Testimonials

I am a general-ballroom social-dance enthusiast who has been dancing more than 12 years, usually four nights a week. I've made a point of visiting most of the ballroom dance studios and venues in the Puget Sound area, and have noted over the years who are the best DJs for general-ballroom social-dancers. I would like to say that Terry West is not exceeded by any DJ in this area, in my opinion. I especially like two things that he does:

*  The tempo (the speed of the rhythm) for Waltzes and Foxtrots that Terry plays is what I consider a "social tempo." This is a dancer-friendly tempo that makes it easy, especially for the ladies, to stay on rhythm. For example, most of Frank Sinatra's Foxtrots are social-tempo songs, which is, in my opinion, one of the reasons his music is so popular with dancers.

*  The Triple-Count Swing songs that Terry plays have a strong rhythm and a slightly slow tempo. This is also very dancer-friendly music, which makes it easy to stay on rhythm, and the tempo allows me to perform all my patterns. If the tempo is too fast, some of my dance patterns do not work well, especially with beginner dancers.

I think there are many other fine DJs out there, but most do not play music that is well suited for general-ballroom social-dancers. However, Terry West is not limited to that type of music mix. I've also seen him do equally well with competition-ballroom and West Coast Swing flavored mixes. If you are interested in any of these three types of music mixes, I recommend Terry West.

Roger Douglas

Bellevue, Washington

Terry, Jackie, and Irene,

Group Classes

Terry,
I really appreciate your philosophy about dancing and that you took the time to explain it in your email.  I’ve learned so much from you and really enjoy West Coast now.  When I first started, I complained about it because it was too complicated and hard to learn.  I have since learned it is fun and romantic at the same time.  

Listening to you in class it is easy to see how much you enjoy the dance and teaching it to others.  We should all treat each other everyday the way you describe the dance relationship.  There is dancing and then there is DANCING!

Thank you for being a great teacher; teaching and improving my West Coast skills as well as with all of my other dancing.”

See you tomorrow,

Michelle

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I've had many dance teachers, and few teach as well as Terry and Jackie. Many teachers talk too much. Others expect students to catch on to steps, moves, syncopations or patterns simply by showing them and then telling students to copy what they've seen. Still others give students too much all at once, and they cover dance material too rapidly. Terry and Jackie commit none of these teaching errors. They first show, say, a pattern. Then they break it down into small chunks and walk their students through each one, making sure that it's all understood. And then they drill you, and I do mean drill you, because Terry believes that repetition is key to learning, and I couldn't agree more. Terry teaches the way a sport coach would train his team. You cannot find a finer teacher! - Peter Neurath, Seattle

I took my first West Coast Swing steps under Terry & Jackie's tutelage at a grand old wreck in Maple Valley called The Aquabarn. Its hardwood floors were so old it was like dancing over a series of giant ocean waves--you had to get good fast just to stay vertical! And I remember thinking of Terry, "This is the first person I ever met who teaches you about the nature of happiness and makes you believe it." - Meg Gates

I began taking lessons from Terry and Jackie a year ago. Having watched and admired the “good” dancers, I decided to jump in and take lessons from the best. There are many aspects of the dance they introduce their students to in a fun and challenging way. Through humor, personal finesse and teamwork, they taught the basics, allowed me to experiment, be creative, and eventually, love West Coast Swing in all its’ subtle and seductive ways. The best part of the lessons was having a place to stay afterward and practice our new “moves” to an exceptional selection of music. Thank you, both, for dedication to your craft, it’s infectious! - Susan P

I started taking lessons from Terry and Jackie over 13 years ago. I was so intimidated by West Coast Swing. I had tried it way back in the '80s and found it hard to learn. Not so with Terry and Jackie!  I took lessons for two years and learned to love West Coast Swing; it became my favorite dance!   I dance West Coast Swing to all different types of music and find it to be most versatile. And, as no surprise, so were Terry and Jackie.  They emulate the best in dance form and style. I just love watching them dance as much today as I did all those years ago. I really like that they show you how it should be done and then they break it down so it is easy to do.  I have learned so much from both of them! Hope to see you guys again soon! - Teri Sivaivai

My first West Coast Swing group lessons were from Terry and Jackie in January 2007. From the very first time I attended one of their classes, I felt right at home. (Not just because I won the door prize) Terry and Jackie are friendly and fun; breaking down various patterns into easy to follow steps for beginners. In the intermediate/advanced level class the moves are complicated enough to challange even skilled dancers; however, through their methods of teaching they make learning very easy. The excellent music mix and great crowds that Terry and Jackie bring also add to the romance of the dance. Plus, the comic banter is hard to match. Though it took me a while to gain confidence on the dance floor,  after going through the first progressive lesson I felt much more comfortable. Accompanied with Terry and Jackie’s encouragement and the friendly crowd, who also encourage beginners to get out there and practice, practice, practice, I have now met many people that I would consider good friends. Since January, I’ve taken several classes with Terry and Jackie and now, I feel like I’m a dancing machine. Thank you for everything. - Steve G.

