West Coast Swing

Starter Step

(Straight Count)

It has been traditional that the Starter Step is the first Step Pattern couples do when they enter the dance floor to start West Coast Swing. This helps the dancers get their mental motor running in time with the music. It is composed of 2 Triple Rhythm Units. This is done only when the couples first start dancing and is never repeated again. It is done in Closed Position (Swing) and you can count [1 & 2][3 & 4] - or what I prefer which is [3 & 4][5 & 6] - prior to starting your Step Patterns.

Here is a good place to start thinking more about the Unit Foot and trying to keep your CPB over your Unit Foot.

To go any further requires you to go on to the next pattern which is the Throw Out from Closed Position

HELP

DEFINITIONS

Starter Step
Is a 2 Unit Step Pattern.

DEMONSTRATE

Rhythm Unit Cards: Triple, Triple.


E X E R C I S E
Starter Step

SETUP

Frame: Closed Position (Swing)

PATTERN

Leader

 
ODD
 
ODD
Count
&
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
Rhythm
X
x
X
X
x
X
Foot
L
R
T
R
L
R
Direction
T
T
T
T
T
T
Slot/Rails
=
=
=
=
=
=
Foot Pos
3
3
3
3
3
3

Follower

 
ODD
 
ODD
Count
&
1
&
2
&
3
&
4
Rhythm
X
x
X
X
x
X
Foot
R
L
R
L
R
L
Direction
T
T
T
T
T
T
Slot/Rails
=
=
=
=
=
=
Foot Pos
3
3
3
3
3
3

Verbal: [step three times] [step three times]

Verbal: [1& 2] [3& 4] or [3 & 4] [5 & 6]

IMPORTANT POINTS

Frame
Unit Foot
Get ready for Throw-Out after second unit
Slot/Rails