Big Apple

Mitch Frohman and his quartet play at Big Apple Ballroom bringing swinging music to the WCS community. You may have heard Mitch around playing around town or in the theme music for Sex and the City: he's kind of a big deal. Sophie Cazeneuve and team organized a night of live music and community. Stay up to date with all of the goings on at Big Apple by going to: bigappleballroom.com/events Stop by the studio every Monday for a full slate of West Coast Swing classes and our practice session from 9-11 PM, free for all class attendees.

🌀 June Recap – West Coast Swing Level 2: Building Smooth Transitions What we practiced: • Sugar Push • Right Side Pass to Handshake Hold • Sugar Tuck • Roll-In Roll-Out • Left Side Pass with Tuck Turn + Leader Underarm Turn • Repeat pattern ending with follower’s right hand on leader’s right shoulder • Sugar Push from leader’s shoulder connection What we focused on: This month, we explored how small rotations in the feet create smoother transitions from step to step. These subtle pivots—especially at the end of a weight transfer—help your movement flow more effortlessly. Think of it like putting oil on a squeaky door hinge: the dance starts to glide. It takes coordination and body awareness, but it’s what gives West Coast Swing its signature smoothness. ⸻ Level 3: Upgrading Your Turns What we practiced: • Sugar Push • Left Side Pass with Inside Turn + Leader Turn • Mambo Jazz • Sombrero into Walk-Around • Multiple Spin • Spiral Turn What we focused on: We turned u

…where the magic of dance comes alive in the heart of Manhattan, near Union Square! From Waltz to Cha-Cha-Cha, Argentine Tango to Salsa, and every step in between – at Big Apple Ballroom, we believe in unlocking the dancer within you. Imagine being an accomplished social dancer, effortlessly gliding across the floor with any partner and dancing seamlessly to any beat. Or maybe you want be a performer and let your creativity and expression out through dance. It's not just about learning steps; it's about embodying confidence, grace, rhythm, and style. At our boutique NYC studio, we believe in nurturing the whole experience of becoming a dancer and making it a part of your life - not just teaching dance steps. Whether you're dreaming of crafting an unforgettable wedding dance, brushing off your moves, or mastering the art of dancing, we're here to guide you into a world of stress-free, enjoyable, and transformative dance.

February Recap WCS Level 1 | THE BASIC TIP OF THE MONTH As we wrap up another great month of West Coast swing, I want to highlight an opportunity for you to build confidence and grow as a dancer : Our MONDAY NIGHT PRACTICE from 9:30 to 11 PM This practice session is completely free and included with your beginner class. It's the perfect space to refine your basics, get more time on the floor and connect with the community at Big Apple Ballroom. You'll have the chance to dance with more experienced partner whether you want to ask question, work on what you learn in class or just have fun dancing. This is your time to explore, enjoy and get better in a safe environment. WCS Level 2 | PIIIIITCH your peaches ! Definition of Pitch: In West Coast swing, “Pitch” refers to the intentional forward or backward tilt of a dancer’s body often used to create dynamic movements and improve connection with a partner. It occurs from the ankles rather than bending at the waist, allowing for bett

Level 3 Recap Focus: Styling, rhythmic variations, and anchor extensions for smoother transitions. Figures Covered:     •    Extended Anchor with Hold-Ball-Change     •    Sugar Push Back-to-Back     •    Whip with Outside Turn Behind the Leader’s Back

Sophie Cazeneuve and Lara Beecher demonstrate material from WCS Level II at Big Apple Ballroom. You can check out our full syllabus at: https://bigappleballroom.com/wc-swing-curriculum

Sophie Cazeneuve breaks down triple step variations from this month's class

Level 2: Hold Ball Change & Tap Step This week , we explored the hold ball change and tap step. The hold ball change can replace any single timing step on the “1,” creating a subtle delay on the “1 ” and stepping on the “and 2.” This delay keeps the weight transfer on the same leg, simply shifting the timing, allowing for more dynamic movement and more stretch between the partners. You can also replace any triple step with a tap step to add variety and texture to your dancing. Practice alternating between tap steps, triple steps. Experiment with switching them in different parts of your patterns to see how they affect the rhythm and flow. Your homework: Play with these options to get comfortable with the timing and feel of each variation. This drill will build control and open up creative choices in your dancing! Join us every week for class at Big Apple Ballroom and keep practicing

Level 2: Hold Ball Change & Tap Step This week , we explored the hold ball change and tap step. The hold ball change can replace any single timing step on the “1,” creating a subtle delay on the “1 ” and stepping on the “and 2.” This delay keeps the weight transfer on the same leg, simply shifting the timing, allowing for more dynamic movement and more stretch between the partners. You can also replace any triple step with a tap step to add variety and texture to your dancing. Practice alternating between tap steps, triple steps. Experiment with switching them in different parts of your patterns to see how they affect the rhythm and flow. Your homework: Play with these options to get comfortable with the timing and feel of each variation. This drill will build control and open up creative choices in your dancing! Join us every week for class at Big Apple Ballroom.

Basic Tip of the Week: Control Your Weight Transfer This week’s tip focuses on the precise placement of your foot on the floor, inch by inch, to help you gain control over your weight transfer. To practice this, try one step for each of these time intervals:     •    One step for two beats     •    One step for four beats     •    One step for two beats     •    One step for one beat As you practice, notice how much of your leg muscles does it require to engage and where in order control your weight transfer at different speed. This drill will help you develop the ability to make intentional choices to match the music, giving you more flexibility in your movement later in your dance journey.