Learn West Coast Swing from one of the Top Competitors & Instructors in Los Angeles
Start Learning Today.
Whether you’re looking to learn the dance from scratch, jump-start your basics, brush up on technique, or are coming to West Coast Swing as an experienced dancer from another genre, you’ve come to the right place.
Aidan is one of the top competitors in the world of West Coast Swing, with titles at some of the toughest events in America and Europe. He works hard to keep his skills fresh, studying with top professionals such as Jordan Frisbee, Ben Morris, Brandi Guild, and Sean McKeever to ensure his information is up-to-date, relevant, and comprehensive.
Schedule your first private lesson today by choosing an available time from Aidan’s calendar to the left. Feel free to include some information on your dance history and goals, and Aidan will get in touch with his studio address information.
Book a lesson with Aidan at Starlight Dance Studio in San Diego, California by choosing from an available time below:
What is West Coast Swing?
WCS is a lead-follow partner dance rooted in Lindy Hop, that is danced to a mix of modern music including Pop, R&B, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acoustic, and Electronic. The style of west coast swing is rooted in improvisation, drawing inspiration from a growing list of dance styles it combines smooth and rhythmic characteristics with the soul of a street dance to create an ever-evolving style that has continued to grow and change over time to fit the current music styles.
Dance Characteristics
WCS is a partner dance built off of a lead-follow dynamic using a variety of shared patterns mixed with improv elements to accent the music. While the leader and follower both have responsibilities tied to their primary role, each has ample opportunities to embellish within the basic pattern structure. In West Coast Swing, there is an emphasis on connection, footwork, and musicality.
The dance generally utilizes a linear slot, the follower will generally travel from one end of the slot to the next with the leader either switching sides or remaining centered. At more advanced levels, this slot will rotate, travel, or even bend, however, the dance does not utilize a circular shape as Lindy Hop does, or a progressive track as Country 2-step utilizes.
WCS patterns finish with an “anchor”; meaning the leader and follower both move away from a central point at the end of most patterns. This central point may travel at a more advanced level but is still utilized to create the stretch and elasticity that WCS is known for.
Where to Social Dance in San Diego/Oceanside.
While Aidan offers private instruction, there are many other fantastic teachers who offer private lessons and group classes in the area, as well as a number of incredibly fun social dances. Feel free to message Aidan if you would like more information about any of these venues, or need advice on finding social dancing or instruction in your area.
For your convenience, Aidan has included the most up-to-date info on some of the main nights of social dancing in San Diego to the right. You can also check the regularly updated calender here: https://westcoastswingsandiego.com/social-dancing/
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Westie Groove is a weekly dance for all WCS dancers. Regardless of your level, experience, age, or music preference you will find a home here.
Between a roster of amazing DJs and inspiring teachers and both beginner and int/adv classes available each week, Westie Groove is where you belong. It’s also the perfect place to bring those friends who are interested in experiencing WCS for the first time!
Weekly on Wednesdays
Infinity Danceport Center
7243 Engineer Rd
San Diego, CA 92111
7-8pm: Intermediate/Adv Class
7-8pm: Free Beginner Class
8pm – 11:30pm: Dance
Further info:
https://sdwestie.com/westie-groove/
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Why Choose Starlight Dance Studio
Benefits of being a dancer
🏆 World Class Instructors
Our instructors as some of the best in the world. Many of our instructors currently compete and hold titles at the highest level of their dance.
🥳 Creative & Fun People
Dancing is a great way to meet new people who share an interest in learning and growing as dancers. Starlight Dance offers several social dance events and group classes each month geared towards meeting new and exciting people.
🩰 Stay Active & Improve Your Health
Dancing has been proven as an effective exercise for all ages. Not only does it keep you active, but dancing has been proven to improve your overall mood and promotes mental health.
Further info:
https://www.starlightdance.com/
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We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of West Coast Swing dancing. Our Club was formed back in 1970 and has over 325 members.
The Club holds its dances every Sunday and welcomes both members and non-members, with or without partners. Participants must be at least 13 years of age.
Location
The San Diego Swing Dance Club now meets every Sunday at the San Diego Dance Headquarters located at 5035 Shawline St. San Diego, California 92111
Big Dance Floor! 3000 square feet.
Large, Secure Parking Area
Further info:
https://www.sandiegoswingdance.com/
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These classes are designed to teach you social dancing, help you gain confidence in your new skills, and most importantly, groove to some amazing music!
We offer two classes at 7PM and 8PM for beginners and intermediate dancers, respectively. You don't need a partner to join as we have a rotation system in place, but you're welcome to stick with the partner you came with. The drop-in fee for one class is $15, or you can attend both for $25. Pre-registering is highly recommended.
To preregister please:
Paypal (paypal.me/Cjc913)
Venmo (@Christopher-Chung-21)
First-time students - sign up for your first class series and receive 50% off the monthly fee.
Returning students get one free class when they sign up for the month.
Or
10 Class Pass for $100, offering more flexibility for attendance while saving you money per class.
Further info:
https://www.facebook.com/SwingNightOut/