When it comes to dance, west coast swing and west coast swing music never fail to make an impression! This lively dance, combined with its equally lively musical accompaniment, has been making a splash for more than eighty years, and when you take a look into its history it is easy to see why. West coast swing music is derived from a long list of different sources, something that is still a part of its appeal, and it is easy to see why.

West coast swing dancing was derived from the lindy hop, a popular dance during the early part the century. The Lindy hop was an extremely creative dance, that is, once the basic footwork and timing was down, it was possible to add all sorts of embellishments and stylings to the basic bare bones style. The hallmarks of the Lindy hop, the vertical bounce, the side hip movements and relaxed posture would all be transferred one way or another to west cost swing dancing.

West coast swing music finds its origins in the period between 1935 and 1946, called the swing era. The music had been around since the early teens and had been played by such jazz greats as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, but is generally agreed that West Coast swing music got its official public recognition from being played at the Palomar Ballroom by Benny Goodman. West coast swing music derives its special style and unique sound from influences as diverse as jazz, traditional African rhythms and Irish dance music, and it is no wonder that this music transcended race in a time when race was a hot topic.

Today, West coast swing music varies wildly. It might be a rather sedate, upright dance that still maintains its smoothness and grace, or it might be a much quicker dance that brings the dancers in close contact with one an other. As in the past, the dance can be completely conservative or wildly flirtatious, and though the music will give people clues as to what might be appreciated, it is still something that is up to the dancers themselves. West coast swing music, like the dance itself, can be a wonderfully improvisational and mercurial.

If you're looking for some West coast swing music by song, there are many songs that have gone down in history as part of the Swing Era; separating them from swing dancing would probably be impossible. "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima is one great example of classic swing music as is Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." Count Basie recorded "Jumpin' at the Woodshed, while Glen Miller's "In the Mood" remains a regular swing favorite.

West coast swing music and dance has always been in a class of its own, so if you are interested in learning, there has never been a better time to get started.