The Complete Guide to Choosing a West Coast Swing Partner

West Coast Swing is a soft, very elegant style that originated in America. This dance direction is attractive because partners must maintain close contact with each other. It features a special technique called 'stretch-compress'. Dancers often perform it in a line, which is why West Coast Swing is classified as a 'slotted dance'.

Many believe this dance evolved from Lindy Hop. In reality, little is known about its true origins. Dean Collins, a talented and professional choreographer and dancer, made a huge contribution to the development of West Coast Swing. At one time, it was known as Western Swing and Sophisticated Swing.

The technique is free: improvisation is allowed and doesn't make the dance worse. Some perform it at a slow tempo, others at a faster pace. Slow tempo is characterized by closeness between dancers and graceful, smooth movements by the follower.

At fast tempo, partners move vertically without swaying sideways. This is what makes West Coast Swing so appealing: free technique, any tempo, and permissible improvisation. Dancers don't have to think about where to place their feet next; they feel a sense of freedom.

The dance gained widespread popularity thanks to the film 'Hot Rod Gang'. The movie featured a song that combined both slow and fast tempos. Choreographers included several interesting moves that later became standard.

But before diving into learning the dance technique of West Coast Swing, you need to choose a partner. This is the first step. Your future partner must meet several important criteria, as you'll spend a lot of time together and become close during dancing.

So, what should you prioritize?

— You should feel sympathy toward them. If you don't like them at all, you won't truly connect during the dance. You won't become kindred spirits as partners.

— Height. The ideal difference is 10-15 centimeters from your height. The woman should be shorter than the man. If he is too tall, she will have to constantly tilt her head up.

— Experience. If the potential partner has any dance experience, that's a plus. They can teach and explain when something is unclear. Ideally, they shouldn't be a professional, as that might cause awkwardness and shyness.

— Schedule. If you plan to practice a couple times a week for a few hours, you don't need a partner who goes to the studio every day for three hours. You won't be able to keep up with their schedule, and they won't get enough practice from your sessions. You need to agree on a schedule beforehand.

— Some prefer private lessons, others group classes. If you're not used to large crowds, find a partner who feels the same. And vice versa.

— They must feel the dance. A partner without emotion won't make a true dance couple. Feeling the dance is important, and it's not just about rhythm.

Choosing the right partner will help you learn the technique of this beautiful dance faster, truly love dancing, and perform West Coast Swing beautifully.

This dance from America truly mesmerizes with its elegance and fluidity. The closeness between dancers energizes the audience and gives partners unforgettable emotions. Melodic movements turn an ordinary dance into a storytelling dance, revealing a multitude of feelings and emotions.