Lead projection in West Coast Swing is the technique of foreshadowing the upcoming movement (pattern) through positioning within the slot, adjusting the pitch, rotation, etc at the end of previous movement.

Lead Projection is also sometimes referred to as "pre-leading" or "slot dynamics".

See this introduction post on the topic: https://modernswing.forum/posts/Z5ZKBGdqDnGxez3az/lead-projectionLead Projection 

This is written in the spirit of “Thinking in public”

It is by no means an authoritative guide, but more of a snapshot of my (baby intermediate, 75% lead) current understanding of the idea. Feedback & contributions are welcome!

Lead projection in West Coast Swing is the technique of foreshadowing the upcoming movement (pattern) through positioning within the slot, adjusting the pitch, rotation, etc at the end of previous movement.

Lead Projection is also sometimes referred to as "pre-leading" or "slot dynamics".

Why

• This leads to one pattern influencing the next, giving a consistent flow to the dance.
• Reduce the amount of work/force required to lead any given pattern - as the follower is already partially prepared for the movement - only a very light lead is required.
• Reduce cognitive load for both leader and followers by constraining the space of possible patterns.
• Give follower more time to figure out appropriate styling based on upcoming movement. If the follower knows (roughly) what pattern is coming next, it is easier for them to plan musicality and variations that are compatible with the next pattern.
• When follower does the projection - it allows them to request the (characteristics of) next pattern
  • By picking their own position, the follower can put the partnership in new configurations that the leader might not have in their vocabulary, or encourage the leader to pick specific moves to match the music.
• It also helps leaders to determine how ready a follower might be for a certain move. For example, over-rotating the follower preps them for rotational movement to follow. If when you're trying to over-rotate them they stay more square - that's a sign that you should probably try leading something more linear in the next pattern.

How

You create a projection by adjusting your position, pitch or rotation at the end of preceding pattern (~through last 2 counts of it).

Projecting Direction

People often talk about slot as "train tracks" - you can imagine leader stepping onto one of the rails or staying in the middle as a way to indicate the direction of next pattern to the follower.

If leader is in the middle of train tracks - blocking the way of the follower - that implies a blocking pattern is coming (e.g. sugar push or sugar tuck).

If the leader is off to a side - they are inviting the follower to pass themSee this introduction post on the other side.topic: https://modernswing.forum/posts/Z5ZKBGdqDnGxez3az/lead-projection

Example: leaders offsetting to their right at the end of the pattern invites follower to pass on their left (e.g. left side pass) for the next pattern.

Up and down (pitch) projection

Another thing you can project is whether next pattern would have a higher or lower focus.

Higher focus usually involves turns of some kind (sugar tuck, underarm pass, inside roll).

Patterns with...

Memelord

Location: San Francisco, South Bay 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinkois 

Microwave: No microwave in the room. But there is one shared microwave in the hotel lobby. I've heard it might be possible to request one for your room, but the supply is limited.

Microwave: No microwave in the room. But there is one shared microwave in the hotel lobby. I've heard it might be possible to request one for your room, but the supply is limited.

Fridge: rooms have a very small fridge"drink cooler" which doesn't quite cool down the food to the required temperature. A limited number of real fridges is available on request 

A professional dancer from Czech Republic https://www.jemwcs.com/about

Based in Berlin, partners with Emeline Rochefeuille

A professional dancer https://www.jemwcs.com/about

Igor Pitangui is a professional dancer who competes at Champion level as a follower and All-Star level in bothas a leader and follower roles

Parent page for various event pages

Hotel for DCSX and Swing Fling

Microwaves are on the odd floors (3,5 etc)

Fridge: rooms have a very small fridge

Floor Size (estimate from Monterey Swing Fest  2025): 46x78 or 3588 sq ft

Microwave: No microwave in the room. But there is one shared microwave in the hotel lobby. I've heard it might be possible to request one for your room, but the supply is limited.

Floor Size (estimate from MSFMonterey Swing Fest 2025): 46x78 or 3588 sq ft

https://www.montereyswing.com/ 

Location: Hyatt Regency Monterey 

https://www.montereyswing.com/

Floor Size (estimate from MSF 2025): 46x78 or 3588 sq ft