learnwestcoastswing

WELCOME

Introduction:

"From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

West Coast Swing (WCS) is a partner dance derived from Lindy Hop. It is characterised 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.

".. Within the spectrum of partner dances, WCS is one of the most improvisational.^"

History

"It is believed that the origins of the WCS are in Lindy Hop. Dean Collins was influential in developing the style of swing danced on the the West Coast of the United States. Collins arrived in the Los Angeles around 1937."

Rest of the history and many more info. at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Coast_Swing

WEST COAST SWING
History
Kurt Lichtmann
Cornell University, Ithaca NY Swing Dance Faculty, Phys. Ed. Dept.
"West Coast Swing is the state dance of California. It's origins are definitely in Lindy Hop, but, "you've come a long way, baby!" It's distinctive "dancing in a slot" approach derives from San Diego dancehalls as far back as 1938. The kicking jitterbugs would frolic in the center of the floor, with the smooth dancers grooving on the periphery. Many US Navy personnel seemed to be exploring the smooth style, or were just too drunk to do anything but let the woman go back and forth. Please see Sonny Watson's article on this."
To read more, please go to the website: http://people.cornell.edu/pages/kpl5/Link15_wcs.html