Our classes are organized into levels, so dancers at every stage have a clear path forward. You'll start with the fundamental rhythms and steps, then progress into more advanced technique and styling as you build skills and confidence on the floor. Whether you're learning the basics or refining your dancing, the levels below map out where to go next.
If you have questions, like how long to take each level, check out our FAQ section below!
Level 2 source material is provided below!
Practice our Level 2 Warm Up on your own!!! https://denverwesties.pythonanywhere.com/warmup
Core Patterns & Fun Moves
In Level 1, we cover many of the essential 6-count patterns used in West Coast Swing, including:
Sugar Push
Left Side Pass
Right Side Pass
Sugar Tuck
Cross-Hand Sugar Tuck
Free Spin
Left Side Pass with Inside Turn
Passing Tuck
Roll-In / Roll-Out
Right Side Pass into Closed Position
Sugar Tuck Hand Changes
Sugar Push Hand Changes
Right-to-Right, Left-to-Left, and Cross-Hand Holds
Sugar Push Rainbow / Hand Reset
Closed Position to Open Position Transitions
Challenging Bonus Material
We also introduce a few more challenging variations, depending on the week and the needs of the class, including:
Sweetheart Position
Cinnamon Roll
Sugar Tuck Walk-Around
Sugar Tuck with Leader’s Turn
Inside Turn Behind the Leader’s Back
Left Side Pass with Inside Turn / Bowtie Variation
Side Pass with Inside Turn into Closed Position
Right Side Pass Redirect
Right Side Pass with Leader’s Turn
Leader’s Turn on Anchor
Hair Drape / Cross-Hand Hair Drape
Leader’s Hair Drape Variations
Important Concepts
Level 1 is not just about memorizing moves. We also focus on the concepts that make West Coast Swing feel smooth, connected, and social:
6-Count Rhythm Structure
Anchor Step
Tension
Compression
Momentum
Frame
Prepping Followers for Turns
Homolateral Body Movement / Same-Side Body Movement
Contra Body Movement
Open Position
Closed Position
Hand Changes
Cross-Hand Holds
Right-to-Right and Left-to-Left Connections
Staying in the Slot
Redirects
8 count whips
Basic Whip
Reverse Whip
Pull through whip
Decapative whip
Basket Whip
Behind-the-Back Whip
Open Whip
Whips with Inside & outside Turns
Fun Patterns & Concepts
Variations on Basic Patterns
Starter Steps
Patterns from Closed
Hip Catches
Ochos
Wrist wraps
Arm Folds
Pop Turns
Slingshots
Swivels
Hitch Steps
Heel Grinds/Digs
Walk Arounds
Continuous Whips
Slingshot
10 count Paseo
Intro to Redirects
Intro to Rock-and-Goes
Intro to Rides
Techniques
Loose Third Position
J-Hook
Anchoring
Pivot Turns
Chaine Turns
Double turns
Rondes/Sweeps
Delays/extensions
Accelerations
Rhythm Changes
Kick-Ball-Change Rhythm
Connection
Fun Patterns & Concepts
Rides
Dips
Dollies
Shadow Position
Ducks
One Footed Spins
Monkey Swing
Level Changes
Playing with Angles
Accelerations (hitting musical breaks)
Musicality
Syncopations
Follow Talks & Leader Waits
Action and Reaction
Pulsing
Telemarks
Energy Changes
Which week should I start taking the level 1 class?
Level 1 progresses and gets more difficult throughout each month
Recommend you start at the beginning of the month!
How long should I take Level 1?
Recommended minimum: 2 months (It is a two month curriculum)
You are welcome to take this as long as you want!
When am I ready for Level 2?
Pre-requisites: You are expected to know all 6 counts moves listed in level 1. Recommended minimum: 2 months in level 1 before starting level 2.
Which week should I start taking the level 2 class?
Level 2 progresses and gets more difficult throughout each month
Required to start in level 2 the first week of the month
How long should I take Level 2?
Recommended minimum: 8 months (It is an 8 month curriculum)
You are welcome to take this longer if you'd like!
What's next after Level 2?
Level 3 classes are audition based class!
Auditions typically happen the first Monday of each month at 7:10 pm
Minimum 1 year dancing West Coast Swing
How can I learn faster?
Social dance for at least one full hour to practice what you learned in the class
Practice your footwork to music while you brush your teeth every night!
Bring a notebook and take notes right after class
Check out our local instructors that offer private lessons!