layout
lightray
table

The West Philly Swingers began in 1999 as a few members of the University of Pennsylvania Ballroom Dance Society who wanted to focus exclusively on swing dancing. This group was affectionately referred to as "the Troupe," and sometimes "the Penn Tots." Over the next few years, the Troupe grew rapidly in size and it's interests diverged from that of the Ballroom Dance Society.

The major turning point in the Troupe's history took place in the Spring of 2002, when the Troupe put on its first feature campus performance. This enabled the Troupe to join the Performance Arts Committee at Penn, and the official name "West Philly Swingers" was chosen.

Since then, WPS has grown to over 36 dedicated members, major performances take place every semester, and dancers have been exploring many different types of swing dancing. In spite of a short history of change and growth, WPS members have always been committed to their love of dance.