WC Swing Basics (2 months)
Basic Technique and goals:
• Posture and Frame: Proper alignment and maintaining a stable frame.
• Connection: Introduction to compression and stretch.
• Timing and Rhythm: Understanding and executing 6-count patterns
• Footwork: Comfortably execute walks and triple steps
6-Count Patterns:
Right Side Pass
Left Side Pass
Sugar Push
Sugar Tuck
Fake whip
Basic Concepts of WCS covered:
• Stretch and Compression: Developing a feel for connection in the dance.
• Post and Anchors: Importance of maintaining position and completing movements with an anchor step.
• Pass, Push, Whip: Recognizing and executing the fundamental categories of patterns.
• Walks and Triples: Alternating between walks and triple steps within patterns.
• Slot Dance: Understanding the linear nature of WCS and maintaining the slot.
• Music: Dancing to various genres like blues, RnB, hip hop, swing, and contemporary.
• Open and Closed Position: Transitioning smoothly between open and closed dance positions.
• Hand Holds: Basic handholds (e.g., single hand, double hand) and transitions.
Social Dancing Skills:
• Floorcraft and spatial awareness
• Partner awareness and mirroring
• Basic etiquette (asking for a dance, thanking partner)
WC II (6 months)
6-Count Patterns:
• Sugar Push Variations:
• Sugar Push Outside Turn (Sugar Tuck)
• Sugar Push Inside Turn
• Right Side Pass Variations:
• Outside Turn
• Cut Off
• Fake Whip
• Same Side Roll In Roll Out
• Left Side Pass Variations:
• Inside Turn
• Tuck Turn
• Roll In Roll Out
8-Count Patterns:
• Basic Whip
• Reverse Whip
• Basket Whip
• Same Side Whip
• Whip Outside Turn
• Whip Inside Turn
• Apache
Technical Skills:
• 6 and 8 Count Patterns: Differentiating between the two and understanding their structure.
• Enhanced Connection: Developing a smoother and more elastic connection.
• Styling and Body Isolation: Beginning to incorporate individual styling and body movement.
• Slot Dynamics: Better understanding and control of the slot.
Musicality:
• Recognizing different parts of the music and dancing accordingly.
• Syncopations and rhythmic variations.
• Utilizing musical accents in patterns.
Social Dancing Skills:
• Lead and follow techniques for more complex patterns.
• Adapting to different partners’ styles and abilities.
• Floorcraft in crowded spaces.
Level 3 (1 year)
Advanced Patterns:
• Complex variations of basic patterns (e.g., Rolling Count, Double Spin Variations).
• Advanced Whips and pattern variations.
• Incorporating dips and tricks safely.
Basic Connectors:
• Add Steps
• Remove Steps
• Rock n Go
• Continuous Movement (Whip, Roll In Roll Out, Rolling of the Arm into Hip Catch, Sugar Tuck)
• Traveling Anchors
Styling:
• Anchor Wheel
• Change Height
• Extra Turn for Leader and Follower
• Movement of Different Body Parts (Knees, Hips, Arms, Hands, Head)
Musicality:
• Advanced phrasing and musical interpretation.
• Improvisation and spontaneous musical expression.
• Utilizing dynamics to reflect music (soft vs. strong movements).
Social Dancing Skills:
• Seamless transitions between patterns.
• Adapting styles to different music genres.
• Connection and communication through non-verbal cues.
• Showmanship and confidence on the floor.
Level 4 (Ongoing, post-Level 3)
Mastery of Technique:
• Advanced Connection: Refined techniques in counterbalance and elasticity nuances.
• Detailed Body Movement: Full body control including head, arms, and torso isolation.
• Dynamic Slot Movement: Executing dynamic movements while maintaining slot integrity.
Advanced Patterns and Concepts:
• More complex variations and sequences, incorporating previous skills with additional intricacies.
• Mastery of dips, tricks, and their safe execution.
Further Musicality:
• Deepening musical interpretation and creativity.
• Personalized expression and advanced improvisation.
Advanced Social Dancing Skills:
• Enhanced adaptability to all partner styles and abilities.
• Superior floorcraft and spatial awareness in all settings.
• Polished showmanship and presentation skills.