In the simplest terms, West Coast Swing is a lead-follow partner dance,

but this dynamic dance is a captivating conversation between the two dancers and the music. Through the partnership, there's an exchange of ideas and feelings, wordlessly expressed through movement.

The foundation of this dance is in the connection,

which is what we call the physical partnership between the dancers. Connection in West Coast Swing relies heavily on moments of compression and extension, which gives it the signature elastic look. It's within these moments that the dance comes to life, changing it from just patterns into a dialogue decorated with improvisation and a give and take that is rarely seen elsewhere.

This dance is incredibly versatile,

and can be danced to a huge variety of music, earning the nickname "modern swing". Though its roots are in jazz, it can also be danced to pop, hip hop, blues, R&B, country, and funk, to name a few genres.

It can be choreographed, but the vast majority of West Coast Swing is improvised.

During West Coast Swing socials, you'll have the opportunity to ask or be asked to dance to songs chosen by the DJ at the event. At Do Your Own Swing, classes will primarily teach various techniques, patterns, and skills that can be used on the social floor.

There are also many opportunities to compete

if classes and social dancing aren't enough to get your heart rate up. Nearly every weekend, there are conventions around the world featuring workshops from internationally recognized pros, various events to compete in, and social dancing late into the night.

West Coast Swing was born from Lindy Hop,

but over time it has transformed into something unique. The steps got smoother, the patterns got more sophisticated, the danceable music genres have exploded, and continues to evolve at a rapid pace, drawing inspiration from nearly every other style of dance.