Rogue Valley Swing

s in the valley. After many iterations and adaptations, West Coast Swing is currently danced to a large variety of music styles. It is a smooth dance where one foot stays on the floor (no jumping!) and the partners stay connected. The follow has a lot of space for creative adaptation, which is very different than most partner dance styles where the lead operates the vast majority of the dance. Anyone can lead or follow and we greatly encourage learning both roles! Unlike other partner dances, the culture of West Coast Swing supports choice in roles and swapping throughout the dance. We recognize the roots of Swing dancing as being a dance that was culturally appropriated from people of color in Harlem during the 20s-40s. Swing dance has roots both in maintaining segregation during dances where black bands would play for the white dancers as well as dismantling racism when the rope that separated people was taken down for integrated dance, prior to legally being allowed to in many locations in the 50s during concerts such as Little Richie and the Coasters. This rich history has been vital in bridging communities over time and connecting a variety of dancers.