FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN ARE YOUR SOCIAL DANCES AND LESSONS?
Our weekly lessons are 8-9pm on Wednesdays, followed by dancing 9-11pm!
* Please arrive on time for lessons. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you will be asked to observe instead of joining the lesson rotation.
* Those new to WCS must start the beginner lesson series on the 1st or 2nd Wednesday of the month.
OH NO! I'M STRUGGLING TO FIND THE ENTRANCE TO THE DANCE!
Not to worry! Parish Hall is located in the building named "Saint Mary's Nursery School" on Google Maps (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia). The main church building is on Locust Walk, but it is easiest to come around the back way on Irving St. Step by step directions: starting from 40th and Irving, keep walking on Irving St. towards the highrise in front of it until you hit the parking lot right before the road stops. At the parking lot, turn left and when you reach the courtyard, turn left again. That should take you right to the door of our social dance.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PARTNER TO THE DANCE?
Nope! As West Coast Swing is mainly an improvisational social dance, dancing with different people in the night is strongly encouraged! After all, it's the best way to get better and make some awesome friends.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?
At UCSwing, we have no dress code, so wear anything you want, as long as it's comfortable! During warmer temperatures, we do advise those that sweat a lot to bring a change of shirts, as it does get quite hot in the room. As for your footwear, comfortable and preferably close-toed shoes are recommended.
ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO BRING?
Consider bringing a bottle of water, although we do have a free water fountain available. Other than that, just a happy attitude and your shiny self!
I'M COMING BY CAR, IS THERE ANY PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes! Parking is available in two small church lots attached to Irving St, or on any of the surrounding streets (especially Spruce). You should have no problem finding a spot.
HELP! I'VE NEVER DANCED BEFORE AND EVERYONE ELSE LOOKS SO GOOD! WHAT DO I DO?
Simply put - don't panic and come to more dances! All of the dancers you see on the floor were once beginners too and they would love to dance with you regardless of experience!
WHICH MONTH OF THE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES ARE YOU TEACHING THIS MONTH?
The syllabus rotates over three months: Month A (Starters and Basic Variations), Month B (Whips), and Month C (Common Turns). Our Facebook event is always updated with the lesson information, and it is also possible to calculate what will be taught in future months. The months follow this rotation for 2025:
January, April, July, October: A
February, May, August, November: B
March, June, September, December: C
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I EXPECT TO TAKE THE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES?
The Fundamentals series repeats over a 3-month cycle. It also includes a “Progression” split-off section where in-depth Fundamentals technique is explained for more experienced dancers. Most people take the Fundamentals series 2-3 times, for a total of 6-9 months. It is always possible to request an evaluation after the fourth week of class for feedback on your Fundamentals competencies, even if you don’t want to test in to Special Topics.
HOW DO I TEST INTO SPECIAL TOPICS?
The Special Topics series requires a short evaluation of our fundamentals competencies to enter, which looks like dancing with an available instructor to the currently-playing song and receiving feedback. Evaluations are held at the beginning of every fourth social dance of the month, and as-needed before classes if instructors are available: plan to arrive around 7:45pm if you want to test before class.