A new kind of midweek magic is taking hold in downtown Santa Barbara.
On Wednesday nights, the Momentum Dance Complex fills with music, laughter and the rhythm of West Coast Swing.
Behind this growing movement are Bryan Gin and Kristen Rhodes, the founders of Serenity Swing, who are building not just a dance program but a welcoming community centered on connection, creativity and joy.
Gin began his dance journey 15 years ago in Tucson, where he started with ballroom before discovering West Coast Swing.
“I was drawn to the improvisational nature of it,” he shared. “It felt freer and more social.”
Over time, Gin taught in local clubs and continued dancing after moving to Santa Barbara in 2018.
While the ballroom scene was thriving here, he noticed that the West Coast Swing community was almost nonexistent.
Rhodes’ path to dance was very different.
Kristen Rhodes and Bryan Gin dance together during the Westie Wednesday social dancing program at Momentum Dance. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
Kristen Rhodes and Bryan Gin teach a Level 2 West Coast Swing Class at Momentum Dance in downtown Santa Barbara. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
Bryan Gin teaches a West Coast Swing class. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
Kristen Rhodes dances during a class. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
Level 1 co-teacher Leigh Martin social dancing with Level 2 student Lauren Rowse. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
Kristen Rhodes and Bryan Gin teach the Level 2 West Coast Swing Class. Credit: Cory Cullington photo 
More social dancing at Night Lizard. Credit: Kristen Rhodes photo
“I took my first ballroom class at UCSB’s Rec Center in January of 2023,” she said. “Before that, I had no experience and definitely two left feet.”
What started as a casual class soon became a creative outlet and a way to connect with others.
Six months later, she discovered West Coast Swing through friends who danced with Gin.
“By the time they invited me to a convention in the Bay Area, I was hooked,” Rhodes laughed.
When their group of dance friends graduated and left town, the local West Coast Swing scene faded.
That’s when Gin and Rhodes decided to bring it back. They started dancing at country events around Santa Barbara, mixing in their own swing steps between line dances.
“People kept asking us to teach them,” Rhodes said.
“Everyone starts somewhere. Beginners bring energy and curiosity that keep the scene alive.”
BRYAN GIN
When The Dance Hub offered them space to host classes, everything clicked.
“Bryan had teaching experience, I had the business side covered, and we both had the passion to make it happen,” she added.
From those early classes, Serenity Swing quickly took off.
“We only needed seven people to cover studio rent,” Gin explained. “More than 20 showed up the first week.”
Since then, attendance has grown so much that they’ve already expanded into larger spaces and added new class levels.
Part of their success comes from the community’s enthusiasm and support.
“Local social clubs, the Umi app, and even passersby have all helped spread the word,” Rhodes said.
“People are excited to have West Coast Swing back in town.”
Their outdoor summer series on State Street brought even more attention, turning casual onlookers into new dancers.
Now, “Westie Wednesdays” at Momentum Dance Complex, at 12 E. Figueroa St., have become a Santa Barbara favorite.
Each week, newcomers and experienced dancers alike gather for classes, social dancing and an afterparty at Night Lizard Brewing Company, 607 State St.
“It’s not just about learning steps,” Rhodes said. “It’s about building connections.”
Gin added, “Everyone starts somewhere. Beginners bring energy and curiosity that keep the scene alive.”
West Coast Swing’s appeal lies in its flexibility and improvisation.
“Every dance is different,” Gin said. “You can dance to pop, blues, R&B, or even country. It’s about listening, responding and creating something in the moment.”
For Rhodes, the style fits perfectly with Santa Barbara’s personality.
“This town loves creativity and social experiences,” she said. “People here are open to trying new things and building community.”
The group’s inclusivity is another reason for its growth.
“We have dancers from college students to retirees,” Rhodes added. “Some are here to compete, others just want to move and have fun. Everyone finds their own rhythm.”
As for what’s next, Serenity Swing continues to grow. Split-level classes cater to both newcomers and more advanced dancers, while upcoming trips to national conventions are helping to connect Santa Barbara with the larger swing community.
“We’re excited to take some of our dancers to their first big event,” Rhodes said. “That’s where my own journey really began, so it feels full circle.”
Gin and Rhodes hope their classes and events will keep inspiring others to take that first step onto the dance floor.
“We’ve had people tell us Wednesday nights are the highlight of their week,” Gin said with a smile. “That’s what it’s all about — creating a space where people can move, laugh and feel connected.”
Click here for more information or to join the next Westie Wednesday. Whether you have years of experience or none at all, the community welcomes you to come dance, make friends, and discover the joy of West Coast Swing.
