Private Lessons ♂♀
Sonny Watson Dance and Lesson Schedule
Welcome! (Click blue linked tabs above for more info: ---- 7:30 to 12:30am (Corbin Bowl: 19616 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, Ca.)
Looking to learn West Coast Swing? (WCS) ... Open group styled dance classes such as these are the funnest way to progress to higher levels of dance in a fun social setting while getting the general techniques and fundamentals of WCS. These WCS lessons are progressive and an effective method to learn basic West Coast Swing dance patterns, lead and follow, correct rhythms and an accepted style needed to comfortably move ahead as well as easing you into the WCS community.
Learning how to dance is like learning another language, except that this language is spoken with your body (and printed in music.) If you really don't know the correct 'Physical Language' it can be really hard to communicate with another person physically. We can quickly teach you that language. This has been the main breeding ground for West Coast Swing in the northern Los Angeles area for over 35 years, especially in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. Sonny has literaly trained thousands upon thousands to dance WCS in the community. Everyone started somewhere and we can train you too!
Dancing is one of the best things you can do socially as an adult. There are many benefits to taking up dancing but 'better health' and 'socially active' are far from the bottom of the list. WCS dancing is open to all Races, Creeds, Ethnicities, Religions, Sexual Orientations, Fat/ Skinny people, Tall and Short, Rich and Poor, Pretty and not so pretty, Famous and Not. Why you ask, well, it's all about the dance, the music, touching someone, ... heck!, just letting go of the day and having fun with each other on a weekly basis can be good enough! and you don't have to give up your Friday and/or Saturdays to dance. (The Studio photos on left are the whole building from left-right)
Many teachers know the basic WCS language but Sonny helped write that very book!. These classes will help you learn that communication in a fun and relaxed enviroment. If you are new and just starting from scratch you may be confused at first, but through these classes you will find it easy to learn, meet new folks and each week you will become better and better and suddenly your a proud ''West Coast Swing dancer,'' ... all it takes is a smile, a willingness to try and to show up on Wednesdays, we will take care of the rest. ... So put down that remote control ...''Your Gonna Have a Blast!'' ... 1 2...3&4...5 6...7&8 ... :)
Beginning West Coast Swing Lessons ...
When:
Every Wednesday: with Sonny and Denise (except: Christmas Week)
Location: Corbin Bowl
19616 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, California 91356 (new location as of 2/14/2018)
(in the San Fernando Valley). Basically between Tampa and Winnetka
Parking: Lot and Street Parking.
Beginners Class Starts:
First Wednesday of the Month! (... tho you can actually start any week).
Beginners Class Time:
7:30-8:30 pm. (yes, you may come late, but, depending how late, you may fall behind.)
Beginners Class Length:
1 hour class. Weekly (4, sometimes 5 lessons during a month [ ]). No extra charge to stay after.
Cost:
$12.00 (covers entire night, including: Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced classes and/or dance after (or $10 members))
* No dance experience or partner necessary; we rotate. ... Dress is night club casual, clean, no Gym or workout clothes. Shoes should be secure on your feet, a lower heel is better with flexible suede or leather soles working the best (tennis shoes stick too much). Most ladies wear pants/slacks but dresses/skirts are always welcome. Yes, staying after class helps a lot!... come early, stay late! | Full Bar: Drinks/Water can be purchased at bar.
* We know getting out of the house after work can be a pain, but once your here, your going to forget your day really fast!. Eat a light non-Garlic/Onion meal (so you don't get in a food coma and wanna sleep,) put down that remote and get your rear down here! (You can order food there as well)... facebook will still be there when you get home lol
Google Map to Corbin Bowl | Any questions?, feel free to Contact Sonny: Cell: 1-818-606-9402 | WCSonny@aol.com
Intermediate West Coast Swing Lessons ...
Every Wednesday: with Sonny and Denise (except: Christmas Week)
Location: Corbin Bowl
19616 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, California 91356
(in the San Fernando Valley). Basically 101 Freeway, between Tampa and Winnetka
Parking: Lot and Street Parking.
Intermediate Class Starts:
'Drop-In Class' style, start anytime/week.
Intermediate+ Class Time:
8:30-9:00pm. (this class moves rather quickly.)
