I’d like to pose a question to anyone.  How do you feel about loose vs. more fitted outfits for dancers in comps?

It has become trendy for some to wear looser-fitting outfits.  These can have nice movement to them in spins for example, and they are surely more comfortable.  My only problem is this way the motions of their limbs are not as clearly defined, not as easy to see.

Perhaps a compromise is a sheer layer (sheer long vest or overskirt) over a fitted layer?  Then you would have defined limbs + movement.

Sorry to hog the conversation lately ☺️, but . . .

I’m curious what would happen if you put tap shoes on a WCS dancer.  WCS dancers don’t take many percussive steps, as tappers do, and I don’t know how well you could spin or slide in tap shoes.  But I think a fusion of the styles in a routine (would it even be allowed in competition?) would be a lot of fun, the way Astaire & Rogers fused tap with ballroom/Latin, and Kelly fused tap with jazz.  We already see many dancers, even in competition, fuse WCS with ballet, shuffle moves, and other styles.

And I do see some WCS routines that include some tap-like patterns, just without the taps—a good example is this one:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8dkbtgq/

I have heard purists say they don’t want other forms mixed in with WCS.  Others say modern swing was meant to continue to evolve.

Brian B. When will you be in Az again?

I’ve enjoyed WCS for about 15 years. I met my wife 4 years ago and have been trying to teach her WCS with the help of your videos. My problem has been the common one; I.e. as soon as she thinks she knows which pattern I’m leading, she completes the pattern without any other leads. Any suggestions?
Dennis Shevel

Help. I just got the weekly moves and it disappeared. I want the west coast swing move that was for intermediate dancers. It was an underarm pass/turn followed by Brian turning and making her turn again. I wish I had watched it again so I could explain it better. Anyone know how I can get it back.

Hi.  Another question, please.  ☺️

Are turns/pivots and spins/pirouettes supposed to be on the ball of the foot, or (almost) the whole foot?  I have watched the pivot and pirouette videos, and it is taught that most of the weight should be on the ball (and three inside toes).  But it appears like most of the foot is flat, and I have heard Brian say you should think about the depth of a sheet of paper between heel and floor.  Yet I have often seen pros completely lift the heel.

By the way, I don’t know if there is a right or wrong way to do this, but I teach myself the footwork (of several patterns) first, till I have them down, then go back to learn the arm & hand movements.

Hello!

My name is Jami Morton. I am 61 and am out here in Prescott Arizona. I have been watching you all on you tube. I am taking private WCS swing lessons 2x per week and really want to be good at this dance! I am joining your yearly membership to enhance my private lessons. Super excited to learn more starting with basics and then advancing with styling. I see you have a yearly conference as well that looks interesting. Anyway, I am rambling but excited to learn from you all!