West Coast Swing

History

From Lindy Hop to the West Coast

West Coast Swing evolved from Lindy Hop, the energetic dance born in Harlem during the 1920s and 1930s. When Lindy Hop traveled to the West Coast, dancers began adapting it to the smoother, more relaxed style of California jazz and big-band music.

As the decades passed, the dance absorbed elements from blues, R&B, soul, funk, and eventually contemporary pop. The result was a more linear form of swing danced in a slot, emphasizing smoothness over bounce and improvisation over memorized patterns.

A Dance Built for Innovation

By the 1950s and 1960s, West Coast Swing had become distinct enough to be recognized as its own dance. In 1988 it was named the official state dance of California.

Modern WCS is one of the most evolving partner dances in the world, drawing inspiration from:

  • Hip-hop
  • R&B
  • Contemporary
  • Blues
  • Pop
  • Funk
  • Neo-soul
  • Acoustic covers

This makes it one of the most versatile partner dances ever created.

Musical Information

  • Time Signature: 4/4
  • Tempo: 28-32 mpm (but can stretch slower or faster depending on style)
  • Basic Timing:
    • 6-count patterns: 1-2, 3&4, 5&6
    • 8-count patterns: 1-2, 3&4, 5-6, 7&8
  • Musical Feel: Smooth, elastic, bluesy; strong groove and backbeat
  • Common Genres:
    • Blues
    • R&B
    • Funk
    • Contemporary
    • Pop
    • Acoustic singer-songwriter
    • Soft rock
    • Dance remixes

West Coast Swing is known for its ability to fit modern radio hits better than almost any other partner dance.

Dance Characteristics

Key Characteristics

West Coast Swing is defined by:

  • Slot-based movement - partners travel within a narrow linear pathway
  • Elastic connection - a stretchy push-pull dynamic between partners
  • Smooth footwork - gliding rather than bouncing
  • Improvisation - followers have creative freedom
  • Rhythmic play - breaking timing, syncopations, and musical interpretation
  • Body rolls and styling - drawn from blues, jazz, and contemporary dance

The overall feeling is cool, smooth, and expressive, rather than bouncy or jumpy like East Coast Swing.

Technique & Feel

  • Compression and leverage create the elastic connection
  • Anchors (especially on counts 5&6 / 7&8) create grounded settling
  • Footwork is compact and controlled
  • Timing can be stretched or delayed for musicality
  • Styling varies widely depending on music
  • Followers often have more freedom than in most partner dances

WCS is one of the few partner dances where both dancers actively interpret the music.

Why West Coast Swing Works for Weddings

  • Fits many modern, romantic, or acoustic pop songs
  • Looks smooth and sophisticated without needing big tricks
  • Perfect for couples who want a "cool" or modern vibe
  • Easy to personalize choreography with pauses, accents, and moments
  • Adaptable to tight, crowded dance floors
  • Allows couples to express their personality and musical taste

Even simple basics with good stretch and anchoring look beautiful.

Style Variants

  • Contemporary WCS: Smooth, lyrical, expressive
  • Blues WCS: Grounded, soulful, very elastic
  • Hip-hop-influenced WCS: Sharp accents, body isolations
  • Classic WCS: More traditional, jazz-influenced

All share the same fundamental slot technique and anchor timing.