About WOW
Learn to Dance in Orlando
What is
West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a smooth, modern partner dance that evolved from Lindy Hop, one of the original swing dances. It's known for its elastic, slotted style and ability to be danced to a wide variety of music genres.
WCS is constantly evolving — as the music of the day changes, so does the dance style to match it. Plus, WCS's ability to dance to almost any style of music makes it extremely universal, which is why it is one of the most viral dances in the world right now!
Why We Love
West Coast Swing
Meet and make friends with exciting new people from different backgrounds.
Dance to any genre of music — from pop to blues to hip hop to country!
Learn to improvise and express yourself freely.
Meet The Team
West Coast Swing Instructors
Click to Learn More!
Gary Jobst
Instructor & Co-Founder
Gary's passion for partner dancing began over 35 years ago when he discovered Country Western couples and line dancing in San Diego while serving in the U. S. Navy. He soon began competing on the UCWDC couples competition circuit and worked his way up to Division 1. He was a member of the 3-time UCWDC World Champion dance team, Midnight Cowboys.
In the early 90s he was bitten by the West Coast Swing bug and now holds 2 US Open Swing Dance titles along with a number of Champions & Invitational Jack & Jill & Strictly Swing titles. He has competed at the US Open in his 20s, 30s and 40s. Gary has been a Judge and Chief Judge at many swing events throughout the USA and Europe and is 1 of 12 WSDC Platinum Certified Chief Judges in the World. He was inducted into the National Living Legends of Dance in 2016 and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame as Golden Star Inductee in 2024.
Gary relocated to the Orlando area in 2019 to be closer to his (now 18 year graduate old) son and became a part of the Central Florida West Coast Swing Community. He is a joint organizer of the West Orlando Westies (WOW). Gary has become a significant contributor to the recent rapid growth in the Orlando West Coast Swing dance scene.
He is available for workshops, private lessons, and coaching sessions throughout Florida, the United States and the world!
Chris Rupp
Instructor & Co-Founder
Chris has been passionate about partner dancing since college, starting with Lindy Hop and Blues before finding his true home in West Coast Swing. For the past eight years, he has competed and taught as an All-Star on stages around the world. He is the co-founder and manager of WOW in Orlando and the director of Orlando Westie Prom, a premier fall dance event.
Beyond the dance floor, Chris is a professional musician with an extraordinary career. In 2000, he founded the a cappella vocal band Home Free, spending 16 years touring nationally and internationally before winning a reality TV competition on NBC in 2013. In 2016, he launched his solo career, releasing over a dozen albums across multiple genres including classical piano, pop, country, and gospel. His videos have amassed over half a billion views, and he continues to blend his love of dance and music in pursuit of his artistic vision.
You can reach out via FB Messenger or email at [email protected] if you'd like to book a lesson!
Emma Charlotte Young
Instructor & Community Organizer
Emma Charlotte "EmChar" Young is a ballroom, country-western, and west coast swing dancer based in Orlando, FL. EmChar's dance journey started in a ballroom class for college credit. Hooked by partner dancing, she went on to join a DanceSport team and compete around the country in various dance styles, winning a UCWDC ProAm World Champion title and the Charles Bryant Scholarship for Top Student.
EmChar is a member of Swing Diversity University's Instructor Track, where she trains in teaching the Body Language Curriculum: a one-to-one translation of the kinetic language of West Coast Swing into English. She combines her dance background with two decades of classical & jazz music training, linguistics, and education theory to provide a multifaceted approach and deep context to group classes.
Community growth is EmChar's passion, and she actively volunteers with the broader Orlando WCS community and collegiate outreach at UCF. She built and maintains the community landing page (linktr.ee/orlandowestcoastswing) and loves to plan community events, from sunset dance picnics to Bridgerton-inspired balls.
West Orlando Westies
Ambassadors
If it's your first time here, connect with our Community Ambassadors to learn more about WCS, WOW and all the events in the area!
Come Say Hi!
Volunteers
We're always looking for volunteers! Reach out on the contact form below if you're interested in joining the WOW Team.
Positions
- Front Desk
- Ambassador
- DJ
- Instructor
- Marketing
Benefits
- Free entry into WOW classes & socials on days you volunteer
- Access to exclusive training and education
- Discounted private lessons & workshops
- Free t-shirt!
- Extra social & community opportunities
Ready to join the team? Fill out our contact form and let us know you're interested!
Contact UsTellSafe Reporting
We want to hear from you! Share your feedback anonymously with the form below:
Share Feedback or Report an Incident3 Ways to Share
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West Orlando Westies
Code of Conduct
To create a positive environment in the West Orlando Westies community, participants agree to prioritize these cultural standards that define our dance family habits. These boundaries are put in place to ensure that all those participating get to enjoy the dance in an equitable and safe space. As an important member of this community, you have the power and responsibility to help your fellow dancers feel comfortable and welcome.
1. Inclusion
As a participating community member, I understand the importance of dancing with dancers of all levels. Every human who shows up to our social dances deserves the opportunity to dance.
We all agree to connect with and include everyone.
2. Consent
As an individual in charge of my own self I have the right to say no to anyone who offers to dance with me. I equally agree that it is any other individual's right to decline a dance with me.
I understand that "No." is a complete sentence.
3. Personal Boundaries
I respect my fellow dancers' physical and social boundaries, regardless of how they are communicated, and recognize they may be unique for each partnership. I understand that physical closeness in dance should not be interpreted as romantic or sexual interest. I will not engage in inappropriate touching, make suggestive comments, or give unwelcome attention.
We all agree to prioritize each other's mutual safety and comfort.
4. Neutrality
The roles of lead and follow within the West Coast Swing community are gender-neutral. As such, it is my right to dance in either the Leader or Follower role, and with whomever I wish, as long as there is consent.
I understand that anyone can choose to lead or follow.
5. Feedback
I will not criticize or correct others' dancing unless they ask for feedback. I will not stop the dance to teach my partner moves they do not know. If I see or experience a safety concern, I will inform an instructor or organizer immediately.
We all agree to respect each other's unique educational journey and will not teach on the dance floor.
6. Dips & Tricks
I will be mindful of my partner and their individual physical limitations and preferences. I understand that agreeing to a dance does not mean agreeing to any weight-supported moves.
I understand I must ask for consent before trying any dips or tricks.
7. Privacy
I will respect others' right to privacy and refrain from taking targeted photographs or videos of other participants unless they have requested or expressly given their consent to do so.
We all agree to respect each other's privacy preferences.
8. Hygiene
I will maintain a level of personal hygiene that supports a comfortable and welcoming dance environment for everyone. This includes wearing clean clothing, managing body odor, practicing good breath hygiene, and keeping my hands and body free from substances that could transfer to others.
We all agree to uphold neutral, respectful hygiene practices so everyone can dance comfortably.