To me west coast swing is a fun, challenging (both mentally and physically) social activity that helps me enjoy music and movement with other people. It has broken down physical barriers, gotten almost completely rid of awkwardness, and much more! Andy M.

West Coast Swing to me is something I use to challenge my tendencies to be a control freak, and my tendencies to not trust people easily. It's something that has slowly shown me it's not only safe, it's fun, and amazing things can come out of listening to your partner and trusting that they're going to take care of you. It's been helping me to figure out what my personality truly is. There is so much encouragement to try new things. It's a wonderful dance and an amazing community. Mary H.

WCS to me is an expression of movement to so many different forms of music that even though we are all doing the same dance, it looks different because we have the freedom to express it in our own way. Victor L.

To me WCS = heaven Soleman K.

The things that attract me most about west coast swing compared to other dances comes down to diversity and community. West coast swing covers the widest range of music genres, tempos, aesthetics, movements and communication through connection, and has a relatively even spread across age demographics (salsa community probably wins ethnic diversity). Of all the dance communities that I have participated in, the west coast community is the most friendly and inclusive, the most excited about dance, and the most willing to be ridiculous when it's time to just let loose and have fun on the floor. Calvin B.

It's one of my only outlets for musical expression, something that I can use my entire body to celebrate. It's also a life lesson: How to have a conversation, move as a unit, wait/have patience. One of the ways that I have magical moments with people 🙂 Tracy W.

WCS started for me as a physical outlet that got me off the couch and moving. What it's turned into for me was unimaginable. I have a dance family now. It's huge. It spreads not just across states and countries, but continents. My closest relationships in my life now are with fellow WCS dancers. I haven't just gained the joy the dance itself provides (which is enormous in and of itself), but it has provided me with my closest friends and confidants. It has taught me new music, new movement & on top of it all, is humbling. This dance, which I found by accident, has literally changed my life for the better. In so many ways. Kate H.

The fountains of youth are: active mind, active body, and participation in the human race. WCS does all that. Ken B.

For me, West Coast Swing is happiness. It's joy and it's passion and it's romance. It's dramatic and it's moving. It's friendship. Michael S.

WCS is freedom to me, feeling alive. I don't have to think or speak or worry--For three minutes, it is just me, my partner, and the music. No where else am I so in the moment and connected to (yet disconnected from) the world. Lauren A.

West Coast Swing is the ultimate platform for artistic expression. The floor is a blank canvas, the music is your inspiration, and you and your fellow artist collaborate together to create something entirely unique and personal. Your personalities meld together, your moods mesh, your bodies coexist to create a work of art. Some may love it, some may despise it, some may be confused and perhaps even disturbed by it. But no matter, it is your soul's expression and you thank every day for the ultimate medium of West Coast Swing. Taletha J.

It's individuality at its highest level while maintaining physical contact with a partner. A safe means to express ones self through the guidance of music. It allows dancers to experience connection to a partner, music the floor and to the space around them with limitless imagination.........it's a way of life for many. Michael K.

WCS is the lifeline - to friends who become like family, to music, to emotion, to expression, to communication without words, to joy. Michelle H.

What I love about WCS is the freedom and versatility it offers that can be adaptable to incorporate other types of dances. Bob Z.

I love WCS...my wonderful sociable hobby for 20yrs...love the movement,music and all the wonderfully talented people along the way!! Rosa P.

When I don't have words, West Coast swing is a great outlet to express myself & communicate through body movement. It's also just a fun escape from daily stresses & reality. I love the people I meet through WCS and the variety of music we are able to dance to! Nicole Z.

West coast swing is a healthy way for me to exercise and dance to popular music in a classy way. I love how all ages can dance to it. I also love going to competitions for WCS because I get to meet a ton of people! Rachel E.

West Coast Swing is much more then a dance. Its a feeling. A feeling that you share with whoever you're dancing with. Its a conversation of emotion, excitement, and companionship. Its the rhythm of the soul, your heart beat, your pulse. Kris S.

I love the variety of music and ability to play within it. Joanna L.

I like the people, the music, the freedom for creativity, and the continual process of learning and improving. Bryan B.

West Coast Swing is a doorway to creativity and freedom, to creating a story with someone else, and ultimately to feeling alive. It can become an obsession to try to get through that doorway. Allison S.

I think creative expression is an invaluable asset in life. WCS provides people with a tangible opportunity to have this when they might not have found it elsewhere. I have seen first and secondhand the positive impact this has on people's lives... And it's a big one. Ben M.

Pure connection. Honest communication. Creativity, humor, and warmth. Etta B.

WCS... where they not only allow me dance as nutty as I am, they highly encourage it! Jay T.

wcs allows me to fully express myself - it is one of the only dances of the many I dance that gives me, as a follower, a voice while still following. Christine M.