Workshops

Learn West Coast Swing - along with a taste of Shag, Country Two-Step, Nightclub 2 Step & Hustle!!!

With our amazing staff we are able to offer workshops not only for West Coast Swing but also provide the opportunity to “dip your toes in” or improve your knowledge of:

Shag, Country Two-Step, Nightclub 2 Step and Hustle!

And, for added variety, there will also be workshops in Fusion, Latin and Country Swing dancing offered as part of those complementary dance room activities.

If you have been looking for a chance to check out other dance styles – or re-visit some dance styles other than WCS – Charlotte WestieFest is the place for you to do so!

Details are available on the Weekend Schedule. Also, check out the Newcomer and Beginner Track Workshop Schedule.

** SCHEDULE HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR 2025 WITH INSTRUCTORS, TIMES & TOPICS! **

See Below for Details for the Royston Intensive!!

In addition, announcements will be made on the Charlotte WestieFest 2025 Facebook Event Page.

Newcomer/Beginner Track

Consistent with our commitment to “growing everyone’s dance”, we will once again offer a series of Newcomer Welcome Activities. Designed to cover and teach the foundational aspects and building blocks of WCS, it also includes sessions focused on creating socialization and interaction between Newcomers with both experienced dancers and Staff members.

• The “Grow Your Dance Session” – Friday afternoon, 2:30 – 4:00pm.(immediately following and contiguous with the Beginner Mixer & Practice Session from 2:00 – 2:30 pm). This unique two-hour session, now part of the Newcomer Welcome Activities, is included as part of your weekend pass. Newcomer and Beginner level dancers are invited to come and interact in small group settings with select staff, All-Star dancers and recognized community instructors, in an effort to help answer questions, provide insights, learn new things, and foster the development of everyone’s level of dance.

Leveled Competitor Prep & Review Sessions

The Prep Sessions will be on Friday and are focused on helping people fine tune things in getting ready to compete over the weekend … and, are also a great way to find a Strictly Swing partner if you might be interested in doing so.

The Review Sessions are on Sunday, and offer an opportunity for informal interaction with some of the Staff who judged the various contests over the weekend.

Details for all these special workshops are available in the Schedule Details link and write-ups.

Specialty Classes - TBA

In addition to the numerous workshops covering West Coast Swing as well as other dance styles, we are excited to tentatively offer the following classes as part of the weekend activities:

• On Friday at 11:00am: Strength & Mobility Class by Jeff Mumford. Details coming soon.

• On Friday at 11:00am: Margie Tuttle will be leading a Barre Class. Join in for an hour that will target, engage and fine-tune muscles that will help you with your dancing.

• On Saturday: Activities will kick-off at 9:00am, with Christa Eppinghaus leading a Yoga Session. Start your day with this session and see how yoga can benefit you in your dancing and general daily living.

• On Saturday from 11:00 pm until Midnight: Janie Deroche will be doing a Belly Dancing Class in the Walden Break-Out Room. All bodies and genders are welcome to come get in touch with your core muscles while having a whole lot of fun.

2026 Add-on Sessions

Our Add-On Sessions provide opportunities for focused coaching from some phenomenal instructors!

Special Sessions & Intensives

In addition to the many workshops that are included in your event pass, we are once again offering an amazing premium intensive providing unique opportunity for focused coaching on a specific topic/technique/skill set. See highlights below.

Two Sessions of “10-for-$10’s” – sign-up for a “quick tune-up” with many of our staff. For only $10, you get 10 minutes of one-on-one time with a staff member to work on 1 or 2 things that can help better your dancing, address something you have been struggling with, or just fine-tune an aspect of your dancing. These sessions will be scheduled throughout the weekend – see the schedule for specific times. Sign-Up for these Sessions will be done On-Site in conjunction with announcing which Staff will be participating in each Session.

We will also have a Fusion, Latin and Country Swing Rooms, and with those, there will be special learning opportunities offered again this year. Full details to be announced shortly.

Royston Intensive

Friday, Jan 31, 2025**
3:00pm – 6:00 pm

This 3 hour intensive is open to both leaders and followers of all levels. Robert is working on developing a new and unique session for CWF’25 built upon foundational aspects and concepts from his Royston Method, Sunday Science, & Fittest Over 50 material – all built upon his depth of experiences and studies. It’s sure to be an amazing learning and developmental opportunity!

$75 (Pre-Registration thru Jan 29, 2025)
$90 (At the Event)

Intensive w/Laurie Schwimmer

“Dance DNA: Unlock Your Signature Style”

Friday, Jan 29, 2026** 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Led by legendary choreographer, performer and coach Laurie Schwimmer; this immersive experience will help dancers dig into their movement instincts, musicality, and personal expression to uncover what makes their dancing unmistakably them. Through guided exploration, phrase work, and creative challenges, Laurie will empower dancers to break habits, take risks, and refine their style in a way that feels authentic, confident, and unique. In this transformative session, dancers will step beyond patterns and discover the dancer within. Laurie will guide you through techniques that unlock authentic movement and musical expression as you learn how to use what is inside of you to connect with the music and your partner; shape your dance; find your unique voice on the floor; empower you with creativity; and, express yourself with joy and emotion.

Initial Early Promo Registration (ends 1/4/26 @ 11:59pm PST): $50
Pre-Registration (ends 1/28/26 @ 11:59pm PST): $60
At-the-Door Registration: $70