Time To Learn

7:15pm-8:15pm WCS 200 series class at the VFW
7:45pm-9:00pm WCS 300 series class at Unity Somerville
8:15pm- approximately 9:15pm WCS 101 & 102 drop-in classes at the VFW
Admission is $12 ($6 students) and includes the drop-in classes and social dancing

Learning west coast swing is a fun way to meet new friends and get moving! .We offer a variety of drop-in classes and series classes for your learning enjoyment. Our classes have something for everyone, from the “never-danced-before” beginner, to the “I’ve got my basics” dancer, to the “give me more tricks” dancer.

West coast swing is a living dance, a street dance, and an art form above all else. Progress is never quite linear like in syllabized ballroom styles of dance, but we do our best to guide dancers to a class that fits their needs. Students may place themselves in the drop-in class they feel is most appropriate, but if you need help choosing, ask for an instructor at the DJ booth. All of our series classes require an audition, completion of a lower-level series, or WSDC competitive points in order to join. That’s not to scare anyone off- we want you to be in a class with others who are in a similar place in their dance journey for maximum learning fun!

 

  • Our drop-in classes are offered from 8:15pm-9:15pm every single Wednesday at the VFW. Class sizes are not capped- join us any time! Register online by choosing that week’s “Wednesday Dance” or register at the door (please note that we do not have a credit card reader on site). Your admission fee includes a drop-in class plus social dancing afterwards.

    WCS 101

    If you’re new to west coast swing or looking to brush up your basics, this is the class for you! We’ll take you from two left feet to social dance champ in one hour flat. Covers left and right side pass, push break, and tuck. We recommend that new dancers take this class 4-8 times before transitioning to WCS 102 or to series classes.

    WCS 102

    It’s time to spice up your basics and learn more complex movements and concepts. We’ll cover technique, partnership skills, whips, turns, and beyond. We recommend that new dancers take WCS 101 4-8 times before transitioning to WCS 102 or to series classes.

  • For dancers who want to dedicate some extra time and love to their technique and artistry, our month-long progressive classes are the place to be! These classes require pre-registration for a separate fee (social dancing is included). Dancers should be confident in WCS 101 material before auditioning for WCS 200-level classes. Learn more here.

    WCS 200 series (7:15pm-8:15pm at the VFW)

    WCS 200 classes are for newer dancers who are confident in WCS 101 material (or experienced dancers going back to polish up their basics) We’ll refine your push, pass, and tuck, introduce more complex movements, and practice the higher-level concepts behind how to feel good and have fun while dancing. Registration for this class includes the 8:15pm drop-in classes plus social dancing. Requires audition or competitive status to join.

    WCS 300 series (7:45pm-9:00pm at Unity Somerville)

    WCS 300 classes are for the more experienced dancer looking to take their technical training to the next level. Deep dive into lead-follow theory, movement mechanics, musicality, and more to become your best social dancing self! Registration for this class includes social dancing at the VFW. Requires audition, competitive status, or completion of WCS 200 classes to join.

    Learn more about the classes, prerequisites, and auditions here.

  • New dancers should start in our weekly WCS 101 drop-in class. We recommend taking this class at least 4-8 times before trying a higher-level class. From there, you have two options: continue drop-in classes with WCS 102 or transition to the WCS 200-level series classes.

    WCS 102 is our weekly drop-in class for dancers who are confident in WCS 101 material (which usually takes 4-8 classes plus some social dancing). If you’re looking to learn at a more relaxed pace and change up the topic/teachers every week, this is the class for you.

    WCS 200 is a group of three month-long classes for dancers who are confident in WCS 101 material (we really mean it: 4-8 classes seems to be the sweet spot for getting comfy). If you like having a regular instructor and progressive class material, this is where you want to be. WCS 200 is made up of three sections: WCS 201, 202, & 203. Hop in at any point; no need to wait for WCS 201 to roll around again before starting. Place yourself here based on WSDC competitive points or sign up for an audition.

    WCS 300 is a group of four month-long classes for dancers with a strong foundation in their basics. If you’re ready to push your technical and artistic skills to the next level, this is the place for you. WCS 300 is made up of three sections: WCS 301, 302, 303, & 304. Hop in at any point; no need to wait for WCS 301 to roll around again before starting. Place yourself here based on WSDC competitive points, sign up for an audition, or complete all three WCS 200 classes.

  • It’s not, promise. Our series classes have prerequisites like an audition or a certain competitive status to make sure everyone in the class is in a similar place in their learning journey. The formal one-on-one part of the audition is with one of our instructors and take 1-2 minutes tops. They’ll also sneak a peek at your social dancing later in the evening to see how you dance when you’re relaxed. The best part? You only have to audition one time per level, per role. Once you’re in, you’re in forever. Hooray! Drop-in classes do not have a formal audition process, but dancers taking WCS 102 should be confident in their left and right side passes, push break, and tuck. Learn more about series class prerequisites and sign up for an audition here.

Arriving to class on time

Please note that we close the doors for our 8:15pm drop-in classes at 8:25pm so that latecomers don’t disrupt the teachers or the other students. If you arrive after 8:25pm, our front desk staff will invite you in at the start of social dancing, usually between 9:15pm-9:30pm. There’s an excellent and reasonably priced bar upstairs with a pool table and seating area while you wait. While this may feel frustrating, it helps our instructors give a better class and prevents issues and injuries caused by dancers who arrive late and miss important material.

 

Time To Play

9:25PM-11:45PM WCS social dancing (every Wednesday night)
George Dilboy VFW Post- Somerville, MA

Admission is $12 ($6 students) and includes the drop-in lessons and social dancing.

Social dancing is the heart and soul of west coast swing. It’s where you find your own style, learn how to adapt to different partners, and experience the joy of improvised lead/follow dancing. Come play with us!

New to social dancing? Read our FAQ.

Our code of conduct defines expectations of attendees, staff, and special guest instructors/performers in order to maintain our fun, safe community environment.