later called "Sophisticated Swing". This was the beginning of what is now called West Coast Swing. Arthur Murray is credited with the first codifications of West Coast Swing and used such names as "Under Arm Pass, The Whip and The Sugar Push" to describe the patterns. The ladies taking "two walking steps forward" towards the man at the beginning of each pattern was standardized in his studios. In 1989 California selected the West Coast Swing as its state dance. Today there are over 5000 documented West Coast Swing step patterns and more are added every year.

Music:

West Coast Swing can be danced to almost any music written in 4/4 time, from the Blues to Disco, Jazz, Pop, Country or Big Band. It is considered a "living dance" in that it is constantly evolving, growing and changing to the music styles currently in vogue.

Characteristics:

The West Coast Swing differs from other swing dances because of it's distinctive "dancing in a slot" approach, where the lady's movement takes her towards the man, not away, such as in a rock step.

Teaching Elements:

Footwork--Steps are done in a slot, moving forwards and backwards
Dance Position--Varies depending on the step being done.
Movement--More of a smooth glide than up and down or bounce
Motion & Accents--Stress the use of beats to steps and body to music
Anchor Steps--Occur at the end of every step pattern
Compare/Contrast--East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Carolina Shag

West Coast Swing songs and artists include:

Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer
All Shook Up - Elvis Presley
Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
Fever - Peggy Lee
Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones

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