The Power of Music in West Coast Swing

When it comes to learning West Coast Swing, the connection between music and dance is paramount. As an end in itself, not just a means to an end, the quality of the music can make or break one's experience with WCS. In fact, new dancers often form their initial impression of the style based on the music they hear during their first exposure to it.

This was evident when we were hired by a regular student to teach a one-time West Coast Swing taster workshop at his university as part of a 1st-year orientation camp for 200 18-year-olds. The room was buzzing with youthful energy, and everyone was super excited to be starting their university journey and meeting new people.

However, things took an unexpected turn when our student put on a medium-tempo standard blues song from his personal WCS practice playlist as the music for the workshop. At first glance, it didn't seem like a bad choice, but as we began teaching, it became clear that the music wasn't quite suitable for beginners.

The students struggled to keep up with the tempo, and their swing and miss percentage was higher than usual. It wasn't until our student realized his mistake and switched to a slower-paced blues song that things started to fall into place. The students were able to connect with the music more easily, and their dancing improved significantly as a result.

This experience highlights the importance of choosing the right music for beginners in West Coast Swing. While it's true that WCS can be danced to a wide range of genres and tempos, slower-paced blues music is often ideal for new dancers who are still developing their skills. This allows them to focus on mastering the basics without feeling overwhelmed by fast or complex rhythms.

So, what's the takeaway from this story? When teaching West Coast Swing to beginners, it's essential to prioritize the quality of the music and choose songs that are suitable for their skill level. By doing so, you can create a more enjoyable and effective learning experience for your students.

Swing and miss percentage