Back to Basics West Coast Swing

[fseesauras]

This is really good, I've never heard so much detail on the frame of the lead before or the handhold. I wish my dance instructors were this thorough! It really makes a difference to the follow when the lead directs the movement with his body, obviously... first off you know he's not going to throw you out with his arm in some impossible direction or command you to infer impossibly large steps. I wish this type of instruction were a standard!

[dancingpy]

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[FL52]

He is counting to 6 throughout the video but at one point at 3:30 he counts to 8. Can anyone explain why?

[FL52]

@FL52 sorry! I meant at 3:20.

[idontnoapassword]

@FL52 In WCS most beg/intermediate moves are 6ct or 8ct patterns (most but not all), and the whip @3:20 is an 8ct move. Don't recommend learning WC on youtube, however if you checkout other whip patterns here you'll get a better understanding of the counts.

[donsdance1]

Last post doesn't know much about wcs. Suggest you take some lessons and stop trying to learn it on utube, these connections are way beyond your understanding. Take some time learn study go to some workshops. I bet you come back with a new awaking in your thoughts in about a year or two.. You just put down one of the greatest wcs dancers and teachers of all times. "ignorance is bliss i guess"

[brucehigley]

This is the worst lesson I have ever seen on You Tube...

[joseebl1]

This is great thank you!!!!

[ianlovo6]

The lesson is not clear because it always stop.

[velflo3]

The "and uh" is a rolling count, notice how he is continuously moving during the pattern, not necessarily stepping. this also keeps you from looking like a robot or marching. The "and uh" count is your first step towards advancing your dance.

It does wonders for your timing, connection and rhythm. Go watch your favorite PRO dancers and watch how there is a (slight) stretch between the dancers right before the follower comes forward. there's your "and uh" too.

[sanewby]

Hi Gonzo400, I am so happy that he uses something verbal (the "uh") because it = the half step/or hesitation. You hardly every hear someone count that. I love that because once you really get into the movement, it helps you really understand the rythem - and not get "off" there are hesitations in this movement and counting them is a good thing - of course if you prefer not to hear them, and you are able to use them still - then great -

[dancinbearmen]

As you become more advanced in your your West Coast Swing - there can be steps in the "uh" for now the "uh" is a count or hold beat.

We sure miss you Wayne - the dance just isn't the same :(

[tbabyrose]

Wayne was a good instructor and friend. He is not with us anymore. we miss him. gonzo400 and handbellkid. give mad respect to him. Learning about rhythms and counts, will help you understand what he is saying.

[gonzo400]

Wayne, nice video, but for cryin' out loud, stop saying "uh" as in "one and uh two" because there is no foot work for the "uh" - very confusing.

[handbellkid]

yeah i noticed that too, it kinda threw me off for a bit, but if you know west coast already it shouldn't be a problem

[sanewby]

Hi Gonzo400, I am so happy that he uses something verbal ("uh") because it represents the half step/or hesitation. You hardly every hear someone count that. I love that because once you really get into the movement, it helps you really understand the rhythm and it's inbetweens. - and not get "off" there are hesitations in this movement and counting them is a good thing - of course if you prefer not to hear them, and you are able to use them still - then great -

[sanewby]

if you have never experienced them, then try to hear the counts he is referring to as "uh's" - this and whole counts are where and how your free styling will happen - Ah haaaah this is how you get that magic :) hope this helps - these two are truly wonderful at relaying info on this beautiful dance - I love them! Have a great day :)

[BRNZ42]

he's counting and-uhs as triplets. one-and-uh two-and-uh three-and-uh etc etc. In swing music the eighth notes are really triplets, so the footwork is actually on the "uh" , as in one, two, three-uh-four, five-uh-six. Now west coast is usually danced to straight music, so his feet are straight, one, two, three and four, five and six. Like eight notes. But he's still counting triplets, which I think is a holdover from lindy hop, which is usually danced to swing music: three-uh-four, five-uh-six.