Frequently Asked Questions
New here? These are the questions we hear most often.
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a partner dance known for its elastic, slotted style. It's incredibly versatile — it works with blues, pop, country, hip-hop, and more. If a song has a beat in 4:4 time, you can dance WCS to it.
Do I need a partner to come?
Nope! We rotate partners throughout the night, so everyone gets to dance with everyone. Come solo, come with friends — either way, you'll dance plenty.
I've never danced before. Can I still come?
Absolutely. Every Thursday starts with a beginner lesson (7:00–7:45 PM) that assumes zero prior experience. Just show up and we'll take care of the rest.
When and where do you meet?
Every Thursday at Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque. Beginner lesson: 7:00–7:45 PM. Social dance: 7:45–10:00 PM.
How much does it cost?
Your first time is completely free — no strings attached. After that it's $3 at the door. That covers the beginner lesson and the full social dance.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you're comfortable moving in. For shoes, smooth-soled or leather-soled shoes work best — sneakers with grippy rubber soles can be hard to turn in. If you're not sure, wear what you've got and worry about shoes later.
Is SouthWesties welcoming to LGBTQ+ dancers?
Yes, wholeheartedly. We don't assign lead or follow roles by gender — you can lead, follow, or switch. We're committed to a non-discriminatory environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, or skill level.
Where else can I dance WCS in New Mexico?
Check out the wider New Mexico WCS community:
If I want to take private lessons to grow my WCS dance, who can I contact?
We're working on a list of instructors in the area — please check back in August 2026!
Didn't find your answer? Email us at southwestiesabq@gmail.com and we'll get back to you.