LEVELED PROGRESSION
A CLEAR PATH TO GROWTH
Newcomer - Level 1
The Newcomer class has no requirements and is open to everyone. Whether you’re brand new to West Coast Swing or just getting started, this class is designed to give you a comfortable and supportive entry point.
Novice - Level 2
The Novice class is the next step after Newcomer and focuses on strengthening fundamentals while expanding movement and connection.
Dancers may move into Novice after:
• Complete the Newcomer class 8 times,
AND/OR
• Demonstrate the following fundamentals:
– Sugar Push
– Left Side Pass
– Underarm Turn
– Whip
– A starter step
– Ability to hold basic timing
– A solid, settled anchor
Intermediate - Level 3
The Intermediate class is the next step after Novice and focuses on more complex patterns, consistency, and partner responsibility.
To move into the Intermediate level, dancers must meet one of the following:
Option 1: Class Completion
• Complete the Novice class in its entirety two times (two full 3-month sessions)
And / Or
Option 2: Skill Requirements
Pattern knowledge
• All 4 basics
• Starter step
• Basic adjacent patterns
– Sugar tuck
– Inside turn
– Shake hands
– Right side pass
– Reverse whip
– Whip outside turn
• Partnered patterns
– Slingshot
– Push through
– Blues step
Follower requirements
• Settled on the anchor without coming forward
• Holds consistent timing
• Basic frame control (minimal overextension, squares up by default)
• Able to be responsible for their own timing in the listed patterns
Leader requirements
• Settled on the anchor without leading ahead of time
• Holds consistent timing
• Basic frame control (minimal overextension, squares up by default)
• Clear, intentional leads with the listed patterns
And / Or
Option 3: Competition Requirement
• Holds 1 point in the WSDC Novice division
Advanced - Level 4
The Advanced / All-Star class is for dancers who are consistently competing, training, and refining higher-level movement, timing, and partnership.
Current requirement to move into Advanced / All-Star:
• Hold a minimum of 15 Intermediate points in the WSDC system
At this time, WSDC points are the primary requirement for this level.
We will be working toward adding additional non-WSDC-based requirements in the future to better support dancers who train seriously outside of competition.
How do I move up?
Moving up at The Swing Space is a guided process designed to support your growth and set you up for success.
To move up, dancers must talk with The Swing Space teaching staff (Ryan and/or Alex). From there, designated Swing Space teachers will oversee your level evaluation. These teachers are responsible not only for administering exams, but also for helping you understand what tools, skills, and concepts you need in order to move up if you are not cleared yet.
We will offer occasional focused classes (found on our Calendar) specifically for dancers who want to move up but may not want to remain in the level they are currently cleared for. These classes are designed to help bridge gaps, refine fundamentals, and prepare dancers for the next level.
Dancers may also test out of a level during designated testing times with Swing Space teachers. These testing times will be announced in advance and are the official opportunities to demonstrate readiness to move up.
For dancers who want additional support, private lessons are available with Swing Space staff members. Private lessons can be a great way to receive personalized feedback, accelerate improvement, and work directly on the areas needed to move up.
Our goal is not to rush dancers through levels, but to help them progress with clarity, confidence, and strong fundamentals.