About First on the Floor
We're building Rhode Island's West Coast Swing community — one dance at a time.
How It All Began
First on the Floor began as a simple meet-up group, founded by Amanda Beck, a newly single mom looking to reconnect with herself and build new friendships. With a love for dance and a desire to create a low-pressure, high-connection environment, Amanda invited like-minded, music-loving folks to meet up at local venues. The goal was simple but powerful: create a space where shy but friendly dancers could show up and know there would always be someone to dance with — and someone to get the dance floor started.
That spirit of courage, kindness, and connection became the heart of First on the Floor.
Dance Returns After Covid
Following the isolation of the pandemic, Amanda revived First on the Floor — this time as a Facebook group — transforming a growing group chat of local partner dancers into a thriving, organized community. With the help of longtime dance friends and supporters Salman Parves, Peg Manning, and Chip Northup, the group quickly expanded from 10 members to over 500.
As the group grew, so did its mission. With the support of Stephanie Thivierage and Beth Adams, local West Coast Swing instructors, First on the Floor evolved into something greater: a movement to bring West Coast Swing back into the heart of Rhode Island's social life. That growth has continued today with guidance and support from Boston-area pros like Joe “Mahomie” Mahoney.
What We Do
Today, First on the Floor hosts community dance events, beginner-friendly & upper-level classes, and socials — all rooted in inclusivity, musicality, and the belief that dance is for everyone. Our signature event, West Coast Swing Sundays on the Providence Pedestrian Bridge, has become a staple of the local arts scene, transforming a public space into a dance floor open to all.
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned social dancer, First on the Floor is here to help you connect through movement, music, and community.
What is West Coast Swing?
West Coast Swing is a smooth, stylish, and endlessly versatile partner dance that evolved from Lindy Hop and has grown into one of the most popular social dances across the United States and around the world. Known for its slotted movement, elastic connection, and improvisational style, West Coast Swing is danced to a wide variety of music — from blues and R&B to contemporary pop, hip-hop, and soul.
Unlike other partner dances that rely on preset patterns, West Coast Swing thrives on musicality, creativity, and a dynamic connection between leader and follower. Whether you're interpreting the subtleties of a slow ballad or accenting the rhythms of a modern remix, West Coast Swing allows dancers to move with freedom, fun, creativity, and expressiveness. It's a dance of conversation — fluid, adaptive, and deeply connected.
WCS has a worldwide competitive circuit governed by the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC), with events and competitions across the globe. But at its heart, it's a social dance — and social dancing is what we do best.
Where We Dance
Waterfalls Wednesdays
7:15 – 11 PM
$20 Lesson + Dance · $15 with Student ID · $10 Dance Only
Two classes every week: an all-levels beginner class and an intermediate/advanced class, taught by Matt Davis & Desirae Vasquez of Rising Tide Swing. Social dancing follows until 11.
Sunday Social
6 – 10 PM · $10
Our indoor social runs November through April at Emotive Studio. In summer, we dance outdoors on the Van Leesten Memorial Bridge in Providence. DJ'd music, all levels welcome.
Emotive Studio at Lorraine Mills
We dance at Emotive Studio, located inside the historic Lorraine Mills building at 560 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket, RI. It's a beautiful studio space with a great dance floor, professional lighting, and free on- and off-street parking.
Taught by Rising Tide Swing
Matt Davis & Desirae Vasquez
Our Waterfalls Wednesdays are led by Matt and Desirae of Rising Tide Swing — professional West Coast Swing competitors, coaches, and community builders based in the Boston area. They bring energy, expertise, and a passion for growing dancers at every level.
Whether you're learning your first sugar push or polishing competition technique, Matt and Desirae create a supportive, inspiring environment every Wednesday night. They also offer private lessons for those looking to accelerate their progress.
Ready to Dance?
Come dance with us. Be brave. Be kind. Be first on the floor.