In February, join Delhi-based dance instructor Jeremy Pickens for four beginner-level, weekly one-hour West Coast Swing dance classes. Lessons will be held every Sunday in February (7, 14, 21, 28) from 5-6pm, with an optional open practice following each class. Each class builds on the previous, so please plan on joining us for the entire series. Note that a dancing partner is not necessary when signing up, as we will be rotating regularly throughout each class to give everyone a chance to learn from each other and grow in skill together. However, as West Coast Swing is a social dance, we ask you to sign up either as leader or a follower so that class composition remains balanced.
A special Introductory class will also be offered on January 23rd at 7pm.
What to bring:
Only one item is required for participation: Proper footwear. The ideal dancing shoe is one with a suede leather sole and is flexible yet supportive. Certain types of smooth rubber soles (such as those on a Bloch sneaker) work as well. Whatever footwear you choose, please make sure that the sole is both non-marking and clean, i.e. don’t wear it in off of the street.
ABOUT WEST COAST SWING*
West Coast Swing (aka WCS, Westie) is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that put a premium on improvisation.
Philosophically, modern West Coast Swing is in large part defined by an emphasis on musicality and connection. West Coast Swing is an evolving social dance that has gone through many changes throughout its short history, over time incorporating techniques from numerous dance styles. In writing about West Coast Swing, Skippy Blair advises that, “The only problem that exists in swing is when someone decides there is only one way to dance it. There is never only one way to do anything. Try on different styles that you admire in other people…until you find the comfortable one that fits.”
