Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing classes and socials in central Bucharest since 2010
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Florentina Micu via Google
Before your first class
Level 1 classes are described as perfect for beginners and teach from absolute fundamentals; the community is described as friendly and energetic, with instructors who guide with patience and passion.
About this studio
Bucharest Westies has taught West Coast Swing in the heart of Bucharest since 2010, founded by Alex and Iulia who brought the style to the city and have sustained it as a living community ever since. The studio occupies two rooms at Club Rio on Strada Bărăției, with classes running on two fixed nights each week: Tuesday in the lower hall, Friday in the upper hall.
Classes run across three levels. Level 1 (Fundamente) covers the fundamentals: 6- and 8-count patterns, connection, basic moves like the sugar push, tuck turn, and starter step, and the transition from open to closed position. Level 2 (Intermediar) builds toward side passes, freedom passes, tuck passes, and introduces musicality and phrasing — learning to dance the music rather than just the pattern. It also covers blues dancing, extensions, and personal variation. Level 3 (Avansat) is for experienced dancers: dips, drops, ducks, advanced rotations, rides, and deeper blues expression.
On Tuesdays, Level 2 runs 18:30–19:30 in the lower hall, then Level 1 runs 19:30–20:30, followed by a social dance party until 22:00. On Fridays, Level 3 runs 18:30–19:30 in the upper hall, and Level 1 and Level 2 classes run simultaneously 19:30–20:30 in separate rooms. The schedule is tight and designed to move people through the progression.
The teaching team has real depth. Alex, co-founder, danced from 2008 and has been the constant force keeping the community alive and welcoming. Iulia, co-founder, has spent over 14 years building the community and sits on the International Advisory Committee, bridging Bucharest's scene to the global West Coast Swing conversation. She brings training in psychology and psychotherapy alongside her dance. Georgi discovered the style in 2018 and is drawn to its improvisational freedom. Mircea emphasizes human connection over technique and also dances Kizomba, bringing a distinctive flavour to his teaching. Florina, a certified coach and project manager, has danced for 10 years and weaves together all the styles she has practised. Alexandru came to dance in 2024 through the community itself with no prior dance experience and now teaches, embodying the studio's philosophy that anyone can belong.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by level and meet twice weekly. You'll learn specific patterns and footwork, then social dances on Tuesday nights give you space to try what you've learned with others in a friendly, energetic setting.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Alex (co-founder, danced since 2008) and Iulia (co-founder, 14+ years, on the International Advisory Committee) lead a team of six: Georgi, Mircea, Florina, and Alexandru. Each brings a different perspective — musicality and freedom, human connection, personal style, coaching discipline, and newcomer warmth — but all share the studio's emphasis on expression, connection, and authentic community.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Level 1 classes are described as perfect for beginners and teach from absolute fundamentals; the community is described as friendly and energetic, with instructors who guide with patience and passion.
Studio history
Bucharest Westies was founded in 2010 by Alex and Iulia, who brought West Coast Swing to Bucharest. Alex had discovered the style in 2008; the two have sustained the community as a constant force, building a space where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
Styles offered
5 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swinghasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing teach?
Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Juke Joint Blues. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing located?
Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing is located in București. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing offer private lessons?
Contact Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing teach kids and adults?
Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing?
The fastest path is to visit Bucharest Westies - West Coast Swing via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.