Aside from flat, flexible shoes, no special equipment is required.

However, some venues—such as Jardin d’Émergences—do not allow street shoes. In those locations, you must wear indoor-only dance shoes or socks.

Many WCS dancers use suede-soled shoes. Currently, popular choices include low-heeled sandals, dance boots, or dance sneakers.

Most Westies wear jeans, leggings, or loose-fitting pants. Skirts are not recommended, high heels are inappropriate. 

Anyone—regardless of gender—can choose to dance as a leader or follower, based on personal preference or available spots in the class (as we maintain role balance).

Switching roles during the year is not allowed.

Once you’ve chosen a role, we ask that you stick to it for all classes and social dances, including our Sunday Socials.

Each role in West Coast Swing involves different footwork, weight placement, and even mindset.

Trying to learn both roles at once can be confusing for beginners.

However, once you’ve developed a solid foundation in your primary role, it can be very beneficial to explore the other role later on.

Since registrations are individual, you can most likely continue even if your partner drops out — unless it creates a significant imbalance between roles in the class.

Yes! We offer free trial classes at the beginning of the academic year.

Check the “Other Activities” page, under the “Trial Classes” section, for more details.

West Coast Swing has a very specific foundational technique that must be learned from the start.

Even experienced dancers in other styles are expected to begin at the beginner level or learn the fundamentals through private lessons.

Please note that there is no guarantee of acceptance mid-year, especially for solo followers.

For couples and leaders, mid-year registration may be possible depending on role balance and class capacity.

You will still need to take private lessons to catch up on any missed basics. Feel free to email us for more details.

For solo followers, registration may be impossible due to high demand.

Each class follows a progressive teaching method, with steps and moves increasing in difficulty.

Therefore, we do not allow registrations after the cycle has started, nor skipping levels, unless explicitly invited by instructors.

Drop-in classes are not permitted, except for highly experienced WCS dancers.

Classes are taught in English and/or French, depending on the needs of each class.

We invite you to send us an email explaining your needs, so we can assess whether our team, facilities, and group classes are equipped to support you appropriately.