West Coast Swing (WCS) is a smooth and versatile partner dance which you can do to nearly any genre of music, especially current pop tracks – see our playlist. Dancers improvise to the music, building on a set of basic moves and communicating through body language. After learning a few basics, you can get straight into social dancing with anyone in the room!
We hold weekly West Coast Swing classes on campus with experienced teachers year-round, as well as regular socials and dedicated dance evenings. Our beginner classes explain everything from scratch and are suitable for everyone, especially if you've never danced before or think you have two left feet. Your first class is FREE so come and give it a try – no experience, partner or booking required.
ON THIS PAGE:
Why try West Coast Swing?
Membership options
Class & event info
Contact info, feedback & wellbeing
Upcoming events
WHY TRY WEST COAST SWING?
We bet you've seen a 'random partner, random song' West Coast Swing dance video online. Here's your sign to try it yourself!
- Dance to your favourite music – pop, country, alt/indie rock, R&B, EDM, Latin, rap and more. Tell us your favourite artist!
- Learn the basics fast, then build your skills: WCS is built on just 3 basic patterns – the pass, push, and whip – after learning these you'll unlock endless variations.
- Meet new people: WCS is a social dance, so we usually switch partners every song.
- Develop and show off your creativity through styling and musicality.
- Improve coordination, mental health, and fitness: Dancing releases feel-good endorphins and keeps you active without feeling like a workout.
Watch WCS to different music, or a short intro to West Coast Swing.
2026/27 MEMBERSHIP & CLASS COSTS
Your first beginner class is free, so you can try it before committing! Just turn up to any session and give your name & GUID on the door.
Student membership (free or paid): Open to any UofG student with GUID. Provides discounted or free access to all classes, workshops, social dancing, and events. Join at any time during the year! You can also start with free PAYG membership and upgrade later.
- Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): Free to join, then pay per class at discounted rate of £3/day – buy tickets online to access the discount.
- Prepaid: Fee covers unlimited entry to all term-time classes in the semester or year purchased, and discounted PAYG entry to holiday classes as above.
Non-members can attend classes and most events for £5/day (subject to capacity).
Associate (Community Supporter) membership: Non-students who wish to join and build our student community for the full year can apply to join as a paid associate member (£50). Chat to a committee member or email us for the application form. Important: You can still attend classes and most events WITHOUT MEMBERSHIP. Only 20% of our total members can be non-students, so only apply if you intend to consistently attend and contribute.
CLASS & EVENT INFO
Classes: Usually Tuesday or Friday evenings - check our schedule!
- Improver: 6:30pm – must know sugar push, sugar tuck, left & right side pass, whip, starter step.
- Beginner: 7:30pm (no experience required) – suitable for any level; all moves taught from scratch.
- Social Dancing: 8:30pm – bring your favourite songs to request!
Free practice/social dancing: Sunday afternoons 2-6pm in the GUU (term time)
- Free time and music for you to dance and practice anything you’ve learned!
Socials: Check our instagram and upcoming events
- We go dancing at various local events between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and also head into town to dance to live music.
CONTACT INFO, FEEDBACK & WELLBEING