West Coast Swing Dance Classes in Atwater Village, Los Angeles
Join a welcoming, creative community and learn from top instructors in an intimate, structured setting.
We offer West Coast Swing dance classes for brand-new beginners and advanced dancers every week.
We also have practice sessions, socials, and live music events every month.
Wednesdays
6:15 - 7:00 pm | WCS 1.5 | Exenia Rocco
7:00 - 8:00 pm | Open Practice FREE with any class! | Exenia Rocco
8:00 - 8:45 pm | WCS 2 | Exenia Rocco
Sundays
6:30 - 7:30 pm | WCS 1.5 | Sam Vaden
7:30 - 8:15 pm | WCS 1 | Sam Vaden
8:15 - 9:00 pm | WCS 2 | Sam Vaden
9:00 - 9:30 pm | Open Practice FREE with any class! | Sam Vaden
Next Level 1:
February
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:00 pm | WCS 1 Intro Series | Exenia Rocco
Sundays
7:30 - 8:30 pm | WCS 1 Whip Series | Sam Vaden
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Level 1 | Introduction to WCS!
We alternate between two foundational month-long courses:
Intro Series
Absolute Basics & Six-Count Patterns
Whip Series
Whip Fundamentals & Intro to Eight-Count Patterns
✔ No partner required
✔ Complete the Intro series before joining the Whip series
Level 1.5 | Adv.Beginner
Technique & Connection (Monthly topics)
Strengthen your fundamentals while advancing your technique. We’ll focus on:
Elastic connection & body awareness
Transitioning between 6-count & 8-count rhythms
Building confidence in both lead and follow roles
✨ Level 1 & Intro classes are free to retake once you enroll in Level 1.5 - supporting a stronger learning journey.
Level 2 | Intermediate
Movement Quality & Variations (Monthly topics)
For dancers ready to unlock deeper expression in WCS.
Prerequisites include:
• Solid fundamentals from Level 1.5
• Comfortable with Whip variations and transitions
• Actively developing skills in the secondary role
Choose your price in checkout 👇
Level 1 Series
Month-long commitment at $20 per session.
Drop-ins: $30 at the door, space permitting (no pre-registration)
Ongoing Series (level 1.5 & up)
Drop-In: $30.00
Punch Cards: $19.00-$22.00
West Coast Swing Membership: $145.00/month
Unlimited Membership: $205.00/month
Meet Your Instructors
Sam Vaden | West Coast Swing
Sam Vaden has been dancing West Coast Swing since 2015, when he first discovered the dance’s unique blend of musicality, creativity, and connection. What began as curiosity quickly grew into a deep passion, and over the years he has climbed the competitive ranks from Novice to All-Star.
In addition to competing, Sam is an active teacher, judge, and emcee, known for his approachable style and genuine love of connecting with people. Coming from a large family and having served in the military, he has always been drawn to strong communities—something he found deeply within West Coast Swing. Now based in Los Angeles, Sam continues to travel and teach, inspired by the magic of connecting with a stranger on the dance floor and creating something meaningful in just a few minutes.
Exenia Rocco | West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing All-Star Exenia Rocco is known across the U.S. for her musicality, footwork, and vibrant energy on the dance floor. With over 25 years of dance experience spanning more than 20 styles—including ballroom, jazz, contemporary, and a variety of social dances—she brings a rich and versatile background to her teaching.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a deep commitment to personal development, Exenia blends strong technical foundations with musicality, mindfulness, and self-expression. She has taught and performed internationally and believes in teaching the student, not just the steps. Her classes are known for their clarity, warmth, humor, and an empowering approach that invites dancers to explore both movement and mindset.
About West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a smooth, playful, and highly musical partner dance that evolved from the original Lindy Hop. Born in Los Angeles in the 1940s, it was shaped by the elegance of Hollywood’s golden era and the creativity of the California dance scene. In recognition of its rich cultural roots, West Coast Swing was named the official state dance of California in 1988.
Unlike many circular partner dances, West Coast Swing is danced in a “slot” - a linear pattern that gives it a sleek, elastic quality. The dance emphasizes connection, rhythm, and improvisation, allowing partners to express themselves within a shared framework.
Today, West Coast Swing continues to evolve, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of music styles including R&B, pop, blues, and soul. Whether danced to classic grooves or contemporary hits, it celebrates individuality, creativity, and connection - making it one of the most versatile and expressive social dances in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No partner required! In class we rotate frequently so everyone gets a chance to dance and practice with different people. If you do come with a partner and prefer to stay together, that’s totally fine too. Just let the instructor know at the beginning of class.
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Wear shoes that are comfortable that you can move in. Dance shoes with suede soles are great, but not required — sneakers or flats with a smooth sole work just fine. Avoid shoes with a sticky, rubbery bottom, heavy boots, flip flops, or anything that sticks to the floor.
We also have shoes available for purchase at the studio when you’re ready to invest in a good pair of dance shoes!
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You can reserve your spot directly through Motivo LA’s app for iPhone here or Android.
We recommend signing up in advance to guarantee your place and to make checking in before class quick and easy, but walk-ins are welcome!
We offer single drop-in class packages, 8-class packages, and 16-class packages. All classes expire one year from purchase, so you have plenty of time to use your credits!
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Yes! Motivo Dance LA offers weekly social practice sessions where you can apply what you’re learning in class in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s the perfect way to get more comfortable dancing with different partners and to enjoy the community.
Open practice sessions are included when you take any class that evening at the studio!