Welcome to the Santa Cruz West Coast Swing Dance Club!
We are a group of passionate West Coast Swing dancers devoted to promoting West Coast Swing dancing in the Santa Cruz, California area.
Upcoming Event:
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
West Coast Swing Dance!
6:30 to 7:00 Beginner Lesson with Jessica Sweeney and Scott Siemer
Beginner lessons at 6:30pm: We are offering a 30 minute newcomer lesson to help those just starting their swing dance journey. No additional charge - no experience needed. Bring a friend to try it out!!
7:00 to 8:00pm - All Levels Lesson with Joanna Meinl
8:00pm to 11:00pm - Open Dancing with DJ Nicole!
General Admission - $15
Dance Location: MCSC, 829 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA
We are excited to welcome back our guest instructor, Joanna Meinl! In 2005, Joanna started competing on the national west coast swing circuit and since 2008 dances at the All-Star/Champion level. Joanna has placed top 5 at The Open Swing Dance Championships in All-Star Jack & Jill, Open Strictly, Sophisticated, Pro-Am and Cabaret. In addition, she has competed and placed in Classic and Showcase routine divisions and Switchly Jack & Jill and Strictly. A few of her most memorable competitive achievements include: 1st place in Novice J&J out of about 120 follows at Phoenix 4th of July convention in 2006, winning her first Champions J&J at Bridgetown Swing in 2008, winning the coveted Bishop award for 1st place in All-Star J&J at Swingtime in the Rockies in 2011 and earning her first Opus award for 1st place in Sophisticated Swing at the US Open in 2018.
Joanna has over 20 years of teaching experience and incorporates both her exceptional technical training as well as her practical social dance experience into her dynamic teaching style. She calls the Bay Area, CA home, but travels nationally and internationally, teaching, performing, competing and sharing her love of dance!
Masks are currently optional. Please respect everyone’s choice to wear one if they choose.
Monthly Dances to Follow - Third Saturdays
8/15/2026 - Angeline Lucia
9/19/2026 - Richard Kear
10/17/2026 - Jessica Sweeney
11/21/2026 TBD
More Places to Dance!
Santa Cruz Swing - Thursday night classes at the 418 Project in downtown Santa Cruz. They feature old timey swing dancing with a focus on Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing. https://www.santacruzswing.com/
Swingout Santa Cruz - Free classes monthly every second Saturday on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. They play Swing, Soul, Jump Blues, Oldies, etc. and welcome swing dancing of all styles. https://www.swingoutsantacruz.com/
Do Your Own Swing - Thursday nights at Studio M Ballroom Club at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose. Riley Crozier teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/doyourownswing/
Groovy Tuesdays - Tuesday nights at Starlite Ballroom at 5178 Moorpark Ave in San Jose. Austin Kois teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/groovytuesdayswcs/
Palomar Scotts Valley - Tuesday night classes at Palomar at 4652 Scotts Valley Dr. in Scotts Valley. Jessica Sweeney teaches level 1 and level 2 beginner lessons with second Friday social dances. https://www.palomarballroom.com/
West Coast Swing with the Kane's - Thursday nights at Studio M Ballroom Club at 3550 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose. Kevin and Nataliya teach leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/kevinataduoswing
Richard’s Monday Night West Coast Swing - Monday nights at Dance Boulevard at 1824 Hillsdale Ave. in San Jose. Richard teaches leveled classes with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069425709638
Sharky Swing - Monthly dances (check website) at Dance Boulevard at 1824 Hillsdale Ave. in San Jose. There is an all-level/intermediate lesson with a social dance after. https://www.facebook.com/sharkyswing408/events/?id=100077651873555&sk=events
Want to add a Place? - Please email us!
Santa Cruz West Coast Swing Dance Club
CODE OF CONDUCT
(Condensed version)
By attending, you agree to comply with these terms.
This is an ALL AGES space.
This is a social dance and we want attendees to feel safe and have fun dances. If you are conducting yourself inappropriately, you will be approached by a team member for discussion or action, and may be asked to leave without a refund.
Inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to the following:
Harassment of any kind. (Includes derogatory actions or comments about age, gender or sexual identity, ethnic background, skill level, dance style, hostile online communications, etc...)
Dancing that makes others uncomfortable for a variety of reasons. (flailing, unpredictable nature, too physically forceful, could cause injury, too overtly sexual or graphic, inappropriate touching, etc...)
Injuring another dancer and not appropriately checking-in or apologizing.
Violating someone’s consent. (includes giving unsolicited advice, instruction, or criticism, not accepting “no” at any point, unexpected or unwelcome physical contact, etc…)
Appearing under the influence of substances or intoxicated.
Everyone should be allowed to have a great dance.
Inappropriate behavior will get you BANNED.
We reserve the right to refuse entry at any time for any reason, including those listed above.
This document is based on the Code of Conduct by Sound Fusion, a Seattle, WA dance, made shareable via the SwingDiversity Policy Toolkit.
For a more in depth version of our Code of Conduct, which also includes encouraged behaviors with examples, and who to contact for support, you may view it here.
Dance with us!
Mid Counter Center
829 Bay Avenue, Capitola
Capitola, CA 95010