Intermediate Class Length:
Half Hour Weekly Class (four, sometimes five lessons weeks during a month). No extra charge to stay after for dance.
Cost:
$12.00 (covers entire night: includes Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced class and/or dance after ($10 members)
* 'Open Group' dance classes are a fun way to progress to higher levels of dance in a social setting (such as our Intermediate Group Practice WCS series on Sundays.) Wednesday Intermediate class level varies - pre-requisite: In this Intermediate/Advanced class you must know at least the Basic Whip, Basic Tuck-Turn, Basic Sugar Push and Basic Under Arm Pass to participate. (You'll just be slowing others down if you don't.) You may come early and stay late! | Full Bar: Drinks/Water can be purchased at bar.
Google Map to Corbin Bowl| Any questions?, feel free to Contact Sonny: Cell: 1-818-606-9402 | WCSonny@aol.com
Sundays Intermediate WCS Practice Group ...
Now 3 classes:
1) Beyond the Basics : 2pm (Must Know Basics)
2) Switch It Class : 3:15pm (Switch It Class is Male Follow / Female Leads).
3) Intermediate II+ : 3:30pm (Must know 'Int. I').
Join our Facebook page for Sundays Classes here for news, updates, cancellations, etc.: Facebook Sundays
When:
Next Sunday Master Series starts: -- Come any week you have free! (or 1st Sunday of Month) -- ...
class meets every Sunday ... except Major Holidays (Memorial, Labor Day, Xmas and Rainy Days, etc); or certain dance event weekends (see events link above or call if not sure.)
Join our Facebook Practice Group page
Location: L.A. Dance Sport Club dance studio
6015 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, California 91356
(in the San Fernando Valley). Basically 1.5 blocks North of 101 Freeway on West side of Reseda Blvd. (Arco Gas station at corner)
Parking: Please park on south side of Studio or on Street. (North side might get you towed!!!)
WCS Class Time: 2:00pm to 5:30pm.
There is usually some practice time after class with music. We occasionally go over the 5:30 mark! Please arrive around 10 minutes early to check in and be ready to start at 2:00pm.
Cost:
$15.00 per week, per class (or $30 for all three classes) You may start any week, and come as you like. Classes are based on 8 weeks.
* Partners not necessary (we rotate). Dress is clean+casual/comfortable. Suede/Leather soled shoes are a must.
This weekly class is designed to get your WCS dancing better and to acheive more confidence, better Timing, Rhythm, Poise, Technique and Style with committed, like minded partners. Every Sunday practice class has different teachings and material for both men and women. Class is open to all who can do the 'Basics of WCS' and with our new system you may start any week and not be behind. We always work on proper lead/follow, style and technique. Remembering what to do and how to do it is one of the hardest parts of dance and this class will help you elarn and remember even if you can't make every Sunday. No Partner needed. We even offer a 6 week 'discount' for those wanting to save money.
Occasionally we also have a ''Series Focus'' which we commit or focus the first part of the class, such as: ''Phrasing, Spins and Turns, Hitting the Breaks, Syncopating, Rhythm,'' etc. Plus there are many, many things not mentioned in normal nightclub classes that we explore and share here. You wanna get good?, we can help!... so commit and show up! :)
Google Map to Studio (Sun.) | Sonny: Cell: 1-818-606-9402 | WCSonny@aol.com
Wednesday Night WCS Dance and Lessons ...
When:
Every Wednesday (except: XMAS week and also Thanksgiving Week WCS Dance is held at Burbank Marriot Hotel for our "pre-U.S. Open dance" $15).
Location: Corbin Bowl
19616 Ventura Blvd.. Tarzana, California 91356
(in the San Fernando Valley). Basically 101 Freeway between Tampa and Winnetka
Parking: Lot and Street Parking.
WCS Class/Dance Times:
7:30 pm: Beginning | 8:30pm: Intermediate/Advanced WCS | 9:00pm. to 12:00am (midnight): Open West Coast Swing Social Dancing!
Cost:
$12.00 (covers entire night: includes Beginning, Intermediate/Advanced class and/or dance after ($8. members))
* Dress is night club casual, clean, no Gym or workout clothes, Color T-Shirts OK. Most ladies wear pants/slacks but dresses/skirts are always welcome. ... come early, stay late! Water can be purchased at the door.
