top of page

Growing our community:

All Star SwingJam has consistently centered its efforts on nurturing the growth of the WCS community. Our primary mission has been to extend opportunities typically reserved for seasoned professionals to the upcoming generation of dancers. Throughout recent years, we've accomplished this by extending invitations to emerging dancers in our vicinity, offering them mentorship in specific support roles during our events.
 

Looking ahead to 2024, we are expanding the scope of this program and now inviting applications from any member of the WCS Community who wishes to participate. Our initiative includes three distinct roles this year, each providing an immersive avenue for personal and professional development within our community not often offered. For 2024 we have the following options: 

 

Apprentice DJ: 1 position available

Apprentice MC: 1 position available

Apprentice Judge: 2 positions available


We're looking for candidates who possess a basic understanding and, preferably, some local experience in their chosen apprenticeship role. You'll then have one-on-one time before during and after the event with our lead staff in this position, as well as opportunities to step into the spotlight yourself. We're committed to a safe and encouraging environment for you to take the next step. 

Apprentices selected will each receive the following along with the mentorship in each role listed below:

  • Weekend Staff pass to the event

  • Access to the staff hospitality suite for snacks and meals through the weekend

  • $100 towards your travel or room costs

  • Apprentices under 18 years of age will also receive a free weekend spectator pass for their parent/guardian. 

​

There are NO level requirements for our apprentice program, and current WSDC level will not be a factor in considering applicants. Selection for an apprenticeship position does not guarantee a full staff position at future SwingJam events. Acceptance of an apprenticeship position does NOT remove you from the option to compete at All Star SwingJam 2024 - we'll arrange your commitments around the competitions you'd like to enter. 

 

Apprentice DJ:

Are you passionate about music that moves the soul and sets the dance floor ablaze? Do you have a keen ear for beats that make bodies groove and spirits soar? Step into the spotlight as we present an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by our amazing staff of experienced All Star DJ's.

Under the guidance of head DJ Ray Byun, you'll delve deep into the art and science of curating music across all the different activities of an event. Learn about the strategy of picking songs to keep a social floor full, an event running on time, and give judges the best view of every level dancer. The apprentice will work approximately 15-20 hours before, during, and after the event including DJ'ing at least one each of a competition, bumper, and social set during the event. 

We're seeking an individual with a genuine passion for music, a strong commitment to nurturing the WCS community, and a proactive desire to enhance their DJ Skills. Applicants should have at least some experience DJ'ing for social WCS dances, their own laptop, and have started their own eclectic music library. 

Our selected apprentice for 2024 will be: 

                    

Expected to:

  • Join our 2-3 pre-event DJ meetings on Zoom with the entire DJ staff

  • Participate in the peer selection & review of all competition music prior to the event

  • Exemplify the same community standards as all of our staff

Assigned to:

  • At least 1 competition, bumper, and social set during the weekend

  • Shadow opportunities with each of the DJ staff

  • Individualized mentoring opportunities before, during and after the event. 

Apprentice MC:

Are you a budding showperson with a desire to entertain? Our exclusive MC Apprenticeship offers the perfect opportunity to hone your skills and shine in the spotlight. You'll learn the ropes of engaging an audience, polish your public speaking, and how to keep an event running on time while working in front of a live crowd. 

​

Under the guidance of our Head MC Chris Low, you'll delve deep into the techniques required to effectively run a competition while balancing additional announcements, staff coordination, and the inevitable unexpected situations that arise at every event. Learn about the strategies required for different competition types, tricks for filling and making up time, and working as the primary line of communication between the judges, floor coordinators, DJ’s, scorers, and event directors. The apprentice will work approximately 15-20 hours before, during, and after the event through mentorship, planning, and performing as an MC live at the event including running at least one competition during the weekend.

​

We're seeking an individual with a comfortable composure on a microphone who loves to speak in front of a crowd, a strong commitment to nurturing the WCS community, and a proactive desire to improve your public speaking skills. Applicants are not required to have experience as an MC, although some public speaking is beneficial. 


Our selected apprentice for 2024 will be: 

Expected to:

  • Join 2-3 pre and post event meetings on Zoom with the head MC

  • Review and contribute to the weekend MC announcements list

  • Exemplify the same community standards as all of our staff

Assigned to:

  • At least 1 competition during the weekend

  • Shadow opportunities with each of the MC staff

  • Individualized mentoring opportunities before, during and after the event. 

Apprentice Judge:

Are you obsessed with the technical aspects of West Coast Swing? Do you want to learn the strategies of how judges assess a huge floor of dancers in just a few songs? Do you want to understand the different methodologies and priorities judges use to score each level of dancer? Then our Apprentice Judge position might just be for you! 

​

Under the guidance of our Chief Judge Faith Musko, you'll delve deep into the techniques required to quickly and accurately rank competitors in each of the WSDC competition types and levels. Learn about the approaches of judging individual competitors vs. couples, heated vs. spotlight competitions, and identifying and eliminating personal biases. The apprentice will work approximately 15-20 hours before, during, and after the event through mentorship, score reviews, and performing as a mock judge throughout the event. 

​

We're seeking an individual with a genuine interest in competition structure and fairness, a strong commitment to nurturing the WCS community, and motivation to expand their understanding of competition structure and strategy in WCS. Applicants are not required to have experience as a judge, although it is beneficial. 

​

Our selected apprentices for 2024 will each be: 

Expected to:

  • Join 1 pre-event zoom meeting with the head judge

  • Review and compare their scores for the weekend with those of the rest of the judging panel

  • Exemplify the same community standards as all of our staff

Assigned to:

  • Mock judge at least 5 separate competitions

  • Shadow opportunities with the head judge

  • Individualized mentoring opportunities before, during and after the event. 

bottom of page