This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackFor new dancers, one of the key moments in learning WCS is when they are able to relax during the anchor instead of racing through it. Relaxing seems odd during the anchor—after all, you are doing a triple step and you need to have… Continue Reading
Tag Archives: beginner track
Fixing Your Footwork
This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackInevitably, you will end up on the wrong foot at the end of a pattern. It’s ok! This drill will help you correct your footwork in time for the next pattern. To fix your footwork, simply add an extra weight transfer before beginning your… Continue Reading
Staying in the Anchor
This entry is part 6 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackNow that you know how to perform an anchor, the next skill to master is staying in the anchor position. For leaders, stopping the forward momentum into the anchor is a challenging skill. Because the leader is traveling towards the follower right before the… Continue Reading
The WCS Anchor and Body Weight
This entry is part 5 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackLast week, we practiced the foot position of the WCS anchor. This week, we’re going to focus on where your body weight is during the anchor. Remember that anchors stretch away from your partner. This drill will teach you how to do this throughout… Continue Reading
Learning the WCS Anchor
This entry is part 4 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackThe anchor is one of the most important parts of west coast swing. Not only does every pattern end in an anchor—so you dance anchors a lot—but the anchor is also responsible for much of the distinctive look to WCS. Elasticity, smoothness, the relaxed… Continue Reading
Learning the WCS Rhythms: 6s and 8s
This entry is part 3 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackNow that you’re comfortable with triple steps, it’s time to put those steps into your basic patterns. There are two basic rhythms in WCS: the six count rhythm and the 8 count rhythm. Six Count Rhythms: Once you are comfortable with triple steps, six… Continue Reading
Learning the WCS Rhythms: Triples
This entry is part 2 of 8 in the series Beginner TrackOne of the first challenges that WCS poses for new dancers is that the basic rhythms are more tricky than most social dances. First, WCS has two basic rhythms: the six count rhythm and the eight count rhythm. Second, both WCS rhythms include triple… Continue Reading
Beginner Track Intro
Welcome to the WCS Beginner Track series! This series of posts is designed to get new west coast swing dancers started with good practice habits. Whether you are new to dancing or coming to WCS with previous dance experience, this series will establish a solid foundation for learning west coast.… Continue Reading