As with any other dance, footwork and timing are big parts of West Coast dance steps. Footwork and timing tend to be crucial when learning and even perfecting this type of dance. West Coast Swing involves several different pattern and movements, both involving the man and the woman. When different patterns get in involved, such as freestyle, steps can be added, and timing can make a difference. Timing allows the dance to flow and run smoothly and so the partners can coordinate their steps.
West Coast dance steps rely heavily on having partners, particularly because the dance can involve swing dance styles. A single man and a single woman make up the typical dance partners and each plays a set part in particular dances. Some moves in many dances would not be possible without partners. Therefore, the West Coast swing is a couple's dance.
West Coast dance steps all open with a starting dance position. This most common dance position is considered an "opened position" where the male and female face each other, holding hands. The woman ordinarily curves her fingers to form a "C" shape, while the man holds his hands out in front of his body, palms toward one another, fingers curved in. In this position the woman will rest her hands on top of the man's so that her fingers touch the man's fingers. Starting in these positions serve to gain the connection both partners need.
There are many important aspects to West Coast dance steps. Leading and following are important. Lead and follow are nonverbal communication skills that each partner must understand. A woman must allow a man to lead and she in sync must follow him. Each partner must maintain a connection throughout the entire dance, otherwise the lead and follow aspect of the dance will fail. It is most common for the man to lead and the woman to follow for best results.
Each partner plays a particular role in each dance. Both ladies and men have separate and varied steps for each dance. In some dances, such as the "Anchor Step," the man and woman have opposite positions they must be in to face each other at all times, such as the man stepping forward with his right foot, while the woman follows by moving her left foot back. Just as with any other style or type of dance, these separate partner steps are crucial to bringing the dance to life.