Time to Start Learning WCS patterns to up your pattern count? Both of these patterns are accomplished by leading with your hips, not your hands.
Learning WCS: The Tornado Whip
The Tornado whip starts like any other whip until count 5. At this point The follower’s right hand is passed behind her back. The pass is from the leader’s left hand to his right. Then the follower is encouraged to turn in the direction of the passed hand. When the elbow of the follower’s right arm passes the leader’s forehead, he slips that arm behind his neck as he rotates the partnership to the right.
West Coast Swing connection is usually back and forth up and down the slot. The exception to the rule is when both partners are rotating with their connection. Here both partners are rotating the partnership so the connection is centrifugal. The rotation of this whip goes a full 720º consequently the count must be extended out to 12. We end in a right to right or “handshake” connection.
Learning WCS: The 6 Count Slot Bender
Our Learning WCS video continues with the 6 count slot bender. The leader takes his first step down the slot (away from his partner) and he rotates. At this point the leader turns his back on the follower (turning left) by count 2. Three and four swings the follower behind the leader and begins to shoot her back to wear she came from. Counts five and six see the follower tuck under the leader’s right arm and return to the same side of the slot that she started at. If something happens and the follower can not get to the end of the slot by 5&6 the count on the pattern can be extended. The pattern gets longer by 2 steps adding “7-8.” It is important to note this is not the same as 7&8 which would indicated adding 3 steps not 2.
Where to Find Mr. Jonathan
You can start Learning WCS with me at Longfellow’s Club JoEllen every Sunday night from 6-6:45 Two-Step and West Coast Swing 6:45-7:30. On the Second Sunday of the month I am also the DJ. The club is located at 524 Boston Post Rd Wayland, Ma. Its $15 to attend the lessons, the dance, or both.
For more videos by Mr. Jonathan visit HERE