Abstract:
West Coast Swing is a unique, improvisational form of partner dancing that’s style and
community stands separate from many other forms of partner dance largely due to its variability;
its look differs slightly each year and based on the region and individual dancer. While the dance
is present globally, dancers often travel and intermingle, which creates a more cohesive
community, complete with identifiable social norms and patterns. The added layer of organized
competitive events and people working as part- and full-time professionals produces effects
noted in organizational communication theories. However, little research has been conducted on
how these social-professional organizational hybrids operate, especially those that place its
emphasis on the social side. This thesis inquiries into this community using the lens of
organizational communication theory for the benefit of the dance community and other emerging
hybrid organizations.
