West Coast Swing Curriculum ( last update 02/27/25)

WEST COAST SWING SYLLABUS

LEVEL 1: Build Strong Foundations (2 Months)

Perfect for total beginners or dancers looking to review their basics

Class Focus

• Understand posture, frame for efficient movement

• Learn how to stay in rhythm with 6-count patterns

• Develop muscle memory of walks and triple steps

Core Patterns

• Right Side Pass

• Left Side Pass

• Sugar Push

• Sugar Tuck

• Fake Whip

Key Concepts

• Stretch vs. Compression

• Walks, triple steps and anchors step

• Slot awareness and how to stay in it

• Open and closed position

What You’ll Need to Move Up

• ✔Comfort with the five core patterns

• ✔Consistent rhythm and connection

• ✔Awareness of the slot

• ✔A sense of your posture and frame

Please talk to your teacher before advancing!

It’s not just about knowing the moves, it’s about developing consistent technique, timing, and connection.

We want each class to feel focused, safe, and rewarding for everyone.

LEVEL 2: Expand Your Vocabulary (Approx. 6 Months)

For dancers ready to build variety and refine technique

Class Focus

• Add new pattern variations (6 & 8-count)

• Develop the awareness of an elastic connection

• Explore musical phrasing and beginner styling

Core Patterns

• 6-Count Variations:

  • Sugar Push

    Inside turn

    Outside Turn ( Tuck turn)

  • Right Side Pass:

    Outside Turn

    Cut-Off

    Same side Roll-in/Roll out

  • Left Side Pass:

    Tuck Turn

    Roll-In/Roll-Out

    Inside turn

• 8-Count variations:

  • Basic whip

  • First 4 counts

    Reverse Whip

    Basket Whip

  • Last 4 counts

    Same Side Whip

    Whip Inside Turn

    Whip Outside Turn

Key Concepts

• Hand Holds variations

• Anchor variations ( timing and structure)

• Starter steps

• Leader and follower turns

• Dancing to Blues, R&B, Hip-Hop,…

What You’ll Need to Move Up

• ✔Ability to dance both 6- and 8-count patterns

• ✔Clear lead/follow and improved connection

• ✔Musical awareness and clean execution in social dancing

Please talk to your teacher before advancing!

It’s not just about knowing the moves, it’s about developing consistent technique, timing, and connection.

We want each class to feel focused, safe, and rewarding for everyone.

LEVEL 3: Deepen Your Expression (Approx. 1 Year)

For dancers ready to refine their technique, personalize and refine their style

Class Focus

• Learn advanced patterns and transitions

• Explore styling, spins, and musical play

• Dance with more fluidity, dynamics, and control

Advanced Patterns Elements

• Double Spins

• Hip Catches

• Sling Shots

• Telemark

• Overturn

• Dance Postions: shadow, staggered, tandem, back to back, side by side

• Hand hold changes

Transition and flow Tools

• Rock & Go

• Add/Remove Steps

• Traveling Anchors

• Continuous Movement

Styling & Movement

• Anchor variations

• Height changes

• body part isolation

• Footwork

• Pitch ( Spine awareness)

What You’ll Need to Move Up

• ✔Strong improvisation and phrasing

• ✔Smooth transitions and body control

• ✔Confident expression and adaptability on the floor

LEVEL 4: Mastery of movement & Personal Style (Ongoing)

For dancers committed to refining their artistry

Class Focus

• Refine advanced connection and slot control

• Develop your unique style and musical signature

• Master challenging sequences and expression

What You’ll Continue to Develop

• Mastery of dips, tricks, and dynamic movement

• Ability to express music with Personalized styling,  creative content and improvisation

• Elevated showmanship and floor-craft

• Refined partnering and communication skills through the body

• Full-body awareness: using spine, ribs, breath, and core to communicate