Two swings, two moods
West Coast vs East Coast swing: slot or circle?
They share a name and a family tree, but West Coast and East Coast swing feel like different dances. One is smooth and stretchy; the other is bouncy and round. Telling them apart takes about a minute; picking your first takes a little longer.
- Rated 4.9 on Google
- Founded by World and British champions
- Adults only
- No partner needed
Side by side
West Coast Swing
Danced in a long, narrow lane, with the follow travelling up and down it. Elastic connection, an anchor at the end of patterns, and modern pop, R&B and blues. Lots of room to improvise.
East Coast Swing
A rock step and triple steps in a relaxed, rotating pattern. Danced to rock ‘n’ roll, big band and upbeat pop. The easiest way into swing.
How they feel to dance
East Coast Swing feels light and springy. You bounce through the triple steps, turn around each other, and the shapes are simple and cheerful. It’s a dance that makes people smile within the first few minutes.
West Coast Swing feels grounded and elastic. The connection through your arms stretches and compresses like a rubber band, and the music is often slower and moodier. It takes longer to feel natural, but it gives you more room to play. Our full West Coast Swing guide goes into the slot and the anchor.
If you want to grin, start East Coast. If you want to groove, start West Coast.
Where jive fits
East Coast Swing has a faster, sharper cousin: jive, one of the five competition Latin dances, with kicks, flicks and quick, bouncy footwork. If you enjoy East Coast and want more speed and technique, jive is the natural next step. West Coast went the other way, slowing down and stretching out.
Learning either at Beach Ballroom
West Coast Swing is taught by Ilinca. East Coast Swing and jive are coached by our ballroom and Latin team. Swing group classes are added to the schedule when there’s interest, booked with a 5, 10 or 20 class pass, and private lessons can start any week, from $140 + tax. Ask what’s running through the booking form, or call the studio on Queen Street East and ask when the next group starts.
Still deciding?
A $99 consultation with a senior coach is a quick way to try a little of both and leave knowing which swing suits you.