Know a little bit about the history of the West Coast swing. West Coast swing is a form of swing dancing derived largely from the popular Lindy Hop. Understand that the West Coast swing is a slotted dance. It means the follower travels back and forth along rectangle, which is typically called the slot.
Listen to the basic music that accompanies the West Coast swing. Watch videos of people performing this vibrant dance and look for social clubs in which couples dance the West Coast swing so you can see it in action.
Visit a social swing dancing club and try to learn some by participation. Have fun this first time out and don't worry too much about getting the moves correct. Pay special attention to the elastic, rubber-band looking quality of the dance.
Learn the basic lead and follower steps of the West Coast Swing. Know that the most basic step performed by West Coast swing dancers is the sugar push.
Learn the anchor step that will be performed by both lead and follower at the end of each sugar push sequence. Try a few turns and various alterations on the dance such as a sugar tuck and various acrobatic whip movements once you become better acquainted with the basics of the dance.