West Coast Swing Classes at Atomic Ballroom
with Sam & Matt
Mondays
7:00 – 9:15 pm
West Coast Swing is a versatile and smooth partner dance known for its rhythmic elasticity, connection, and creative musicality. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your skills, our progressive class levels will help you develop confidence and technique on the dance floor.
Class Schedule & Descriptions
7:00 PM – West Coast Swing Level 1
The perfect starting point for beginners. This class covers the fundamental patterns and techniques of West Coast Swing, including the sugar push, side pass, underarm turn, whip, basket whip, and starter step. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm.
7:45 PM – West Coast Swing Level 2
For dancers who have mastered the basics and are ready to build on them. This class refines technique and connection, while introducing all forms of turns.
Prerequisite: Must know all Level 1 basics: sugar push, side pass, underarm turn, whip, basket whip, and starter step.
7:45 PM – West Coast Swing Level 2.5
A bridge between Level 2 and Level 3. This class focuses on concepts such as compactions, extensions, basic rhythm variations/syncopations, and introducing music theory. This class also serves as the audition for Level 3. Students must demonstrate proficiency before moving up.
Prerequisite: Must at least be comfortable with inside and outside turns on all basics. (Recommended: A full month of Level 2 before attempting this class.)
8:30 PM – West Coast Swing Level 3
Take your West Coast Swing to the next level. This class introduces more intricate patterns, variations, and advanced connection techniques. It’s designed for dancers who are comfortable with all fundamentals and are ready for more technical challenges.
Must take Level 2.5 before entering.
8:30 PM – West Coast Swing Level 4 (Competition-Based Class)
For dancers looking to refine their skills at a high level. This class is designed for those actively competing or looking to improve their competitive and social dance skills.
Prerequisite: 1 WSDC point or audition required. Social dancers are welcome.
For details on the audition process, please see the Level 4 audition description.
Level 4 Audition Process
West Coast Swing Level 4 is designed for dancers who want to push their skills to the highest level—whether you’re refining competition technique or mastering advanced social dance concepts. To ensure students are truly prepared, entry into Level 4 requires an audition held once a month from 9:15-9:30 PM, with both Samantha Buckwalter and Matt evaluating.
Our audition process is structured and transparent, so every dancer gets a fair and objective assessment. If you’re not quite ready, you’ll receive feedback on what to work on so you can crush your next audition!
Level 4 Audition Requirements
To be considered for Level 4, dancers must demonstrate:
Balance & Control: Execute an inside turn on each foot, finishing with control and holding balance with one foot off the floor.
- Footwork Comprehension: Show a Kick Ball Change and Tap Steps with clean technique.
- Advanced Movement Sequences: Perform an outside turn into a Rock & Go into an inside turn.
- Top Spinner Technique: Execute a Top Spinner with precision.
- Footwork Adaptability: Mirror and copy a six-count footwork pattern.
- Rhythm & Timing: Show a clear understanding of hitches and swung triples.
- Musical Awareness: Listen to a song and correctly identify the “1” of every 8-count.
- On-the-Fly Learning: Replicate a mystery pattern with minimal instruction.
This audition ensures every dancer in Level 4 has the foundation, technique, and musical understanding to thrive in a fast-paced, high-level learning environment. If you’re serious about leveling up your West Coast Swing, show up, give it your best, and let’s see what you’ve got!
Let us know if you have any questions—we can’t wait to see you on the floor!