WCS Foundations
8 moves · updated 12h ago · 1 revision
The standard first-months path: the core patterns nearly every beginner class teaches, in a common teaching order. Work through it top to bottom — by the end you can survive (and enjoy) any social floor.
Order is a suggestion, not a law. Different teachers sequence differently, and that's fine.
Log in to track which moves you've learned.
- Starter StepbeginnerLearner notes
Optional but useful from day one: it's really a connection check. Practice matching pressure with your partner before anything travels.
full videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Full from-zero beginner guide.
Total BEGINNERS Guide to West Coast Swing!
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivistfull videoCovers the starter step and left side pass together.
West Coast Swing Basic Steps (Starter Step & Left Side Pass)
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivist - Anchor StepbeginnerLearner notes
Learn this with your very first pattern, not after. If your anchors settle away from your partner, everything else in WCS gets easier. 'Good enough' = you can anchor without drifting forward.
full videoBen Morris (leader) &Victoria Henk (follower)Improvised dancing — watch the anchors: almost every pattern ends in play.
Improv West Coast Swing Dance - Ben Morris & Victoria Henk - Budafest 2024 Pro Jack & Jill
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivist - Sugar PushbeginnerLearner notes
The heart of the dance. Focus: relaxed arms, compression from body position, full anchor at the end. You will keep refining this one for years — aim for comfortable, not perfect.
full videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Full tutorial covering all four basics — this move among them.
How to Dance the West Coast Swing Basic Steps | Sugar Push, Side Pass, Whip
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivistfull video - Left Side PassbeginnerLearner notes
First traveling pattern. Leaders: open the door, don't pull through it. Followers: own your slot — walk straight down it.
full videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Beginner tutorial on the first four patterns — this move among them.
The First 4 Basics of WCS - Start Here!
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivistfull videoCovers the starter step and left side pass together.
West Coast Swing Basic Steps (Starter Step & Left Side Pass)
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivist - Right Side PassbeginnerLearner notes
Same geometry, other side, plus your first arch. Leaders: the raised hand is an invitation, keep it quiet. Ready to move on when you can dance push/LSP/RSP in any order without thinking.
full videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Beginner tutorial on the first four patterns — this move among them.
The First 4 Basics of WCS - Start Here!
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivistfull videoKyle Redd (leader) &Sarah Vann Drake (follower)Social-style champion Jack & Jill prelim — clean, social-floor-realistic patterns.
West Coast Swing | Kyle Redd + Sarah Vann Drake | Champion JJ Prelim - Desert City Swing
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivist - Sugar TuckbeginnerLearner notes
Your first turn from compression. Followers: the free turn is yours — practice spotting. Leaders: tuck with rotation, never with a push of the arm.
- WhipbeginnerLearner notes
The 8-count milestone. Expect this one to take a while — the redirection on 3&4 ('wait for the stretch') is a genuinely new skill. Drill it slow before you drill it fast.
full videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Full tutorial covering all four basics — this move among them.
How to Dance the West Coast Swing Basic Steps | Sugar Push, Side Pass, Whip
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivistfull videoBrian Barakauskas (leader)Dedicated basic whip tutorial.
West Coast Swing Basic Whip
Watch on YouTubeadded by archivist - Kick Ball ChangebeginnerLearner notes
Your first anchor variation, and the door into footwork play. Throw it on an anchor when the music tells you to.