West Coast Swing originated from Lindy Hop during the 1940’s and is the State dance of California, USA. Today, WCS is identified by the smooth look that comes from its resistance/compression technique of partner connection.
It is a linear dance, where the leader primarily dances in place as the follower travels back and forth along a slotted area. WCS highlights the importance of partner connection and technique whilst allowing both partners the ability and freedom to express individual musical interpretation.
Allowing for timing variations and syncopations, slot and rhythm changes, West Coast Swing definitely becomes more addictive the better you get at it. Best of all, you don’t need to be an experienced dancer or spend heaps on tuition to be good enough to have fun.
Come to class with an open mind, relax and have fun. Our teaching style and class curriculum are designed to take the stress out of learning and our staff are friendly, approachable and always willing to help.
You can come alone, with a group of friends or a partner. Group classes are very social and a great way to meet new people, get out of the house and get fit.
Once you’ve learnt the basic WCS patterns, the sky is the limit! Not only will you have made many new friends, you will be able to dance to all kinds of music, anywhere, anytime with anyone.
Remember, the hardest part about learning how to dance is taking the first step and showing up at a class.
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Allan and Holly Skinner opened Raw Connection in June of 2009 and they have grown it into the biggest West Coast Swing company in Queensland. Raw Connection has also recently expanded into New Zealand with the opening of Raw Connection Auckland, New Zealand scheduled for February 2012.
Allan and Holly love dancing, teaching and competing WCS and are the current Australian Open West Coast Swing Champions and New Zealand Open Cabaret Champions (see Allan and Holly dance here). They are the Directors of the extremely popular WSC Events,Swingsation and Swingtimate and regularly bring out numerous top level American West Coast Swing Champions to teach, perform and inspire the Australian WCS community.
Allan and Holly have received tuition from some of the best WCS dancers in the world including WCS Champions Kyle Redd, Sarah Van Drake, Ben Morris, Melissa Rutz, Jordan Frisbee, Tatiana Mollman, Mario Robau, BenjiSchwimmer, Kellese Key, Jennifer De Luca and Michael Kielbasa amongst others (check these guys out on youtube to see how awesome they really are!). They regularly fly to America to compete and expand their knowledge of WCS.
Allan and Holly's competition wins and their reputation are not undeserved - with over 20 years dance experience between them, they are well known for their stylish dancing, exciting teaching and infectious personalities. They enjoy teaching, competing and getting to meet and dance with people all over the country. Most of all, Allan and Holly are passionate about the development of WCS in Australia and New Zealand.
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