About

Spread the love
of West Coast Swing.

That's the whole mission, in the community's own words: spread the love of WCS and dance to Grand Rapids, and inspire growth in the community and the people in it. It is also why we keep the region's calendar rather than only our own.

Who we are

A community, not a company

Western Michigan Westies is the West Coast Swing community for Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. We run weekly classes and socials, bring teachers to events, and keep the calendar for every WCS night we can find nearby, ours and everyone else's.

What we run

The monthly Sunday afternoon social, plus workshops and pop-ups around the region. We also keep the calendar for every West Coast Swing night in West Michigan, whoever runs it.

Who it's for

Everyone. All levels, no partner required, lead or follow. Most of our regulars first walked in alone.

How we work

Volunteer-run and collaborative. We work with neighbouring scenes across the Midwest rather than competing with them.

Why the calendar

A dancer shouldn't have to check six Facebook groups to find a floor. So we host the whole region's calendar alongside our own nights.

The people

Who keeps it running

The instructors and organisers, plus whoever keeps the shenanigans on schedule.

Shenanigans Coordinator

Kelsey Osler

Kelsey Osler is a local community leader and the shenanigans coordinator for the Western Michigan Westies. She found her love of dance young, and West Coast Swing found her in 2017. After an ankle injury in 2023 she shifted focus to building the West Coast Swing community around Grand Rapids, collaborating with neighboring communities to grow dancers across the Midwest. In her spare time she supports communities and events with graphic design and event coordination.

Meet the teachers Get in touch

What we believe

Three things

One

Anyone can start. No experience, no partner, no dance background. The beginner lesson starts from the basic each week.

Two

The scene is bigger than us. Other organisers' nights go on our calendar with the same billing as our own. A bigger regional floor is good for everybody.

Three

People before steps. Technique matters, but nobody sticks around for technique. They stick around for the room. See our code of conduct.

Good company

Partners & venues

venueSocial Dance Studio venueMoveir Dance Studio platformDance Seekers

Come find out.

Tuesday at 7 is the easiest place to start. There's nothing to book.

Your first night Get in touch