West Coast Swing Series Classes

By far the easiest way to move up a level: all you have to do is click a button and show up to class!

When you register for a series class, you’ll see a check box asking if you’d like to be evaluated for the next level of class (ex. in WCS 100 class registration, it will ask if you’d like to be evaluated for the WCS 200 class). Your teachers will quietly observe your skills in class and on the social floor over the course of the month and let you know at the end if you can move up to the next level of class.

Once you qualify for a level as a leader or follower, you don’t have to audition for that level in that role ever again. If you want to take the class in the other role, please audition in that role. Here's a detailed breakdown of the skills we look for.

Click here to schedule an audition

Scheduled auditions are intended for dancers who feel ready to jump straight into a higher-level class without working their way up from WCS 100. At an in-person audition, you’ll have two opportunities for you to show your stuff: a brief one-on-one audition with an instructor plus an observation of your social dancing (we try to be subtle, promise!). This allows us to both feel your connection and see what you dance like when you’re relaxed and having fun. For video auditions, an instructor will review your video and get back to you within 5 business days. Sign up for an audition or submit your video audition here!

Once you qualify for a level as a leader or follower, you don’t have to audition for that level in that role ever again. If you want to take the class in the other role, please audition in that role. Here's a detailed breakdown of the skills we look for.

Click here to schedule an audition

• Must execute a recognizable left side pass, underarm turn, push break, and tuck

• Must demonstrate an adequate understanding of frame

  • Appropriate tone in the arm most of the time (not overly engaged or overly lax)

  • Demonstrates appropriate hand hold most of the time

  • Bend in the elbow/arm not fully extended on 6

• Must demonstrate an adequate understanding of the shape of basic 6-count patterns

  • Stretch and compression must exist in some form and in approximately the correct spots in each 6-count basic

  • Partners appropriately navigate the slot at least half of the time

    • Leaders: opening the door for passes, staying on the slot for push break and tuck

    • Followers: traveling in a relatively straight line, rotating in the requested direction

    • Both: visual attention directed towards partner and/or ensuring partner’s safety

• Must demonstrate an adequate understanding of basic 6-count rhythms

  • Steps and body movement should approximate the beat of the music

  • The full 6-count movement should be demonstrated at least half of the time

    • Leader initiates the next pattern after the full 6-count basic

    • Follower waits to step forwards when requested rather than anticipating the lead

Click here to schedule an audition

• Must execute a left side pass, underarm turn, push break, tuck, basic whip, inside turn, outside turn, starter step, and pickups and send outs from closed. Additional variations allowed

• Must demonstrate an adequate understanding of the shape of basic 6- and 8-count patterns

  • Stretch and compression are applied consistently and at an adequate level such that basic lead-follow dancing is occurring at least half of the time

    • Leader steps with their hand and body in the direction they are asking their follower to travel

    • Follower listens for redirection cues rather than anticipating the lead

  • Partners end each 6- or 8- count with at least a slight bend in the elbow

  • Partners appropriately navigate the slot most of the time

    • Visual attention focused on either the partner or ensuring the partner’s safety

    • Basic whip is executed as a slotted movement

    • Adequate transition between starter step and basic WCS

• Must demonstrate an excellent understanding of basic 6- and 8-count rhythms

  • Steps and body movement should closely match the beat of the music

  • Dancers initiate movements on the downbeat the majority of the time

  • The full 6- and 8-count movements should be demonstrated the vast majority of the time

    • Leader initiates the next pattern after the full basic

    • Follower waits to redirect when requested rather than anticipating the lead