West Coast Swing Dance Society

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, communicating with a partner through body language and elastic stretch. It's great to watch, and even more fun to dance, and you can do it too! After learning some basics, you can get straight into social dancing with anyone in the room.

We run weekly West Coast Swing classes on campus year-round, as well as regular socials and dedicated dance evenings. Our beginner classes explain everything from scratch and are suitable for everyone, even if you think you have two left feet, so come and give it a try – no experience or partner 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 on TikTok or Reels. 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: West Coast Swing is built on just 3 core patterns: the pass, push, and whip – after learning these you'll unlock endless variations. 
• Meet new people: WCS is a social dance, and 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.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Membership for the 2025/6 academic year is now closed. Membership for 2026/7 is coming soon. 

• Standard membership: For any student with a GUID at the University of Glasgow. If you are a student with no GUID, please email us!
• Associate (Community Supporter) membership: Anyone who does not have a GUID at the University of Glasgow and wishes to help build our student dance community will be welcome to submit an application to become a Community Supporter member – coming soon.

CLASS & EVENT INFO

Classes: Usually Tuesday or Friday evenings - check our schedule!

• 6:30 pm: Improver – must know sugar push, sugar tuck, left & right side pass, whip, starter step.
• 7:30 pm: Beginner (no experience required)– suitable for any level; all moves taught from scratch.
• 8:30 pm: Social Dancing– bring your favourite songs!

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

• Instagram:@gu_wcs – updates & announcements for classes & events
• Linktree website: linktr.ee/gu_wcs – music playlists, local events, dance videos & more.
• Email guwestcoastswing@gmail.com with any questions or to join our Whatsapp group.
• Give us feedback or ideas: Anonymous feedback form
• Concerned about something? Report a concern here or chat to any committee member.