Sonny Watson, ''Valley Swing Dance Club'' (V.S.D.C.) and Socal Westy meetup every Wednesday Night and are dedicated to the West Coast Swing style of dance since 1985, although we have no problem playing another style of dance or two if someone wants to dance ... say a Tango, Cha-Cha, NC2, Salsa, Lindy, Texas Two-Step etc. but it is primarily a West Coast Swing (WCS) night.
The night starts off with a 'Beginning WCS Lesson' at 7:30pm, then followed by a 'Intermediate/Advanced WCS lesson' at 8:30pm. At 9:00pm to 12:30am it's open dancing to some great dj'd WCS music. Each week varies in attendance and can be as low as 50 people (still fun) and upto over 120, depending on how the wind blows lol. We do have special nights such as our 'WCS Blues Only' Night, and more.
You do not need to be a ''Swing Club'' member to participate. All ages and Ethnicities welcome to dance WCS at our club ... from 21 to 70 and everyone in between having a swell time and dancing their Butts Off :)
Google Map to CORBIN BOWL | (No dance Christmas and New Years weeks. (Thanksgiving Wednesday is held in Burbank for the U.S. Open pre-party)
Any questions?, feel free to Contact Sonny: Cell: 1-818-606-9402 | WCSonny@aol.com
Private Dance Lessons! ...
Unlike Group dance classes, Private West Coast Swing dance lessons are all about you. I personalize each lesson based on your individual needs, desires, and goals, adjusting my teaching style to your dance ability, personality, and expectations all the while keeping a high standard of dance that is effective, yet fun, easy, and comfortable.
Everyone looks different in West Coast Swing and you're no different. I don't teach you to look like me, no,no (that styles mine lol, you can't have it) but, I do teach you the current skill's and stylings so you can become the best you can be. Learn proper Technique, Understanding WCS Theories, Spins and Turns, What not to do!, better Balance and improved posturings, Timing and Rhythm, Patterns, The correct counts, Proper Lead and Follow, Styling for men and women, Single and Double Resistance, using the Hitch, Arm Positions and a lot more get tailored to your needs.
Benefits of Private Dance Lessons:
Whether for social or competition, privates of course are the fastest way to learn, develop and grow. Sonny has taught and coached some of the best in the world. Personalized attention is given to you and (if available) your partner. Learning how to dance with the best possible partner, such as your teacher expedites the learning curve dramatically. Couple this to a weekly group class and it even gets faster. Some people Golf, play Chess, Tennis, Bowl or Watch TV... ''We dance! ... you and I are dancers ... We love dance, we dream about it, cry about it, talk about it, have withdrawls if we don't do it, we study it. Yes, we work on dance, ... this is what we do!''
Location: L.A. Dance Sport Club dance studio
6015 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, California 91356
(in the San Fernando Valley). Basically 1.5 blocks North of 101 Freeway on West side of Reseda Blvd. (Arco Gas station at corner)
Parking: Please park on south side of Building or on Street. (North side might get you towed!!!)
Fridays thru Mondays.
Call or Email ... Some time slots may be available on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, after 8:30pm on Mondays.
* $70.00 per 55 minute lesson ... up-to 2 people.
Semi Privates:
* $90.00 for 55 minute lesson ... up-to 4 people.
* Call for info on 'Small Groups' of 5 or more people. (Min. four week, pre-paid commitment for over 2 ppl.).
* Pro-Ams:
$25.00 per person, per dance. (thru WCS Dance Events I attend.)
Sonny provides comprehensive social and competitive WCS dance coaching for all ages. (Social WCS, Pro-Am WCS, Classic WCS, Showcase WCS, WCS Strictly Swing, WCS Teams and Jack and Jill's).
*** Cancellation Fee:12 hour notice or a $20 floor pre-booking fee will be charged on next lesson. (the studio charges me this regardless if not enough cancel notice by me.| Less than 12 hour full fee still due)
(Up-coming events):
Valley Swing Dance Club 2019 'Upcoming Events'
Coming Up: Sonny's WCS Birthday Party/Dance: June 5th, 2019: Corbin Bowl
(Past events):
Grand Opening and Valentines Dance at Corbin Bowl: February 14th, 2019
WCS Blues Night: April 24th, 2019
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Past VSDC Club events ................................................
