How to Dance a Left Side Pass in West Coast Swing

West Coast Swing is a swing dance with several basic patterns that everyone should learn when they are learning the dance. Many other patterns are built off of these basic steps, and these basic steps are used as connectors and “thinking steps” between more complicated moves. West Coast Swing is danced in what is called a slot. The woman dances on an imaginary line, passing from one end of the slot to the other and rarely moving from side to side out of the slot. The man gets out of her way to one side or the other to let her pass or stays in her way to bring her to him. This makes the dance compatible with crowded dance floors.The left side pass in West Coast Swing starts with the partners in open position at arm’s length. The woman steps forward, passes the man on his left side and ends up at the other end of the slot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Instructions for Both Partners

1. Dance a triple step by taking three steps within two beats of music. The second step lands between beats on the "and" count. Triple steps are generally danced with the ball of the foot landing first, and then the heel lowers.

2. Step with the heel first when walking forward in West Coast Swing.

3. Start in open dance position—partners face each other. The woman's right hand is in the man’s left hand at the woman's waist level. The woman's palm should be facing down, hand resting in the man’s. The elbows should be bent but slightly in front of the body so there is space between you.

Man's Steps

4. Stand with your weight on your right foot, which is slightly turned out. The left foot should be slightly in front of your right, facing your partner.

5. Pull your left hand toward you, leading your partner toward you while you step back on your left foot on count one.

6. Step to the side on your right foot on count two, getting out of the woman’s way and leading her to go past your left side. Keep your hand at her waist level, leading her down the slot, and keep your body facing her as much as possible.

7. Do a triple step on counts three-and-four. Bring your left foot to your right and change weight on count three. Change weight to your right on count "and" and step forward into the slot on count four. All of this happens while you turn left to face your partner, 180 degrees from where you started.

8. Do a triple step on counts five-and-six. Bring your right foot under you, directly behind your left foot and slightly turned out on count five; counts and-six are in place.

Woman's Steps

9. Stand with your weight on your left foot, which is slightly turned out. The right foot should be slightly in front of your left, facing your partner.

10. Step forward on your right foot on count one.

11. Step forward on your left foot on count two. Your partner will be getting out of your way so you can pass on his left side, so go straight forward.

12. Do a triple step on counts three-and-four, turning left and traveling to the end of the slot at the same time. Do this by stepping to the side on your right foot on count three, cross your left foot loosely in front of your right on count "and" and step to the side and back on count four, facing your partner and 180 degrees from where you started.

13. Do a triple step on counts five-and-six. Bring your left foot under you, directly behind your right foot and slightly turned out on count five; counts and-six are in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.

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