Vocab: The Slot

This video series subset explores a collection of common terminology used by West Coast Swing communities around the world. We will cover
A general baseline definition
Alternative names for the same thing
Community contexts a new dancer should know
And where this term fits in the Body Language Curriculum

In today’s video we are learning about The Slot.

The Slot is an imaginary line that extends from the Follower. Dance partnerships move the Follower forward and backward, known as “up and down,” completing movements known as patterns.

From a cultural perspective, we use the slot as a communication aid. This tool keeps dancers matching energized directions, and allows partners to find each other at the end of a given movement. In the past, this meant a Follow was not allowed to leave the slot as it could interrupt a Leads communication. But we have evolved and this has taken on new meaning.
By today’s understanding, it is less that they “shouldn’t” get off the slot, and more that the slot is dependent on where the Follower is! In contemporary West Coast Swing, the follower owns the slot and is able to adjust variables like the direction and location.

Alternative Terms include: The Diving Board, the Sidewalk, the Line, Line of Dance (a misnomer), and the Surfboard

All of these are working to describe a concept of spatial arrangement that is integral to this form of partner dancing. As you get connected with a local community, those teacher’s will help develop further understanding and reasons for respecting the Slot. Until you make it to class, enjoy the videos and be sure to keep practicing your IBM’s. 😉



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