80's WCS Night: April 27th, 2017
Blues Night: November 29th, 2017
Valentines Dance February 10th, 2016
October 28, 2015: WCS HALLOWEEN Party, Potluck, Costume Contest and more!.
November 25th - Our dance will be held at the Burbank Marriott Hotel ... Our official pre-dance party!
October 28, 2015: WCS HALLOWEEN Party, Potluck, Costume Contest and more!.
Weds August 12th, 2015: Galactic Tour: This is gonna be a sweet night for WCS all-ya-all in the Valley! .... The Galactic tour, part of the Northern Ca. 'the Galactic Open' is a 3-day WCS event and will be traveling down from nor-cal to Palm Springs doing a 5 day journey, stopping at certain clubs each day and will be at our club on the 12th. Joining us ... 20 to 50 mid/nor-cal dancers will be making the week long trek :).
July 29, 2015: Legendary Hustle dancer 'Disco Dave' Sarul is in Town and will be teaching for us at 8:30pm. "Hustle for WCS Dancers". This will replace the normal Intermediate WCS Class for Wednesday the 26th only. 8:30pm Intermediate class will resume the following week.
June 3rd, 2015: We are celebrating Sonny's Birthday, Potluck and more!.
May 27th, 2015 -- Special Blues Only WCS Night. Last year this night Rocked! ... This will be even better. Hot Blues music DJ'd by Sonny Watson. Lessons:7-9pm | Music: 9-12pm. (edit... it was a fantastic night!!!...we will have another soon).
May 6th, 2015 -- 'Cinco de Mayo' WCS Party and Mexican Potluck. Plus DJ Jumpin' Jack will throw in some Latin WCS Music mixed in throughout the night to add to that Latin Flair!
April 29th, 2015 -- Guest DJ: Aiden-Keith Hynes. 9-12pm.
March 1st thru April 22nd, 2015 -- VSDC 6 week Jack and Jill WCS Contest.
February 11th, 2015 -- Valentines WCS Dance Party, Costume Contest and Potluck.
January 7th, 2015 -- VSDC Wednesday West Coast Swing dance resumes from Holidays ... Happy New Year all!.
......... Scroll down below pics for 3 day weekend events!
Weekend Events: I will be Teaching and or Judging.
Monterey Swing Fest in Monterey, California.
January, 2016:
Jack and Jill O'Rama -- in Orange County, California.
June, 2016
Halloween Swingthing -- (Halloween Weekend) in Irvine, California.
October 29th -November 1st, 2016
Tahoe's Mountain Magic -- in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
November 2016
the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships (Thanksgiving Weekend) in Burbank, California.
November 23/27/2016
Sacramento All-Swing (new event).
July 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2016
Check here for any news, special VSDC Events like Bar-B-Ques, Club Hoppin', Meet-ups, Parties etcetera. However, there is Nothing at the moment
'Official Pre-Party' to the 'US Open Swing Dance Championships:
(Thanksgiving week - Wednesday: November 24, 2016
Hosted by the top three socal Swing Clubs who got together to throw one helleva WCS party: Sonny Watson (vsdc), Jack Smith (ocwcsdc) and Ben Morris (scsdc) on November 24, 2016 at the Marriott Hotel in Burbank (same location as US Open). Int. Lessons from 7-9pm. with Ben and Sonny. Exhibition's and Great WCS dancing after lessons. There will be many people from out of town present as well as the many locals. You won't want to miss it!. The cost for this combined dance will be $10 for the classes or dance, $15 for both. Hope to see everyone there! ...
- Watch here for more updated information come closer to date.
Here is the current itinerary for the Open's pre-dance: (subject to change.)
- 6:00pm - 7:00pm: open dancing - recorded music (Dance warm up.)
- 7:00pm - 7:45pm: Int. Level Workshop - Ben Morris.
- 8:00pm - 8:45pm: Int. Level Workshop - Sonny Watson.
- 8:45pm - 1:30 am: - Open Dancing - DJ Jumpin' Jack Smith.
- PLUS! ... some invited 'US Open Competitors' will do some dance exhibitions throughout the night.
(for more info click: US Open Website | FaceBook 2012 Pre-Party event page | 2012 Photo's)