Group Classes

Classes are ongoing each month in a monthly format. Some months may have alternate schedules due to holidays and/or special events.

For class information & registration policies see below.

Group Classes
4-week series

• Tuesday in SF – Sept 1,8,15,22
• Thursday in Palo Alto – Sept 3,*17,24,Oct 1 (*no class 9/10)

$50 Group Class, 4-week series; 1-hour per night
$70 Combo Group Class, 4-week series; 2-hours per night
(Fundamentals & Intermediate levels combo)

Drop-in class is $17 for 1-hour class; $25 for 2-hour class, per night

Registration:
Pre-register by paying with Zelle or Venmo.
Register at the door with Zelle, Venmo, or Cash.

Payment Options: Cash at door, Venmo, or Zelle.

Next Series Dates
Tuesday in SF – Oct 6,13,20,27
Thursday in Palo Alto – Oct 8,15,22,29

• Class series fees: listed in the chart
• Drop-in fees: $17/person for 1-hr class;  $25/person for 2-hr Combo class (Fundamentals & Intermediate)
• Payment: Cash payment at the door; also: Venmo (Friends & Family)

Classes are ongoing and present different material in each series. Class series typically begin the first week of the month (check schedules to verify dates). Each class series contains new material, as well as technique plus lead/follow and styling tips. New material is presented each week along with a review of the previous week’s material. Approximately the first 10 minutes of class is set aside for warm-up and practice with the balance of the class time composed of a review of previous week’s material, learning new material, and practice time. 

West Coast Swing Class Levels & Guidelines 

• Basics Plus class presents the basic steps, rhythm and West Coast Swing (WCS) concepts and requires no prior experience. 
• Fundamentals Plus class requires knowledge and proficiency of the basic steps. WCS Basic Steps include: Sugar Push, Under Arm Turn, Side Pass, Tuck Turn, Turning Basic, Basic Whip as well as some basic turns. (see WCS Basic Step List)
• Intermediate class requires knowledge and proficiency of the Fundamentals Plus level skills.

WCS Basic Step List

Instructional Video List

Classes can be taken as a monthly series or on a drop-in basis (space permitting). Pre-registration confirms your place in class and is a commitment to attend. Register at the door or pre-register by email 

• No refunds or credit for unattended classes. 
• Missed classes may not be carried over to another month. As a courtesy you may make up a missed class within the same month by exchanging a Tuesday/Thursday WCS Group Class or you can attend our San Mateo B Street Boogie WCS Wednesday or 2nd Sunday Swing Dance Class & Dance. Make-ups require an instructor-issued special pass. 
• Class series typically begins on the first week of the month. Holidays and special circumstances can alter series start dates.
  Email to confirm dates, available space and to receive more information. 
• Video recording is permitted only during the summary review at the end of class. Singles, couples and all ages welcome. We rotate partners so no partner is necessary or guaranteed.

Covid-19 health restrictions are no longer in effect.  Should requirements change they will be posted here. 

This swing dance style is a smooth, slotted dance done to many types of music. Traditionally west coast swing has been danced to rhythm & blues and jazz, however in recent years the music spectrum has broadened to include many other music styles such as rock, disco, country, and contemporary/funk. West Coast Swing is one of the most versatile partner dances there is allowing each partner to express their individual interpretation while doing the basic dance patterns, as well as more intricate steps, footwork, and body movement.

This is a very common style of swing you might see done socially at parties and weddings. East Coast Swing is typically danced to big band, rock & roll, rock-a-billy, jump blues, and some contemporary music. There are two basic rhythms used in east coast swing… single time (for faster music) and triple time (for slower to medium speeds of music). This style of swing dances more in the round contrasting to the slotted style of west coast swing.

This is the original form of swing dance. The Lindy has roots way back to the 1920’s when Jazz and Blues hit the music scene. You can see traces of Lindy in both East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing. The Lindy is primarily danced to big band, jazz, and blues music. There are a variety of Lindy styles. Each containing their own unique characteristics some examples are: Smooth Lindy, Hollywood Style Lindy, and Flying Lindy. Dance music speed varies from slower to faster depending on which Lindy style you are dancing.

An upbeat Swing dance style that originated in Southern California. This dance style was originally danced totally in closed dance position with emphasis on fast and intricate footwork. Bal-Swing, which encompases open figures, has evolved from the original Balboa style.

A smooth, slow to medium speed style of slotted swing with emphasis on footwork. Originally done in the southeastern United States (North & South Carolina & Virginia, Florida) and primarily danced to beach music … as well as other more traditional music styles of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and forward.

An upbeat swing style with emphasis on footwork & kicks. Typically danced to big band as well as faster R&B and Rock & Roll music.

A smooth style of swing with emphasis on 2-hand patterns, wraps, and turns. Done primarily in the midwest area of the United States. Danced to a variety of traditional R&B, Blues, and some contemporary music.

Similar to Texas Push and done in the southern Texas area. Danced primarily to traditional R&B & Blues.

Sort of a mixture between East and West Coast Swing, this dance uses a variety of music and originates in the Washington DC area.

Similar to East Coast Swing and done primarily in the southeastern United States. Danced to more traditional sounds of beach music, Rock & Roll, and R&B tunes.

Similar to East Coast Swing. Danced to faster traditional boogie woogie 1940’s style swing music; frequently big band tunes.

Similar to East Coast Swing. Danced to faster traditional swing music; big band tunes.