Welcome to the Santa Cruz West Coast Swing Dance Club!
We are a group of passionate West Coast Swing dancers devoted to promoting West Coast Swing dancing in the Santa Cruz, California area.
Upcoming Event:
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
West Coast Swing Dance!
6:30 to 7:00 Beginner Lesson with Jessica Sweeney and Scott Siemer
Beginner lessons at 6:30pm: We are offering a 30 minute newcomer lesson to help those just starting their swing dance journey. No additional charge - no experience needed. Bring a friend to try it out!!
7:00 to 8:00pm - All Levels Lesson with Richard Kear
8:00pm to 11:00pm - Open Dancing with DJ Nicole!
General Admission - $15
Dance Location: MCSC, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA
We look forward to welcoming back Richard Kear!!
Richard is one of our favorite local WCS Instructors! He’s been teaching dance for over 30 years, holds the esteemed title of Champion level with the World Swing Dance Council, and hosts WCS classes and a dance every Monday night at Dance Boulevard in San Jose.
(https://danceboulevard.com/richard-kear/)
Here's a throw back video of Richard Kear and Alyssa Glanville from 2012. Enjoy!
(https://youtu.be/x_Z5-49JyP8?si=XbJuvepNvJ-teoOJ)
Richard and Kara Frenzel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzXShcjWYCA
Jessica Sweeney & Scott Siemer will get you dancing in our intro to WCS class. No experience or partner needed, ever, to join us for the evening! Jessica is a Santa Cruz native with extensive partner dancing experience and has focused mainly on West Coast Swing since 2018. Dedicated to growing the local scene, she & Scott offer weekly classes, a monthly drop-in and social, and participate in Dancing in the Streets events. You can find their classes at the Palomar Ballroom (www.palomarballroom.com).
Masks are currently optional. Please respect everyone’s choice to wear one if they choose.
Monthly Dances to Follow - Third Saturdays
10/17/2026 - Jessica Sweeney
11/21/2026 - Richard Kear
12/19/2026 - Shanna Pocari Nysen
1/16/2027 - TBD
More Places to Dance!
Santa Cruz Swing - Thursday night classes at the 418 Project in downtown Santa Cruz. They feature old timey swing dancing with a focus on Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. https://www.santacruzswing.com/
Swingout Santa Cruz - Free classes monthly every second Saturday on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. They play Swing, Soul, Jump Blues, Oldies, etc. and welcome swing dancing of all styles. https://www.swingoutsantacruz.com/
Do Your Own Swing - Thursday nights at Studio M Ballroom Club at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose. Riley Crozier teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/doyourownswing/
Groovy Tuesdays - Tuesday nights at Starlite Ballroom at 5178 Moorpark Ave in San Jose. Austin Kois teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/groovytuesdayswcs/
Palomar Scotts Valley - Tuesday night classes at Palomar at 4652 Scotts Valley Dr. in Scotts Valley. Jessica Sweeney teaches level 1 and level 2 beginner lessons with second Friday social dances. https://www.palomarballroom.com/
West Coast Swing with the Kane's - Thursday nights at Studio M Ballroom Club at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose. Kevin and Nataliya teach leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/kevinataduoswing
Richard’s Monday Night West Coast Swing - Monday nights at Dance Boulevard at 1824 Hillsdale Ave. in San Jose. Richard teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069425709638
Sharky Swing - Monthly dances (check website) at Dance Boulevard at 1824 Hillsdale Ave. in San Jose. There is an all-level/intermediate lesson with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/sharkyswing408/events/?id=100077651873555&sk=events
Want to add a Place? - Please email us!
Santa Cruz West Coast Swing Dance Club
CODE OF CONDUCT
(Condensed version)
By attending, you agree to comply with these terms.
This is an ALL AGES space.
This is a social dance and we want attendees to feel safe and have fun dances. If you are conducting yourself inappropriately, you will be approached by a team member for discussion or action, and may be asked to leave without a refund.
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to the following:
Harassment of any kind. (Includes derogatory actions or comments about age, gender or sexual identity, ethnic background, skill level, dance style, hostile online communications, etc...)
Dancing that makes others uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. (flailing, unpredictable nature, too physically forceful, could cause injury, too overtly sexual or graphic, inappropriate touching, etc...)
Injuring another dancer and not appropriately checking-in or apologizing.
Violating someone’s consent. (includes giving unsolicited advice, instruction, or criticism, not accepting “no” at any point, unexpected or unwelcome physical contact, etc…)
Appearing under the influence of substances or intoxicated.
Everyone should be allowed to have a great dance.
Inappropriate behavior will get you BANNED.
We reserve the right to refuse entry at any time for any reason, including those listed above.
This document is based on the Code of Conduct by Sound Fusion, a Seattle, WA dance, made shareable via the SwingDiversity Policy Toolkit.
For a more in depth version of our Code of Conduct, which also includes encouraged behaviors with examples, and who to contact for support, you may view it here.
Dance with us!
Mid Counter Center
829 Bay Avenue, Capitola
Capitola, CA 95010