For information about all the West Coast Swing, Hustle, Hand Dance and country dancing in the DC and Baltimore area check out www.dancejamdc.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.