What The Locals Know–West Coast Swing Dancing

West Coast Swing is the California State dance and is growing in popularity, thanks to Lacey Schwimmer of “Dancing With The Stars” and Benji Schwimmer of “So You Think You Can Dance”.

West Coast Swing is a 6-count slot dance that can be danced to the blues, contemporary, pop, club, and country music, and the main age range of West Coast Swing dancers is between 30 – 70 years old.

If you’re interested in finding places to dance West Coast Swing, here are some of the places where local “Westies” hang out:

Tuesday nights–Carmel Woman’s Club at the corner of San Carlos and 9th, across from Sunset Center in Carmel.  Call Jennifer at 831-324-0816 for class details.

Wednesday nights–Sly McFly’s at the corner of Cannery Row and Prescott in Monterey.  It’s a small dance floor, but Westies are friendly about sharing slot space.  Don’t be shy about asking a Westie to dance with you.  We’ve all been beginners at some point and love bringing new people into the dance.

Thursday nights–On the 3rd Thursday of each month, join the Westie community at Clint Eastwood’s Carmel Mission Ranch off of Rio Road, right by the Carmel Mission.  Dancing is located in the Barn, and the place gets packed.

Friday nights–Embassy Suites in Seaside has a lounge area where Lee Durley and Joe Indence sing oldies but goodies.  If you’re in the mood for East Coast Swing, there’s music that will satisfy both dances.

Saturday nights–On the 4th Saturday of each month, the Santa Cruz Swing Club hosts a West Coast Swing dance at the Senior Center (behind 831 Bay Avenue and Woodworm Party Store) at the Bay/Porter Exit in Capitola.  Class with a WCS dance pro start at 7:00 and the dancing goes until 11:00 PM.

If you’re uncertain about scheduling, contact Jennifer at 831-324-0816 and she’ll point you in the right direction, or consult the Monterey County Weekly newspaper or the Go! Calendar in the Monterey Herald.

What The Locals Know — Where To Dance

If you’re visiting the Monterey Peninsula and are looking to go out dancing, join the locals at the following dance hot spots.  See you out on the dance floor!
Ballroom:
Classes:
Shall We Dance — Pacific Grove
Saturday night dance parties:
Chautauqua Hall Dance Club — Pacific Grove
Salsa:
Classes:
Monterey Salsa — Pacific Grove

Thursday night dancing:
Blue Fin Billiards — Monterey

Friday night dancing:
Swing:
Classes:
Shall We Dance — Pacific Grove

Tuesday Night West Coast Swing Classes at the Carmel Woman’s Club –Carmel

Wednesday night dancing:
Sly McFly’s — Monterey
Thursday night dancing:
Sly McFly’s — Monterey
Friday night dancing:
Embassy Suites — Seaside
Saturday night dancing:
Highlands Inn — Carmel Highlands