First Time with Us?
We’re so glad you want to try West Coast Swing! Here are answers to the questions most people have before their first class: whether you need a partner, what to wear, which level suits you and how the social works. Can’t find your answer? Get in touch and we’ll help.
Do I need a partner?
No! You’re very welcome to come on your own. We rotate partners during class, so you’ll meet lots of people over the evening.
At our socials and parties everyone dances with everyone, and at Thursday open practice you can practise solo or with a partner.
Are classes taught in English?
Yes – we teach in Norwegian or English, depending on who is in the class. If you don’t speak Norwegian, you’re just as welcome.
What should I wear?
Wear clothes you can move freely in and that won’t get too warm. Many people bring a spare T-shirt, and a water bottle is always a good idea.
Shoes: choose shoes with a smooth sole that lets you turn and glide easily – for example trainers with a worn sole, leather-soled shoes or dance shoes with a suede sole. Avoid shoes with a lot of rubber grip, which make turning hard work. There’s no need to buy dance shoes until you know you love the dance. Please bring a pair of clean shoes that you only wear indoors – our venues require it.
Which level should I choose?
- Brand new in Oslo? Start with Level 1 on Thursdays at 18:00 at Studio Orient. On Wednesdays there are classes for Levels 2–4 and the Comp level at Sagene samfunnshus, followed by the Westie Wednesday party for all levels.
- In Ås there is a new beginner course (six Tuesdays from October 20) and an Intermediate class. Not sure which level is right for you? Get in touch and we’ll find the right option.
- Danced before? If you’re unsure of your level, ask us and we’ll help you find the right group.
We also run bootcamps for different levels, from Beginner Bootcamp to Advanced. See events in Oslo.
How do I book?
You book and pay through our booking system on zoo.dance: See all classes and events. You’ll also find booking links on the Oslo and Ås pages.
Students in Ås get 20% off with the code STUDENT at checkout. Please note in the comments which class you’re joining.
Drop-in or full semester?
In Ås you can choose between a full semester (class + party) for 2,400 NOK and drop-in for 250 NOK per evening. Students get 20% off both. Drop-in is a great way to try before you commit.
In Oslo a monthly pass costs 850 NOK for Level 1 (beginners) and 1,050 NOK for the other levels. Semester passes cost 2,800 NOK for one class, 5,500 NOK for two classes and 8,000 NOK for Semester Gold (three classes, practice included). Drop-in is 300 NOK for one class and 550 NOK for two. The Westie party and the Thursday practice are 100 NOK each. Students get 20% off with a valid student ID.
How does the social work?
On Wednesdays in Oslo we stay after class for Westie Wednesday – our social at Sagene samfunnshus. On Thursdays there’s open practice from 20:20 to 22:00, where you can work on what you’ve learned. In Ås, class and party are part of the same evening.
At a social the DJ plays music and everyone asks each other to dance, usually for one or two songs at a time. It’s perfectly normal to ask someone yourself, even as a beginner – and just as fine to say no if you need a break. You don’t need to know many patterns: a few basics go a long way, and experienced dancers are happy to adapt to your level.
Am I too old – or too young?
There is no age limit. We don’t have dedicated youth classes yet – but if you gather at least 10 dancers from your school class, we’ll happily set up a course just for you!
West Coast Swing is a social partner dance that doesn’t require any special background or fitness level. Much of the dance is based on ordinary walking steps, and you set your own pace.
Where are you?
- Sagene samfunnshus, Kristiansands gate 2, 0463 Oslo (Wednesdays, bootcamps and parties)
- Studio Orient, Arbeidergata 4, 0159 Oslo (Thursdays)
- Ås menighetshus, Johan K. Skanckes vei 7, 1434 Ås (Tuesdays)
More questions?
Call or text us at +47 991 59 088, email info@argomovement.com or message us on Instagram (@argo_movement). Want to know more about the dance first? Read What Is West Coast Swing? and our glossary.