East vs. West - What’s the difference in these popular swings?

Maybe you’ve heard that your friend Swing Dances. Maybe you’ve seen something on TV about the revival of Lindy Hop. Maybe you’ve visited our website and seen East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Single Time/Triple Time/Double Time Swing, Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, and more all listed in the Swing Styles. They’re all Swing, right? Just call them Swing! And a lot of places (especially if they only do one kind of Swing) do just that. But while they all share the same roots, the different styles of Swing can be very … different. (Unique, beautiful, wonderful!)

Personally, I think they are all awesome, with equal potential for challenge, musicality, self-expression, and fun. And they all have their own niche - music speeds, styles, and sounds that they are perfect for. Do you need to know them all? Nah. Is it overwhelming to know them all? ….Sometimes. Can you get away with knowing one or two? Absolutely, but why limit yourself?

Today, we are going to focus on two swing styles that are very popular around here: East Coast and West Coast Swing.

Let’s start with how they are similar:

They both have flexible rhythms based on Single Steps (one step over two beats), Double Steps (two steps in two beats), and Triple Steps (three steps over two beats).

They both cover a wide range of speeds and music genres (classic rock, pop, country, etc…).

They both go to upbeat, swung music, ie - music that emphasizes the 2 and 4 of the measure and that has a little funkiness that pushes the “&” between beats towards the 2.

How are they different?

East Coast Swing bounces. All the time, constantly and compulsively. West Coast - not so much.

West Coast Swing uses a slot which causes more linear motion as opposed to the more circular motion of East Coast. Both have some circular and some linear moves. But each one is dominated by its own flavor.

West Coast speeds start way lower than East Coast, while East Coast Swing music (including Single Time) soars into crazy fast. But they also overlap a lot.

The dynamic nature of West Coast tends to be harder for brand new dancers than East Coast. East Coast has the twin benefits of Single Time Swing (no triple steps) and more moves that work well with less travel.

Check out our YouTube playlists for West Coast Swing, Single Time Swing, and Triple Time Swing.

There's no reason to choose - do both and learn first-hand all the coolness that makes these dances unique.

Back to Top.

Triple Time vs Single Time
East Coast Swing:
Twins - the not identical kind

Triple Time and Single Time Swings are both common variations of East Coast Swing.

Single Time Goes to faster music, therefore has fewer steps in its standard rhythm.

Triple Time is for slower music and includes more steps in the same number of beats (via multiple Triple Steps).

Medium speed music or changing energy level might inspire you to switch back and forth between the two styles.

Although you will occasionally find a sequence that works better in one or the other, these two rhythm variations share a vast majority of moves.

Next time you go dancing, try doing something you learned in Single Time with triple steps, or vice versa. You'll end up with more stuff to do to more kinds of music, with very little effort.

Here's a few other options happening now or coming soon.

Dancing on the New - Sunday, April 16 - 4pm

Dance on the New is back for 2023! These outdoor, afternoon dances will typically on the 2nd Sunday on even numbers months (to complement the in studio dance parties on odd numbered months), but this first one is a week late.

Details are still beign worked out, but it will be very similiar to last year's dances. Registration will be open next week. Watch our Webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for announcements.

This event is outdoors but well sheltered, so rain and weather shouldn't be a problem. Unless it's actually dangerous to get there - like a hurricane (yeah that happened last year). The floor is smooth concrete - it was splendid for my second best pair of dance shoes. It's the perfect outdoor venue for us dancers!
  

Spring Line Dance Sale - 6 workshops for $36!

You’ve heard of line dancing. Maybe you’ve done the Electric Slide or the Wobble. But there’s so much more! More music, more moves, more variety - and now, it’s on sale.
Now through Summer Solstice (June 21), the “official” days of spring, you can buy a package of 6 beginner Line Dance Workshops for just $36! Share them with friends, family, or keep them for yourself - it’s up to you. Registration for any particular workshop is required by noon the day of that workshop, not at the time of purchase. So, you can take advantage of the sale now, then take your time, choose the nights that suit you, and learn to line dance. The dance floor is waiting for you.
Sale is for Beginner Line Dance Workshops only. See the spring schedule on our webpage at SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php. Please use your Spring Sale workshops within 6 months of purchase.

Learn to dance like Jane Austen while wearing jeans and sneakers on Tuesdays, April 11 and May 9, with the NRV Historic Dancers.

Details.

Friday Beginner Workshops are bringing the sass with Bachata starting March 24.

Details.

East Coast Swing Date Night Dance Class on Wednesday, March 22

Salsa Date Night Dance Class on Tuesday, April 25

This is how to do face time with your sweetheart.

Sapphire's group classes and workshops are always small, low stress, and fun. They are a great way to meet other people who have also decided to learn to dance, as well as get to know our teaching staff. It doesn't take any long-term investment to get started, no special clothing or shoes - just something comfortable to wear and a sense of adventure. So, take the plunge and try it out.

All classes (in person or online) require registration by noon the day the class starts. We are happy to add late-comers if we can, but classes may be cancelled or rescheduled if registration is low.

Five ways to register, just choose one and we'll take care of the rest:
1 - reply to this email info@sapphiredance.com;
2 - register and pay at the same time at our online store at SapphireBallroom.square.site;
3 - talk to your favorite Sapphire Staff member;
4 - give us a ring at 540-382-8782;
5 - Blacksburg Group classes are best registered through the Blacksburg Community Center webpage.

Thanks for reading; we hope you found something you liked. Until we see you again, happy dancing!

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