When you are bold enough to start learning West Coast Swing, Terry and Jackie make it WAY FUN instead of hard! Two thumbs up!! - Bruce Baker

When you're tired of leading or following the same basic West Coast Swing patterns over and over, then dance on over to Terry and Jackie’s Wednesday or Friday night intermediate classes at China Harbor; followed by a 3 hour dance to practice what you’ve just learned. Terry and Jackie are two of the best, and nicest, instructors I've ever had, and make learning an enjoyable, fun experience. They will teach you interesting and challenging intermediate patterns that will greatly expand your dancing repertoire and help keep your dancing fresh. In every class you will also learn sequences of patterns that flow together nicely from one to the next, which is a great learning aid, and impressive on the dance floor when you execute the sequences with your dance partner. They will also show you how to put the swing into West Coast Swing, while they give you loads of great tips for improving both your social and competitive dancing. Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed! - Greg Moravan

Ladies Classes

She is the best!!! I'm so glad to hear she is still around. I took west coast classes from Jackie and Terry back in 2000. (I still didn't pick up all the fancy moves she taught). She looks really good when she does the West Coast moves. I always think of her when I see the West Coast dancers, no one does it as well as she. I'd strongly urge anyone that wants to really learn the West Coast. To take the classes from her, it will be worth every cent!!!!  Peggy, Sapphire Band

Several years ago I took Jackie's LADIES ONLY WEST COAST SWING STYLING WORKSHOP. Jackie is a terrific instructor! With the moves I learned, I added a lot to my West Coast Swing dancing. As soon as it works into my schedule, I plan to take another from her. Thank you Jackie! - Peace; Anita LaFranchi

Dances

It's All About The Music...

One Thursday evening, a few years ago, I happened into the Lake City Elks Club. I was immediately taken by the driving "funky" beat of the music being played at a dance. Music has been a MAJOR part of my life, all my life, and what I was hearing was EXACTLY my preference. As a young man I was heavily into Rhythm and Blues music and all its corresponding dances. James Brown, Ray Charles, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Wilson Pickett, and Maceo Parker, (to name a few), were artists who's concerts I attended. I wasn't into the Stones, Beatles, etc. I made my way to the source of the sound and discovered a DJ calling himself, "Terry WILD WILD West". I was mildly surprised to see this "white boy" playing this sometimes funky, but ALWAYS soulful music. The dance participants were doing this thing called West Coast Swing. Some were very impressive. I attributed their expertise to the fine music. What else could it be?? :-) One of the most impressive follows I first had the pleasure of watching was a wonderfully kind, charming, and attractive lady, named Linda West. (West again...........Hmmm!) I vowed I would learn this West Coast Swing dance so that I might have a dance with her one day. (That has happened, and I was thrilled for the opportunity.  :-) I decided to embark on this great West Coast Swing adventure at the Lake City Elks Club where Terry and Jackie were teaching. Their involvement in my process has been huge. Any dance style I have been involved in over many years (ranging from social to performance) was best experienced through music I loved. Terry West has CONSISTENTLY supplied that level of music to the dance community in the time I have known him. The best evening of DJ'ed music I have EVER witnessed was played on Terry's 56th Birthday celebration by........., you guessed it, Terry WILD WILD West. After the dance, I asked him how he came up with an evening of purely "SOULFUL and FUNKY" music. He stated, "I played the music I like tonight"! YES, MR. WEST!!! Every night being your "birthday" would be just fine with me!! :-) Rock on Funk Master! You’re the man!  :-) Thank you, VERY MUCH, for the many hours of outstanding dance music!  Always a cut above! 

Sincerely,

Gene Priest  

P.S. The only "negative" I have to report, related to this great music experience, is that attending any other events without your music are not nearly as enjoyable to me. You have spoiled me Terry! Thanks again!

Like many folks who are drawn to social dancing, I was first attracted to the dance scene because I wanted to experience that exhilarating feeling of dancing with a partner to great music. I decided eventually to take on West Coast Swing for the same reason I'd been struggling with salsa and other Latin dances for a few years -- the music is just so fantastic. Having danced for a year now to the musical selections of many different West Coast Swing DJs, I can say with confidence that Terry's music is my favorite! He offers many different styles and tempos, but all with that great swing and serious groove. I know my feet will be compelled onto the dancefloor whenever Terry's behind the tunes. Thanks Terry!  - K. Hart