Ever finish a pattern and feel like you were holding yourself up, alone, on one foot? Most dancers blame their footwork. Usually the real problem is the space between you and your partner.
This month, my classes are working on one idea that changes how the whole dance feels: leaders and followers are the yin and yang of a circle. Each partner fills the space the other one leaves open. When that happens, balance stops being something you fight for and becomes something you share.
To make that idea easy to feel, I put together a new West Coast Swing sequence built around it.
Why Balance Lives in the Frame
Think of your frame as one circle split into two halves. When the leader moves out of their half, the follower doesn’t chase or collapse. They fill in. When the follower stretches away, the leader steps in to meet that energy. Neither partner is pushing or pulling. You’re both keeping the circle whole.
That’s what counterbalance really is in WCS. Not two people each trying to stay upright alone, but two halves holding up one shape together.
What This Sequence Teaches
The sequence is short on purpose. It’s meant to be practiced again and again until the feeling becomes automatic. As you work through it, you’ll start to notice:
- Where your partner’s space is. And when it opens up for you to fill.
- How to stay connected without forcing it. The frame stays alive without tension in the arms.
- Why stretch and compression feel smoother. Balance gives both partners something to work against.
- How leading and following become a conversation. Each move answers the last one.
Who It’s For
If you’re a newer West Coast Swing dancer, this sequence gives you a clear picture of what “connection” actually means on the floor. If you’ve been dancing for a while, it’s a great reset. Many intermediate dancers find their patterns get cleaner as soon as they stop dancing their half alone.
It works well for any partner dancer, too. The yin-and-yang idea carries over to almost every swing style.
Watch the Sequence
Watch it once just to see the shape. Then watch it again and pay attention to how each partner moves into the space the other just left. That’s the whole secret.
Where I’m Teaching This Sequence
I’m teaching the balance sequence and the yin-and-yang frame at every class and party between now and the end of November. No partner needed. Just come ready to dance.
Thursday Lessons: Easy Swing Class @ Roma
6:45–8:15 PM at Roma Restaurant, 29 Middlesex St, Haverhill, MA 01835. A lesson plus guided practice afterward. It’s lighthearted, fun, and a great way to lock in the sequence.
- Thursday, October 22
- Thursday, October 29
- Thursday, November 5
- Thursday, November 12
- Thursday, November 19
- Thursday, November 26
Dance Parties
Swinging Sundays: The Colored Ball, Sunday, November 1
6:00–9:00 PM at Girls at Work, 200 Bedford St, Manchester, NH. The most colorful night of the year. $20 per person includes a 1-hour all-levels WCS lesson, a 2-step mixer, and a dance party until 9 PM. Bright colors encouraged, and new clothing donations are always accepted.
The Ice Ball, Sunday, November 29
6:00–9:00 PM at Arthur Murray, 10 Main St, Natick, MA, presented with Carol Lanzillo. Slick moves and cool music. $20 per person includes a 45-minute all-levels WCS lesson and a 2-step mixer. Wear your frostiest outfit.
No partner needed at any event, and they all make a great double date. Questions? Text 603-475-1391.
Try It at Your Next Social
The best way to learn this is to dance it. Try the sequence with a few different partners at your next social and notice how the balance shifts with each person. And if you want to work on it in person, come join me at one of the classes or parties listed above. We’ll take it step by step, and you’ll feel the difference by the end of the night.
Lessons, events, and DJ info: www.MrJonathanIsMyDJ.com
Leader or follower, which half of the circle do you dance? Share your experience in the comments below.