Sounds overly simple right. Not really. There are so many things to think about when you are dancing that you sometimes need a game plan to sort through them all. So here you go. Check these 3 things off your list an I promise your struggles with different partners will fade away.
What are the 3 keys to better west coast swing?
TAKE ACTION> Download the 3 Keys on Video
Key #1 – Know your footwork!
It never surprises me how many dancers struggle to do their footwork on their own. I could go on an on about the benefits but if you want to feel like a better dancer make sure you know your footwork. Practice doing all of your basic patterns by yourself. Try doing them with without music. Better WCS dancing is sure to follow. (no pun intended)
Key#2 – Manage your connection
Sometimes it becomes necessary to be a bit stronger or lighter in your connection. Cultivate the ability to lighten up or to hunker down on your connection. The ability to change your connection in response to what is going on in a particular dance is an important skill to have. Practice dancing a bit lighter than usual, then a bit heavier. See if you can find instances during the dance to use both when appropriate.
Key#3 – Assess your partner
One of the keys of teachers and pros is the ability to dance with a wide range of partners. You need to be able to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your partner and adjust accordingly. Use your skills from Key #1 & 2, your footwork and connection, to make adjustments based on your assessment. Are they ontime? Do they have connections issues? Perhaps if their footwork is too big, maybe its time to adjust and step bigger as well. Maybe you could lighten the connection, so your partners larger steps don’t pull you off balance.
TAKE ACTION> Download the 3 Keys on Video
I hope this gives you a few simple things to help improve your West Coast Swing. Looking forward to sharing more with you in upcoming posts!
Brian & Megan
We are enjoying all your helpful videos…
Thats so awesome to hear! Keep up the dancing. -Brian
I love WCS and would like to learn more. I’ve been doing WCS for about 1 year.
Hi there,
Thanks for the message.
I just put you on our ‘move of the week’ list.
We share awesome free WCS stuff 2X per month.
Enjoy!
-Brian