Speaking of WCS popularity, someone just posted this article:

https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/ben-morris-west-coast-swing-improv-acting-advice-77610/

Thank you :)

Thank you.

Oh, sorry, I wasn’t clear; by “artists” I meant the dancers.

I haven’t run across WCS set to classical!  I look forward to seeing that!

Thank you for your input.  Yes, it’s strange how various dances and music can match up—I guess because there is a lot of universality to music structure.  I have even listened to classical music while watching WCS videos, and am often amazed at the alignment!   But I do find these same few pop song substitutes tiring, so yes, I mute. ;)

And I still can only guess how the artists* must feel about this, plus I don’t think it’s helpful in attracting new folks to WCS.

*Edit:  Sorry, by “artists” I meant dancers.

Interesting.  Thanks for your perspective!

Thank you for your input, as always, Brian!

Happy to hear fusions are acceptable and that a real WCS-tap fusion is a possibility. :)

Thank you again, Brian!  Really appreciate your perspective.  As I said in the other thread, I’m only a beginner, though an avid watcher of videos and comps.  (Sorry if I led you to think I was a competitor.)  But just speaking as a spectator, I love to see the limb extensions and so on (especially in those with ballet backgrounds).  

So I meant that when the clothing (men’s or women’s) is not form-fitting, I cannot fully see what the limbs (especially legs) are doing.

And that’s why I thought a sheer outer layer might be a solution to definition + movement. Another option is when a dancer ties a long-sleeved shirt or sweater around his/her waist, giving flow to the dance without obstructing the view of the limbs.

Hi Brian!  Thanks so much for the detailed reply!  You mentioned Europe, and yes, I’m amazed at how many top dancers are from France, especially!

I’m one of those you speak of, who got introduced to WCS on social media, not so long ago.  One viral video, and I was hooked.  Then I found your videos and your course.  I’m still just a beginner, if you couldn’t tell from the elementary questions I posted, such as what things are called. ;)

However, I am an avid viewer and follower of WCS videos and competitions.

I had learned just a smattering of other dance styles over the years.  And I’m from Florida.

Believe it or not, I often like to practice WCS to Scott Joplin ragtime music.

I also find Cajun/zydeco music fun for WCS (though I think the traditional is two-step).  I wondered if they danced to some of that kind of music at Dance Mardi Gras.

Other than that, I am partial to American standard music.

Yes, I enjoy watching pros with ballet backgrounds because they’re so graceful, and naturally they would be at ease with relevé turns.  But what you say really makes sense, that for most of us the best balance is not to be up on the toes, but not to completely flatten the heels either.  I had seen that video before, but I picked up more seeing it again with your explanations.  Thank you. :)