Explore Community Space�West Coast Swing Group Classes and Social Dancing�Monday Nights in Oakland, CA
Queer-Led, Queer-Affirming, Covid Cautious Community
Curiosity. Consent. Kindness.
Organizer / Facilitator�Riley Crozier (they/them)��Contact �ExploreWCS@gmail.com��Location�Lake Merritt Dance�200 Grand Ave�Oakland, CA 94610��Acknowledgement: Explore WCS was founded by Em Kenny (she/they), whose vision has informed the values and processes of Explore WCS. �Em’s fingerprints of love and dedication will always be at the heart of Explore WCS.�Thank you, Em, and best wishes to you on this next chapter of your journey! <3
Pricing
Sliding Scale�At registration, name your price within the following range
$10-30�Payment Methods: �Cash �VenMo (@riley-wcs)�PayPal (SharedSwingSpaces@gmail.com)�Zelle (SharedSwingSpaces@gmail.com)��Payment Exemptions
Spectators, Minors (<18 years old), and Chaperones: FREE entry�NOTAFLOF
Volunteers: �One 15 minute shift: $5 entry�Two or more 15 minute shifts: FREE entry�Sign Up – bit.ly/ExploreVolunteers
COVID Health Policy�(Last Updated 6/3/2025)
Masks Required
High Filtration masks (KF94, KN95, or N95 w/ no exhaust ports)
are required in the Explore WCS event space (main ballroom).���Note: The rest of the Lake Merritt building is mask optional.
Other renters often hold events simultaneously in other rooms, meaning you may cross paths �with unmasked people in hallways or bathrooms.
COVID Health Policy (cont.)
Exposure�
If you feel sick or like you might be getting sick, please do not attend.
If you had a confirmed direct exposure (within 6 feet for >15 minutes of a confirmed positive case) within the last week, please do not attend.
If you have attended a large event (>100 people) unmasked or had a potential direct exposure in the last week, we ask that you take a rapid test before you arrive.
�Reporting
If you test positive after attending, please inform Riley Crozier directly by email (ExploreWCS@gmail.com) or report via this form: bit.ly/ExploreWCSCovidReporting.�
After receiving a report of a positive result from an attendee, Riley will announce the potential exposure via the email list of registered attendees for the relevant event, and the Explore WCS Announcements Signal Chat as soon as possible (<2 days from report).
Your name will be kept confidential if requested (or if you made an anonymous report).
COVID Health Policy (cont.)
Masking Exemptions
Mask exemptions are available for individuals with qualifying, documented medical conditions during periods of “Lower Community Risk”. ��“Lower Community Risk” Conditions: When wastewater measurements for SARS-CoV-2 are “Low” in Southeast San Francisco (the closest district with current data) as reported on data.wastewaterscan.org the Saturday before the relevant Explore event (2 days before the event to allow for 48 hours for a mask-exempt individual to plan for transportation and/or other accommodations)��Exemptions not available at the door, must submit request at least two (2) days in advance. �Exemption requests can be submitted by sending an email to Riley at ExploreWCS@gmail.com� �Those exempted must present proof of negative covid test taken within three (3) hours of attending. �Maximum of five (5) exempted attendees per evening.
Class Descriptions
Level One (L1): Beginner Drop-In
For people new to West Coast Swing or who want to work on their fundamentals. �A 4-week rotation of drop-in classes will cover the basics of WCS, with each individual week accessible to brand new folks! �We also highly encourage people to come who are already comfortable with basics who want to solidify their fundamentals, learn a new role, or revisit basics from a particular perspective.
Level Two (L2) Group Class�A grasp of the six-count basics and the whip is recommended, no partner necessary.
Anyone can audit this class for free, either observing from the sides or staying out of the main rotation to interact with the content at their own pace.
Scholarships & Sponsorships�(NEW for 2024)
Scholarships
To apply for free entry to Explore WCS, please fill out this form:�bit.ly/ExploreWCSscholarships
Sponsorships
If you would like to offer financial resources in order to help Explore WCS with event costs and/or to support the scholarship program, please email Riley at ExploreWCS@gmail.com or VenMo Riley at @riley-wcs with one of the following notes indicating how you would like your resources to be allocated:��“Explore WCS Sponsorship: Scholarships”�“Explore WCS Sponsorship: Supplies”�“Explore WCS Sponsorship: Undesignated (or) General Support”
Accessibility
Our main entrance is on the east side of the building (under the awning which reads "Downtown Oakland Senior Center") and requires the use of stairs. If you need or prefer to use the ramp, a Community Liaison will escort you to the ramp-accessible entrance. See the link to the Accessibility & Accommodation Request form at the bottom of this slide for more details.�
Gender-neutral bathrooms with stalls are available on the second floor (elevator accessible), �and single-occupant gender-neutral restrooms are available on the first floor.�
Drinking fountains and a bottle filling station are available on the first floor.�
A peer walk-buddy program will be offered at the front desk to coordinate attendees walking to their cars in pairs after dark. Event hosts and instructors can help connect people if finding a comfortable person is challenging.
Please fill out this form (bit.ly/ExploreWCSRequests) if you have any accessibility requests, and Riley will do their best to either structurally meet those needs or collaborate with you to develop a personal safety and access plan.
Safety
How to Stay Connected
Email Newsletter: bit.ly/ExploreWCSNewsletter
Facebook Page: fb.com/explorewcs�Instagram: instagram.com/explorewcs��Signal Messenger Threads:�Social Thread�Announcements�Mutual Aid�Carpools�Meetups