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West Coast Swing - Weekly Group Lessons at New Spire Arts

from $15.00

Join Amanda and Ben on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm for an introduction to social west coast swing dance.

West Coast Swing is the contemporary iteration of traditional swing dancing. Movements in WCS are smooth and moderate tempo, with an emphasis on lyrical musicality. A variety of music can be used including top 40 / pop, hip-hop, r&b, soul/blues and country.

The area around Washington DC is home to world class WCS dance classes, socials, and events. The goal of this class series is to get you prepared to join the larger community. After this 4-week series you will be ready to travel to social dances around the region:

  • Learn what to expect in group dance classes

  • Get a focused introduction to basic WCS moves

  • Small class size allows for personalized feedback

  • Build endurance for longer trips to regional dances

  • Create local connections for practice and carpools

Need more practice?

  • Amanda will be teaching blues dancing from 8-9pm, immediately following this class. Save money by attending both dance styles. [Link to Blues Class Details]

  • February 17 is tentatively scheduled to be a social dance with a regional DJ. Discounted tickets will be available for students who registered for either class series. Check back for details soon.

  • Drive to Baltimore or DC - ask Amanda for details about currently offered classes and socials in the wider region

  • Don’t want to drive? Me either. This class series is part of a pilot program in a new venue for us. If everything goes smoothly, we will be back in this space regularly for local classes and events.

Style:
Series/Drop-In:

Join Amanda and Ben on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm for an introduction to social west coast swing dance.

West Coast Swing is the contemporary iteration of traditional swing dancing. Movements in WCS are smooth and moderate tempo, with an emphasis on lyrical musicality. A variety of music can be used including top 40 / pop, hip-hop, r&b, soul/blues and country.

The area around Washington DC is home to world class WCS dance classes, socials, and events. The goal of this class series is to get you prepared to join the larger community. After this 4-week series you will be ready to travel to social dances around the region:

  • Learn what to expect in group dance classes

  • Get a focused introduction to basic WCS moves

  • Small class size allows for personalized feedback

  • Build endurance for longer trips to regional dances

  • Create local connections for practice and carpools

Need more practice?

  • Amanda will be teaching blues dancing from 8-9pm, immediately following this class. Save money by attending both dance styles. [Link to Blues Class Details]

  • February 17 is tentatively scheduled to be a social dance with a regional DJ. Discounted tickets will be available for students who registered for either class series. Check back for details soon.

  • Drive to Baltimore or DC - ask Amanda for details about currently offered classes and socials in the wider region

  • Don’t want to drive? Me either. This class series is part of a pilot program in a new venue for us. If everything goes smoothly, we will be back in this space regularly for local classes and events.

Current Location:

Classes are hosted at New Spire Ars in downtown Frederick

Learn more about the Rec Center

What to Expect

Classes are suitable for all experience levels but aimed at dancers who are relatively new to partnered swing and/or blues dancing. Students with busy schedules or more experience may want to consider a private practice session for more personal attention.

Every weekly class includes:

  • warm-up & stretching

  • solo exercises to improve balance, cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and musicality while practicing basic footwork.

  • partnered exercises to improve lead/follow connection and communication.

  • instruction and practice in common fundamental moves and patterns from lindy hop, six-count swing, west coast swing, Charleston and/or social blues dancing

  • discussion on social dance psychology, etiquette, and safety - plus learn music and dance history!

Dance Roles

In traditional social dance, men lead, and women follow. Fortunately, in contemporary Swing & Blues Dance there are no gender restrictions on dance roles. Dancers are invited to select whichever role they prefer, regardless of gender expression. See the brief descriptions below to help you decide which position is right for you:

  • Leaders are responsible for initiating momentum and managing floor craft

  • Followers are responsible for executing lead movements and inspiring musicality

  • Switch refers to experienced dancers who intend to practice both roles. Dancers who switch should contact Amanda for private class options that can address the unique challenges of this role.

  • Rotating partners is the best way to learn but dancers will NOT be forced to practice with strangers.

Staying Healthy:

  • Proof of vaccination is not currently required.

  • Dancers are welcome to wear masks, but they are not currently required.

  • Please bring a face mask with you. If someone else is wearing a mask, assume that you need to wear yours when talking and dancing with them.

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