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 – see our playlist. Dancers improvise, communicating with their partner through body language and elastic stretch, making WCS very dynamic and exciting to watch and to dance.

We run weekly West Coast Swing dance classes on campus – no experience or partner required! Our beginner classes are suitable for everyone, even if you think you have two left feet, so come and give it a try :)

• No experience required: our beginner classes explain everything from scratch. 
• No partner required, as we will rotate partners frequently.
• Wear any comfortable clothing that you can move freely in – jeans are popular.
• Read our Dance Code of Conduct before your first class. By attending, you agree to follow this.  

We also run regular socials – for the latest info check our event listings and Instagram.

ON THIS PAGE:

• Why try West Coast Swing?
• Class & event info
• Membership options
• Contact info, feedback & wellbeing
• Event listings

WHY TRY WEST COAST SWING?

We bet you've seen a 'random partner, random song' West Coast Swing dance on TikTok or Insta (maybe to Meghan Trainor's 'Me Too' or AC/DC). Here's your sign to try it yourself!

• Dance to nearly any music – pop, EDM, alt/indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and more!
• Learn the basics fast, then build your skills: West Coast Swing is built on just 3 core patterns – after learning these, you'll unlock endless variations to play with. 
• Meet new people: WCS is a social dance, so we rotate partners regularly – you'll get to dance with everyone!
• 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. 

CLASS & EVENT INFO

Classes will continue throughout the 2026 summer holidays! DAYS MAY VARY – check our event listings and Instagram for the latest updates.

Classes: Tuesday evenings. 

• 7pm: Improver – for anyone already confident with the whip, left & right side passes, sugar push, sugar tuck and starter step. Focus will be on building technique & new moves.
• 8pm: Beginner (join this if it's your first time attending!) – suitable for any level - moves will be taught from scratch. No experience required!
• 9pm: Social Dancing

Free practice space: Sunday afternoons during term time

• Free time and music for you to practice anything you’ve learned! 
• Join us anytime within the session – no need to book.

Socials: Check our Instagram and event listings for the latest info!

• We go dancing at various local events between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and also head into town to dance to live music!

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Membership for the 2025/6 academic year is now closed. Membership for 2026/7 coming soon – check back in August for updates. 

• 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) membership: For anyone who does not have a GUID at the University of Glasgow and wishes to help build our student dance community. 

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.