By Warren Choi, Kapolei
Swing, West Coast is the state dance of California and originated in the 1930's from the Lindy Hop. Both San Diego and Los Angeles claim to be the birthplace. One legend is that it originated by sailors who were too drunk to do anything but push the woman back and forth. It is characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. It was popularized by Dean Collins who traveled to Los Angeles from New York where he learned Savoy style swing.
It was originally called Sophisticated Swing and later Western Swing. West Coast swing can be danced to a variety of music styles. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that emphasize improvisation. Originally rhythm and blues was the favorite music style, but today you can see people dancing to country western, hop hop, disco or pop. 112 to 120 beats per minute is optimal but a very sexy West Coast Swing can be danced at 90 to 100 beats per minute.
Growing ever more prominent on the Island of Oahu. And it all boils down to the music. The Aficionados will enjoy the music tremendously and that is what they want to dance to. Most are very nice people and so it makes a lot of sense to me. If more people want to join in we can see no harm and a lot of good. You only get bad contamination when you feel your head leaning back a little and looking at those other "movers" through half lidded eyes. Watch it! And you can see more and appreciate it at the Swing Dance Club of Hawaii.
Swing, West Coast is the state dance of California and originated in the 1930's from the Lindy Hop. Both San Diego and Los Angeles claim to be the birthplace. One legend is that it originated by sailors who were too drunk to do anything but push the woman back and forth. It is characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. It was popularized by Dean Collins who traveled to Los Angeles from New York where he learned Savoy style swing.
"We can all be social dancers – but only if we actively choose it."
It was originally called Sophisticated Swing and later Western Swing. West Coast swing can be danced to a variety of music styles. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that emphasize improvisation. Originally rhythm and blues was the favorite music style, but today you can see people dancing to country western, hop hop, disco or pop. 112 to 120 beats per minute is optimal but a very sexy West Coast Swing can be danced at 90 to 100 beats per minute.
Growing ever more prominent on the Island of Oahu. And it all boils down to the music. The Aficionados will enjoy the music tremendously and that is what they want to dance to. Most are very nice people and so it makes a lot of sense to me. If more people want to join in we can see no harm and a lot of good. You only get bad contamination when you feel your head leaning back a little and looking at those other "movers" through half lidded eyes. Watch it! And you can see more and appreciate it at the Swing Dance Club of Hawaii.
"Social dancers believe that whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
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