Jim Scotch is focused exclusively on a single dance: West Coast Swing! His approach to teaching WCS reflects the passion and enthusiasm he has for this high-improvisation dance form, and emphasizes musicality and interpretation from the start. Early in his WCS journey he was fortunate to learn from some of the best and most highly respected instructors in the Houston area, capitalizing on the diverse WCS scene in this high-energy region of Texas. Upon moving to Florida, he continued to expand upon his WCS style by studying the contemporary trends of the new generation of WCS dancers.

 

Jim believes that West Coast Swing was meant to shine on the social floor even more than on the competitive circuit, being an interpretive dance at heart. His teaching methodology emphasizes a thorough understanding of the basics of WCS because he firmly believes that all the unusual and eye-catching features of this unique dance form – the subtle sensuality, the seemingly effortless musicality, and improvisation – can come to fruition only after the student has mastered the basics of West Coast Swing.

 

One of Jim’s major goals is to enable the aspiring student to start enjoying real West Coast Swing parties! People new to WCS often find it perplexing that dancers there continue to do the “same” dance for hours at end. How could that be?! The reason, of course, is that they are dancing differently to each song and to each genre of music – even to the point where a slow bluesy groove looks like a separate dance altogether than a brisk and punchy R&B hit. When the student begins to feel comfortable with this type of dance scene, with its holy grail of musicality, and is slowly able to get lost in the unbelievable joy of this mix of shifting rhythms, spontaneous interpretation, sultry sensuality, and creative improvisation, Jim feels he has accomplished his primary goal in teaching West Coast Swing.

 

Please feel free to contact Jim for additional information at 832-418-7145.

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