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West Coast Swing
The sophisticated style and ease of movement makes this dance
a popular favourite.
History:
In the 1940's
with the wild abandonment of the Jitterbug being banned from dance halls due
to too many injuries, Arthur Murray developed and documented several swing
steps that he later called "Sophisticated Swing". This was the beginning of
what is now called West Coast Swing. Arthur Murray is credited with the
first codifications of West Coast Swing and used such names as "Under Arm
Pass, The Whip and The Sugar Push" to describve the patterns. The ladies
taking "two walking steps forward" towards the man at the beginning of each
pattern was standardized in his studios. In 1989 California selected the
West Coast Swing as its state dance. Today there are over 5000 documented
West Coast Swing step patterns and more are added every year.
Music:
West Coast Swing
can be danced to almost any music written in 4/4 time, from the Blues to
Discxo, Jazz, Pop, Country or Big Band. It is considered a "living dance" in
that it is constantly evolving, growing and changing to the music styles
currently in vogue.
Characteristics:
The West Coast
Swing differs from other swing dances because of it's distinctive "dancing
in a slot" approach, where the lady's movement takes her towards theman, not
away, such as in a rock step.
Teaching
Elements:
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Footwork--Steps
are done in a slot, moving forwards and backwards
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Dance Position--Varies
depending on the step being done.
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Movement--More
of a smooth glide than up and down or bounce
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Motion & Accents--Stress
the use of beats to steps and body to music
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Anchor Steps--Occur
at the end of every step pattern
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Compare/Contrast--East
Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Carolina Shag
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