West Coast Swing Dance Moves – Beginner Guide

West coast swing dance is one of the most popular social dance styles today.

West coast swing (WCS) originated from the Lindy Hop, and is danced in a “slotted” fashion (think of back and forth Tracks). This dance has many back and forth moves, underarm turns, spins and loops. Best of all, this dance has lots of room for improvisation, where partners can really express themselves to the fullest.

In this video you’ll learn about the “Track” used in WCS, and how the leader uses it to lead his/her partner. In essence, the leader gets out of the way and the follower dances into the track.

Let’s learn the basic steps of West Coast Swing…

Leaders:

Starts with Left foot
Triple step to left – Side, close, side (left, right, left)
Triple step to right – Side, close, side (right, left, right)
Side step with left foot (Turn body 1/4 to left)
Close right foot to left foot
Switch weight in place with left foot
Switch weight in place with right foot
Step fwd with left foot (Turn to face your partner)
Anchor Step (3 steps in place)

Followers:

Starts with right foot
Triple step to right – Side, close, side (right, left, right)
Triple step to left – Side, close, side (left, right, left)
Walk fwd with right foot
Walk fwd with left foot (Start turning body to left)
Side with right foot (Turn body 1/4 to left)
Cross left foot in front of right foot (Continue turning)
Back with right foot (facing your partner)
Anchor Step (3 steps in place)

How To Lead:

After the 2 triple steps, the leaders need to open up their bodies strongly to the left and thus “gently pull” their partner forward (This is getting out of the lady’s track). The followers should just walk forward. At the end of the move, the leaders have to get back into the slot and face their partners.

The music is structured in a 4/4 time signature and you need to get good at hearing the full beats in the songs. The most basic way to count is 1,2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6. Please note, some moves in this dance are 6-count moves, and others are 8-count moves, so make sure you learn the exact count for each move.

– Sugar Push
– Right Side Pass
– The Whip
– The Whip & Underarm Turn
– Tuck Turns

Check out all our WCS dance lessons

---

Want More Dance Lessons?

We offer a membership that includes access to 300+ Ballroom and Latin dance videos online. Including American & International style videos.

Membership Info & Registration

Get More Dance Lessons:
East Coast Swing Moves
Salsa Basic Steps
Rumba Dance Steps
How To Waltz
How To Cha Cha Dance
How To Dance Bachata
How To Dance At Weddings