WHAT EXACTLY IS WEST COAST SWING?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a vibrant, modern dance style that’s taking the world by storm. Originating from the West Coast of the U.S., this dance evolved from Lindy Hop and stands out for its adaptability and improvisational flair. You can groove to a wide array of music, from pop and hip hop, to RnB, country, jazz and blues. One of the reasons for its popularity, especially on social media, is the freedom it offers both partners to improvise, creating fun and unexpected moments on the dance floor.
WHERE AND WHEN
CAN I LEARN?
At Westie Wednesday, we’re head over heels for WCS, and we’re sure you will be too. Our community in Oslo is all about support, positivity and fun. We want to see you thrive and enjoy every step of your dance journey.
We host weekly classes every wednesday at Sagene Samfunnshus in Oslo, followed up by an open social dance where everyone is welcome to dance together and practise the things they’ve learned in class. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our classes are the perfect place to grow your skills and meet new friends!
Schedule & Prices
Meet the Instructors
ERLEND SØHOEL
Erlend, a westerner from Sogn, loves dancing anywhere—outside and inside, on beaches and mountains, in fast food queues and bars, by waterfalls and forests. His strongest dance style is WCS, with some experience in folkeswing, Brazilian zouk, and bachata sensual.
With a background as an instructor in football and climbing, Erlend now works as an engineer in an IT-production company in Oslo and lives in Ås. He is known for making everyone feel amazing on the dance floor and won the Most Social Dance Award at Winter White in 2023. Erlend is looking forward to teaching the joy of West Coast Swing with you!
NORA BIRKENES
ROBIN SYNNESTVEDT LYSAKER
Robin’s passion for West Coast Swing began in 2016, and within six months he attended his first international event, he was fully hooked. He quickly found success in competitions and started teaching in 2022. As an instructor, Robin emphasizes clear communication and a deep understanding of the dance, always prioritizing the comfort and connection in his partnerships.
Competing at an advanced level, Robin travels frequently to stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving West Coast Swing scene. He also enjoys DJing at many of the events he attends, adding another dimension to his involvement in the dance community. Robin takes pride in every aspect of West Coast Swing and is dedicated to continuously expanding his knowledge and sharing his passion with others.
KIM TOMAS LAIVINDIL KLEVENGEN
Kim Tomas discovered Rock Step Swing at the University of Oslo in 2008 and has been dancing ever since. He has enjoyed various styles, including LA Salsa, Boogie Woogie, and Lindy Hop, but fell in love with West Coast Swing in 2010. Holding a “Trener 1 – Swing” certification from the Norwegian Dance Association, Kim Tomas has extensive teaching experience from Rock Step Swing at OSI Dans.
Beyond dance, Kim Tomas is a dedicated football referee and advocate for worker’s rights. His enthusiasm and expertise makes him an inspiring teacher, ready to share the joy of West Coast Swing.
IDA MARIE STRAND
Ida began her dance journey with Norwegian folk swing in 2018 and discovered her passion for West Coast Swing during a visit to the US in 2022. Growing up above the Arctic Circle, she moved to Oslo last fall to fully immerse herself in the dance scene. For Ida, dancing represents pure happiness and is the ultimate form of self-expression. She has been honing her skills with Ardena & other professionals, determined to make dance her life’s path.
Ida’s students love her authentic personality & passion for teaching. With a keen eye for detail, she excels at helping dancers master the nuances that make WCS more enjoyable. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her an exceptional teacher, ready to inspire and elevate the dance community
ARDENA GOJANI
Ardena was instrumental in starting the West Coast Swing community in Norway. She helped inspire its growth and took risks to bring professionals from all over the world to help develop the WCS dance scene. Ardena has been teaching and competing internationally since 2014 and organizes an annual international event called Winter White, which has been held since 2012.
She is the founder of Westie Wednesday and splits her time between Vienna and Norway, focusing on developing better quality dancers and teachers to grow the community of WCS in Oslo. While dance is her main passion, she loves to be outdoors and spend time with friends and family, either cooking a good meal or jamming with good music by a bonfire.
READY TO GET STARTED?
To join one of our classes, all you have to do is make your payment of the preferred class on Vipps #70658. You can find all pricing in the Vipps menu. Once the payment is complete, you’re officially ready to go!
It is also possible to come buy for drop-ins for classes and parties.
Private lessons can be arranged directly with the instructor and is also possible to do online.
See you on the dance floor!