Leveled
Class
Curriculums
Welcome to our comprehensive West Coast Swing Curriculum, meticulously designed to guide you through the exhilarating world of this dynamic dance style. Our curriculum is structured across various levels, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning journey for dancers of all backgrounds and experiences. From the fundamental rhythms and steps of West Coast Swing to the intricate techniques and styling, each level is tailored to progressively build your skills and confidence on the dance floor. Whether you're a beginner discovering the basics or an advanced dancer refining your artistry, our curriculum offers a clear and detailed roadmap to mastering this captivating dance. Dive into our curriculum below and embark on your West Coast Swing adventure with us!
If you have questions, check out our FAQ section below!
Practice our Level 2 Warm Up on your own!!! https://denverwesties.pythonanywhere.com/warmup
6 Count Rhythm Structure & Fun Moves
Sugar Push
Left Side Pass
Right Side Pass
Sugar Tuck
Left Side Pass w/ Inside Turn
Leaders Turn on Anchor
Roll-In Roll-Out
Sweetheart Position
6 Count Paseo
Barrel Roll
Passing Tuck
Right Side Pass into Closed Position
Free Spin
Right Torque Turn
6 Count Whip (Right Torque Turn to Closed)
Important Concepts
Tension
Compression
Momentum
Preping Follows for Turns
Homolateral Body Movement (Vs. Contra Body)
Frame
Closed & Open Position
Hand Changes
Anchor step
Level 2 Material
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
Level 3 Material
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
Connection Dependent Moves
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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: 1-2 months
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: 1-2 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: 12 months
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
Go to Friday Open Practice at Colorado DanceSport Ballroom
Check out our local instructors that offer private lessons!