Tag Archives: West Coast Swing

West Coast Swing Jack & Jill Dance Competition

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The West Coast Swing dance community is so rich in talent, it’s hard to showcase just one signature dancer. Amateur competitions are held up and down the California coast, from novice to advanced. One of my favorites is called “Jack & Jill”: dancers put their names in a hat and compete on the spot with a randomly chosen partner.

The results are delightful, creative, and unexpected. The top couples are in sync with each other and the music, while the choreography often takes a surprising turn.

Here are Jack & Jill Champions Patty Vo and Kyle Redd at the Reno Dance Sensation in 2007. It takes them :30 seconds to get started—but it’s worth the wait.

West Coast Swing Dance

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West Coast Swing is a dancer’s dance. It’s a slower, bluesy version of East Coast Swing or Jitterbug. Danced to classic or contemporary blues tunes, it’s built on a six-count pattern with variations of eight or ten. It’s fun and playful, fast or slow; alluring or rapid-fire. The musical breaks and beats give dancers time for creative footwork and syncopated movements.

Here’s one of my favorite performances:  Benji Schwimmer and Heidi Groskreutz at the 2001 US Open Swing Dance Championships. The sheer physicality, artistry, and choreography caught the eye of talent scouts. Both dancers landed on national TV dance shows: