West coast swing (WCS) is a couple dance which, as the name suggests, originates from the west coast of the USA. It originated in the 1950s. Like the Jive, it evolved from the Jitterbug, which has its roots in the Lindy Hop. It was danced to jazz, blues and swing music. It is now one of the few swing dances to keep pace with modern music. You can dance it to lyrical ballads, disco, hip-hop, RnB and other music you're used to hearing on the radio.
WCS emphasizes improvisation and musical expression. Essential qualities for dancers include the so-called 3 Ts: timing (dancing to the beat), teamwork, and good technique.
West coast swing is danced in a “slot”, which is a straight line along which the partner (follower) moves. If the leader wants to lead the partner to his other side, they must step out of the slot and let the follower pass around him. When the pattern is completed, the leader then rejoins the follower. Thanks to this, this dance does not require so much space and can therefore be danced even in a bar.
The leader leads the follower through the variations they want to dance. To do this, in WCS we use a “connection” that allows us to seamlessly transition between compression and extension. This creates the elastic feeling that is characteristic of this type of dance.
The principle of lead is similar to that in all other couple dances. However, in WCS, the follower has the opportunity to intervene in what is being danced without in any way disrupting or spoiling the leader's intended concept.
WCS is danced all over the world. In addition to dancing for fun, many also participate in competitions, which are part of almost every weekend event with workshops. The World Swing Dance Council ensures that the rules are followed and that the process is fair.