West Coast Swing Glossary

Anchor, sugar push, whip? West Coast Swing comes with its own vocabulary. This West Coast Swing glossary explains, in alphabetical order, the most common terms you’ll hear in class, on the social floor and at events. New to the dance? Start with What Is West Coast Swing?

Jump to: A · B · C · F · H · I · J · L · M · N · P · R · S · T · U · W

WCS terms from A to Z

Advanced

The fourth competition level in the WSDC system, after Intermediate. Experienced competitors with solid technique and musicality dance here.

All-Star

The level above Advanced in the WSDC system. To compete in All-Star you need enough points at Advanced level.

Anchor

The ending of most WCS patterns, usually on counts 5&6 (in 6-count patterns) or 7&8 (in 8-count patterns). The couple settles at the end of the slot with a light stretch, so both are ready for the next pattern.

Basket whip

A whip variation in which the follower is wrapped into the leader’s arm, in a kind of “basket”, before being rotated out again and sent back down the slot.

Bootcamp

An intensive class lasting several hours, often on a Saturday, that goes deep into one level or topic. Our bootcamps take place at Sagene samfunnshus.

Break

A spot in the music where the beat stops or pauses briefly. “Hitting the break” – for example by freezing in a pose – is one of the most fun ways to show musicality.

Champion

The highest competition level in the WSDC system, for the very best dancers, often professional teachers.

Coaster step

A step pattern with three weight changes – back, together, forward. Followers often use it in the anchor instead of a regular triple step.

Compression

When partners press lightly towards each other through their arms and bodies, building up energy. Compression is the opposite of stretch, and alternating between the two gives WCS its elastic feel.

Connection

The contact between leader and follower – through the hands, arms and posture – that lets you communicate without words. Also used for your connection to the music.

Frame

The posture and tone in your upper body and arms that let movement travel between partners. With a good frame the lead feels clear without anyone pulling or pushing.

Free spin

A spin in which the follower turns without holding the leader’s hand before the couple reconnects.

Hijack

When the follower takes over the lead for a moment and changes the direction or timing of a pattern. A fun reminder that WCS is a dialogue, not a monologue.

Intermediate

The competition level after Novice in the WSDC system. Also used generally for intermediate classes and workshops.

Jack & Jill

The most common competition format in WCS: you are randomly paired with a partner and dance to music you don’t know in advance. Everything is improvised, and placing in a final earns WSDC points.

Leader and follower

The two roles in the partner dance. The leader suggests direction and timing; the follower interprets the signals and fills the dance with their own style. Anyone can learn both roles.

Left side pass

One of the basic 6-count patterns: the follower passes on the leader’s left side while the leader steps out of the slot to let them through. The couple swaps ends of the slot.

Musicality

The ability to interpret the music in your dancing – hitting accents and breaks, following the mood and varying speed and energy. One of the most important skills in WCS, both socially and in competition.

Newcomer

The entry level in the WSDC system, for dancers who are new to competing. Not every event offers a Newcomer division.

Novice

The level after Newcomer. Once you have earned enough Novice points you may – and eventually must – move up to Intermediate.

Points (WSDC points)

The points you earn by placing in a Jack & Jill final at a WSDC event. How many you get depends on your placement and the size of the event. Your points decide which level you compete in.

Right side pass

A basic 6-count pattern in which the follower passes on the leader’s right side, usually while turning under the arm – which is why it is often called the underarm turn.

Routine

A choreographed piece to chosen music, performed as a show or in dedicated competition divisions.

Slot

The narrow, imaginary lane on the floor in which WCS is danced. The follower travels back and forth along the slot while the leader mostly stays in the middle.

Social dancing (social)

Free dancing where a DJ plays music and everyone asks each other to dance, usually for one or two songs per partner. Westie Wednesday in Oslo is an example.

Spotlight

When one couple (or a few couples) dances alone on the floor in front of judges and audience, typically in a Jack & Jill final.

Stretch

The elastic tension created when partners extend away from each other, especially in the anchor. Also called leverage. Stretch and compression give the dance its characteristic “rubber band” feel.

Strictly Swing

A competition format in which you dance with a partner of your choice, but to music you don’t know in advance.

Styling

The personal touches that make your dancing unique – arm movements, footwork, body movement and how you interpret the music. Our Patterns & Styling class on Thursdays is all about this.

Sugar push

Often the first pattern you learn: a 6-count pattern in which the follower comes in towards the leader, you meet in a brief compression, and the follower is sent back to the same end of the slot. Also called the push break.

Triple step

Three quick weight changes over two beats, counted “3&4” or “5&6”. Together with walk-walk, the triple step is the basic rhythm of WCS.

Tuck turn

An underarm turn in which the leader first gives a small “tuck” – a short compression with a little rotation – that sends the follower into the turn. One of the five basic patterns.

Underarm turn

A turn in which the follower turns under the leader’s arm. In WCS the term usually refers to the right side pass.

Walk-walk

The first two counts (1, 2) of most basic patterns: two ordinary walking steps that get the dance moving.

Westie

A nickname for a West Coast Swing dancer – and for the whole community. “Westie Wednesday” is our Wednesday social in Oslo.

Whip

A basic 8-count pattern in which the follower comes in towards the leader, rotates around with them and is sent back to the same end of the slot. There are countless variations, such as the basket whip.

Workshop

A single class on a specific topic, such as styling, musicality or a new pattern. Workshops are held at festivals and as standalone events.

WSDC

World Swing Dance Council – the international organisation that sanctions WCS events, sets competition rules and keeps the registry of dancers’ points. Winter White WCS in Oslo is a WSDC event.

Ready to try it yourself?

The best way to learn the words is to dance them. Join a class in Oslo or Ås, or read First time with us? before you come.