West Coast Swing (WCS) is a smooth, versatile partner dance style that evolved from Lindy Hop.

It’s known for its elastic look, the connection between partners, and its ability to adapt to a wide range of music genres, including:

• Blues
• R&B
• Pop
• Country
• Contemporary (today’s modern music)
• Cajun / Zydeco
• Latin
• and more.

Unlike many other dances, WCS is danced in a slot, allowing for both partners to improvise and express themselves within the music.

No, you don’t need a partner to start learning West Coast Swing!

In our classes and social dances, we rotate partners regularly.

This helps everyone get to know each other and improves your ability to lead or follow with different partners.

Of course, you’re welcome to bring a partner if you’d like, but it’s not a requirement.

Everyone starts somewhere, and feeling like you have “two left feet” is entirely normal.

WCS is a very forgiving dance that allows for a lot of personal style and growth.

Our classes are designed to help you build confidence on the dance floor, step by step.

Remember, every dancer was a beginner at some point, and our community is here to support you through your dance journey.

Comfort is key for WCS!

Wear clothes that allow you to move freely and shoes with a smooth sole to make turning easier.

Many dancers prefer shoes specifically designed for dancing, but starting out, any comfortable, non-marking shoes that allow you to slide and turn on the floor will work.

If you want specific recommendations, these are some common items…

For clothes:

• T-shirts, tank tops, blouses
• Jeans, casual pants, or leggings

For shoes:

• Vans, Converse, Keds
• Boat shoes / Loafers
• Toms
• Jazz shoes
• Fuegos
• Taygras
• Tennis shoes (with a worn down sole)
• Shoes with a suede bottom work especially well for West Coast Swing

WCS is not just a dance; it’s a community.

Beyond the physical benefits of improved coordination, flexibility, and fitness, dancing WCS offers a unique social experience.

It’s a great way to meet new people, reduce stress, and express yourself creatively.

Plus, it’s a skill that you can take with you to dance floors around the world.

Yes!

Louisiana has a growing WCS community with various events, including weekly classes, social dances, competitions, and occasional workshops with visiting instructors.

The main cities with WCS communities are: Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.

Our website and social media channels are some of the best places to stay updated on upcoming events and get involved with the Louisiana WCS scene.

Absolutely!

In West Coast Swing, we usually rotate partners in class.

However, couples who wish to remain together and not rotate, may absolutely do so.

If you’re feeling shy, you’re not alone!

Many of our dancers started out feeling the same way.

Our classes and social dances are designed to be welcoming and supportive, making it easier to overcome shyness.

Remember, dancing is a great icebreaker, and there’s no pressure to be perfect.

With every step and beat, you’ll find your confidence growing.

Our friendly community and instructors are here to support you, making it easier to take that first step onto the dance floor.

On Sundays, we host a Free Beginner’s class at Parc Village (2323 Moss St, Lafayette, LA 70501).

• This class is perfect for new dancers or beginners to learn the basics of West Coast Swing.
• We also have a Level 2 class right after, designed for those who want to learn West Coast Swing faster and get introduced to cool patterns and new techniques.

On Thursdays, we also meet up at Kristi’s house (Kristi is one of the main organizers for WCS in Lafayette).

• There, we socialize, practice, and learn more advanced dance moves and concepts through informal lessons.

For Kristi’s address please message her through our meetup group.

Getting started is easy!

Just show up to one of our dance events:

• Every Sunday @ Parc Village
  • Level 1 Class is from 5-6 PM CST [Free]
  • Level 2 Class is from 6-7 PM CST, starting on Sunday June 2, 2024 [$10]
• Thursday’s @ Kristi’s (Recommended after you have attended 2 beginner classes first)
• Or any other of our dance events that come up

You don’t need to sign up in advance or bring anything special—just yourself and a willingness to learn.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Lafayette WCS community!