Want to improve your connection for west coast swing? Wether you’re a beginner dancer or a high level advanced competitor you need to always be learning. In the articles below we cover basic connection concepts all the way to the the things you see the pros do!
Learn to stretch the connection in your anchor step. Learn how to stay connected with partners during social dancing and competition. Don’t forget to check out the videos tab. We have dozens of videos dedicated to connection alone!
Connection rocks. Good connection in west coast swing is what makes dance feel amazing. Like all social, lead-follow dances, west coast swing depends on connection to make the dance work, and the highest levels of the dance are made possible through the magic of connection. And it is magic—the experience of a great connection can … Read more
The goal of a good connection is to be able to manipulate your center and have your partner’s center respond. This center-to-center connection makes it possible to move in tandem, rather than watching your partner do something and trying to copy it afterwards. No matter how quick you are, there will always be a delay … Read more
One of the distinguishing features of west coast swing is the elastic look and feel of the dance. This effect of stretching away from each other before moving in the same direction is distinct from the rock step motion that characterizes other forms of swing. Most dancers first learn about elasticity on the anchor. At … Read more
Leading and following become easier, more comfortable, and more responsive once you learn to lead or follow from your body’s movement, rather than your arm. But first we need to cover an important distinction. We need to understand that connection is not a lead. If you generally want to improve your connection, read this, but … Read more
Intermediate dancers are taught to flashlight their partner in order to enhance their connection. The next level of connection adds in an awareness of how the partner’s frame is asking to be shaped. The following drill is designed to practice this concept. The Drill: With a partner, stand in open position with a normal, left-to-right … Read more
by Brian B at west coast swing online
Brian & Megan 
