−A 6-count pattern where the follower passes the leader on the leader's **left** side. Along with the [[Sugar Push|sugar push]] and [[Right Side Pass|right side pass]], it forms the core triangle of beginner WCS.
−
−## The shape
+A 6-count pattern where the follower passes the leader on the leader's left side. Along with the [[Sugar Push|sugar push]] and [[Right Side Pass|right side pass]], it is one of the first patterns taught.
−- **1–2**: leader steps back and slightly off-slot, opening a lane on their left; follower walks forward
−- **3&4**: follower passes the leader and turns to face back down the slot
+- **1–2**: the leader steps back and slightly off the slot, opening a lane on their left, and the follower walks forward
+- **3&4**: the follower passes the leader and turns to face back down the slot
- **5&6**: anchor
−The leader redirects the follower's momentum down the slot rather than pulling — a common teaching image is "opening a door" and letting the follower walk through. Robert Royston teaches the lead as saying "after you" at a doorway: the leader steps completely out of the way on count 1 and invites the follower past the left side.[^1]
−
−## Common notes
+The leader moves out of the follower's way and does not pull. Robert Royston teaches the lead as saying "after you" at a doorway.[^1] Brian B describes the leader's path as curling out of the slot on 1–2 and rejoining it on the other side for the anchor.[^2] Thibault and Nicole Ramirez teach the same thing from the follower's side: the leader clears the path by count 2 so the follower keeps a straight line.[^3]
−- Followers generally keep their travel on the slot; a drifting left side pass is one of the most common beginner habits.
−- The leader's hand stays low and relaxed ("in the toolbox") — high hands early in this pattern usually mean an accidental [[Inside Roll|inside roll]] is coming.
−- Brian B describes the leader's path as *curling out of the slot* on 1–2, letting the follower pass on 3&4, then rejoining the slot on the other side for the anchor.[^2]
−- Thibault and Nicole Ramirez teach the same geometry from the follower's side: the leader is always the one who leaves the slot, clearing the path by count 2 so the follower keeps a straight line.[^3]
−- They also use this first pattern to introduce WCS's defining feel: keep a light elastic tension through 1–2, pass each other, and find the elastic again — "the elasticity is the signature of our dance."[^4]
+The leader's hand stays low. A hand raised early usually leads an [[Inside Roll|inside roll]].
[^1]: Robert Royston, ["How to Do the Left Side Pass | Swing Dance"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7D6Uv8Y0E8&t=43s) (Howcast) at 0:43.
[^2]: Brian B & Megan, West Coast Swing Online, ["West Coast Swing Basic Steps // Beginner WCS"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcamMuk3sA&t=195s) at 3:15.
[^3]: Thibault & Nicole Ramirez, ["Left Side Pass – Your First West Coast Swing Move"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnU7ADF9hP4&t=153s) at 2:33.
−[^4]: Thibault & Nicole Ramirez, ["Left Side Pass – Your First West Coast Swing Move"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnU7ADF9hP4&t=196s) at 3:16.