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For information about all the West
Coast Swing, Hustle, Hand Dance and country dancing in the DC and Baltimore area
check out www.dance-info.com
What is West
Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a partner dance. It is characterized by a
distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression
technique of partner connection. Within the spectrum of partner dances, WCS is
one of the most improvisational. WCS may be danced to almost any music in 4/4
time. Such diverse musical genres as soul, funk, Rock and Roll, pop, hip-hop,
and disco may be found in a typical evening of WCS dancing.
Dance
Etiquette tips,
By Erik Novoa
Want to maximize your time on the dance floor?
Here are some tips to get you through the night.
1) Ask people's name.
It's much easier to ask someone to dance if
you actually know their name (duh!!).
2) Deodorant & Mouthwash.
You'd be surprised to know that the #1 reason
why people don't want to dance with other people is because of the way they
smell. If someone offers you a mint or a piece of gum, take it, or at least
assume that they're trying to tell you something. It's better to be safe than
sorry. Allergic to perfumes and colognes?, partner dancing is going to be
tough...consult your physician.
3) Correcting your partner.
I hear about this allllll the time. It's
simple, don't correct your partner. If your partner wants your advice, they'll
ask you for it. Don't assume that they want to learn from you...especially
during the middle of a dance. If you want to let someone know the secret of
that special move you know, ASK
them if they'd like you to show it to them
AFTER the dance.
4) How long do I have to
dance with him/her?
Realistically, you only have to bare with each other for about 4 minutes (avg.
length of a song). If you mutually enjoyed the dance, you can do another but
it's safe to walk away after one ride. If you're new or shy, you can always ask
someone to dance the final 2/3 of a song by saying "would you like to finish
this song?". Since you're only dancing for one song....trying smiling...it
makes it more enjoyable for both people.
5 ) Declining a Dance.
This is tough!! Eye contact is 90% of the game. Avoiding eye contact is a
polite way of avoiding being asked. Polite excuses (bathroom, tired, thirsty
etc) usually works too. But since it's a social environment, try to ask the
person who you formerly declined; it's good for Karma. If you find yourself
being declined a lot, try engaging in small conversation before asking someone
to dance. See advice #1-3 above.
If somebody asks you to dance and you decline
the dance, and somebody else asks you to do the same dance, that person should
be turned down as well, unless you had that dance "reserved" in addition. This
can also come in handy if you want to decline somebody else. You can always say
"I'm sorry, I just turned somebody else down".
6) How to ask for a dance:
You've learned all the steps but you can't get on the floor without asking
someone to dance. Summon up up your courage and learn these simple words,
"Would you like to dance? or May I have this dance? or May I have the
pleasure?" Men - Step up to the plate and ask others to dance...it's very
flattering. Women - Don't think that it's the man's job to be the only one to
ask...if you want to dance, learn how to ask too. It's goes both ways! (refer
back to tip #1 and #2 as easy ways to feel more comfortable approaching other
people).
7) Collisions:
If someone bumps into you, a wink or acknowledgement or a simple "Sorry" is all
that is needed. It does not matter who is in the wrong.
8) Dance Class Level:
A beginner should obviously take a beginner lesson. However many times an
intermediate/advanced dancer of another dance may want to jump into the
intermediate/advanced class of another dance. This is a mistake. All dances
are different, with different names of steps and different lead-follow
concepts. Hustle is different from West Coast Swing, which is different from
Lindy Hop, which is different from Ballet. If you are new to a dance (even if
you are a champion dancer in a another form), please start from the beginning.
Chances are, if you start from the beginning you will progress more quickly.
It is also polite to take the beginner class
if you're taking a class with an instructor with whom you are unfamiliar. If
you are truly an intermediate dancer, the beginner class gives you an
opportunity to work on some basics which might be particular to the instructor.
It also gives you the opportunity to work on your form. If you're truly an
intermediate dancer, the instructor will notice your fluidity of movement and
understanding of the dance.
How do you know if you're
ready to move on to the next level? Generally, you should have an understanding
of the names of the movements, are able to lead/follow the basic elements and
you know how many counts for the respective steps....then you can begin to move
on...provided that you aren't holding up the majority of the class. If you
happen to be asked not to participate or to "just watch"...don't feel bad. It's
not personal (you're not bad and it isn't the teacher trying to make you feel
inferior). An instructor is responsible for the safety and effective learning
of the entire class. Sometimes it's best to have someone watch instead of
participate because it might risk other's learning experience. A student shows
disrespect to other dancers, the teacher and him/herself when trying to jump
into a level that is beyond their current ability. Don't lose heart, in due
time (everyone is different), most students progress naturally into the
intermediate and advanced classes.
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