The name “West Coast Swing” didn’t
surface into the mainstream until the late 1960’s.
Before we can define West Coast Swing, it is important
to take a step back and understand what “Swing” is.
“Swing” is an All-American Rhythm Dance, consisting
of primarily 6-beat and/or 8-beat patterns. The following
dances all fall into the “Swing” family: Lindy, Dallas
Push/Houston Whip, Carolina Shag, East Coast Swing
and, of course, West Coast Swing.
West Coast Swing has certain characteristics which
define the dance and differentiate it from other forms
of Swing: |
