West Coast Swing (WCS) is a smooth and versatile partner dance you can do to practically any music. You'll start by learning a couple of basic moves and signals, then use these in different patterns to improvise to the music and dance with anybody in the room. We don't have set partners or routines, so every dance is spontaneous and exciting.
Our student society holds 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.
First class is FREE for students so come and give it a try – no experience, partner or booking required.
ON THIS PAGE:
Why try West Coast Swing?
Membership & prices
Classes & socials
Wellbeing & contact
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 – think Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Tame Impala, Fontaines D.C., Ella Langley, Post Malone, Chappell Roan, Calvin Harris and more.
- 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 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 serotonin, and keeps you active without feeling like a workout.
Watch WCS to different music, or a short intro to West Coast Swing.
MEMBERSHIP & PRICES (2026/27)
Your first beginner class is free (students only), so you can try it with 0 commitment! Just turn up to any session and give your GUID number on the door.
Student membership (free or paid): Open to any UofG student with GUID, at any time of year. Membership provides discounted or free access to all classes, workshops, social dancing, and events. If you want to upgrade from PAYG to paid membership, email us or the SRC directly.
- Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): Free to join, then pay per class at discounted rate of £3/day.
- Prepaid: Fee covers unlimited entry to all term-time classes in the semester (£15) or year (£25) purchased, and discounted £3 entry to holiday classes.
Non-members & non-students can attend classes and most events for £5/day. Please familiarise yourself with the the Code of Conduct and Dance Etiquette documents before attending.
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, and ideally have already attended some events.
CLASSES & SOCIALS
Scroll down to 'Events' for exact times, dates, locations and to buy tickets.
Classes: Tuesday evenings in the GUU
- 7:00pm Social dancing + practice (improvers)
- 7:30pm Improver
- 8:30pm Beginner
- 9:30pm Social dancing + practice (all)
Class FAQs:
- Do I need to bring a partner?
No! You never need to bring a partner to any GUWCS event – we rotate frequently during each session, so you'll get to dance with lots of different people. - What level should I join?
If you've been dancing WCS for less than 2 months (or are new to dancing in general) join Beginner. Only join Improver if you have already danced WCS for a few months, and are confident with the whip, starter step, sugar push, sugar tuck, left-side pass, right-side pass, and the basics of frame. Chat to a committee member or teacher if you're unsure! - I'm not a member / not a student. Can I come to classes?
Yes. If you're a UofG student, you can get PAYG membership for a class discount. If you're a non-student, feel free to join classes, but be aware that our priority will always be our students' comfort and safety.
Free practice & social dancing: Sunday afternoons in the GUU (term time)
- Music and space to dance and practice anything you’ve learned. Free and open to everyone!
Socials: Days vary – check our Instagram and Events below
- We regularly go to socials and events in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.
WELLBEING & CONTACT
Feedback Form
Anonymously send us your ideas and opinions so we can improve.
Concerned about something?
Dancing should always feel comfortable and safe. If anything or anyone has made you feel otherwise, get in touch as soon as possible: speak to a committee member, submit our feedback form, or email our Welfare Officers with a formal complaint.
Email us with any questions or concerns
Main email: guwestcoastswing@gmail.com
Welfare Officers: guwcswelfare@gmail.com
Instagram • Members' website