West Coast Dance

Moves

The west coast swing is generally known for its slot

dance style. Slot dancing is when the couple dances

in a particular area or line—usually a 3 x 6 or a 3 x 8

rectangular dance slot. It was said that this was

done to make it easier for directors to keep the

dancers in focus (wide angle lenses have not been

invented yet). However the more accurate reason

for this is most probably the use of space it allows

other dancers to join in the crowded dance floors.

Sometimes the west coast swing is closely

associated with western swing but this is not always

the same dance. You will find that the music used

for west coast swing varies from jazz, blues and

some western melodies once in a while. Definitely it

started out being performed with the big band style

of music but has evolved over the years to rock and

roll and other contemporary songs.