For three years prior to Swingin’ Denver opening its doors, I had been traveling the world teaching swing dance. Lindy hop, charleston, blues, aerials, balboa, west coast swing and vernacular jazz allowed me the opportunity to teach across four continents and untold countries.

Along the way, I enjoyed three long-term stays either supporting an existing swing school (Lindy Hop Portugal) or helping one start (1929 Studios in Melbourne and Big Mama Swing in Madrid). I was able to teach numerous class levels, develop curriculum, train teachers and DJs, build friendships, and be inspired.

Upon my return commitment to Denver long-term, I knew I needed to start my own project if I were to pursue my teaching passion and act on my inspirations. My initial goals were to develop a swing school featuring multiple learning levels; improve music offerings by cultivating band and DJ talent through landing more gigs and providing training/mentorship; get swing dancing into the public eye through performance and venue collaboration; and collaborate within the Colorado swing scene.

We achieved these goals and more. Our journey led us to forming a performance team; fielding a robust lineup of teachers; co-hosting a 5+ year summer series at Little Man Ice Cream featuring FREE weekly live music and lessons; having DJ and MC mentoring programs; running 450+ person dance parties; working with the leadership of most, if not all, Colorado swing-related organizations; and collaborating with so many notable metro Denver venues and event producers like the Denver Flea, Denver Bazaar, Lone Tree Brewing Company, Ironton Distillery, Infinite Monkey Theorem, Logan House Coffee, Stem Ciders, Union Station, Aspen Grove, and many more.

Since September 2019 we’ve been paused which was sort of fortunate considering the COVID-19 pandemic. We still want to teach, offer great classes, collaborate, celebrate the Front Range’s great swing bands, and perform. However, we needed time to figure out how we wanted to celebrate this Black vernacular dance form and honor the community from which we commodified Lindy Hop and other vernacular partner dances from.

I’m not sure I hold all those answers, but from speaking with local community leaders, swing dance historians, and others teachers we greatly respect, I think we’ll be on an even better path than where we were prior to our break. Myself and others have used this break to recalibrate how we teach, honor, and respect Lindy Hop’s elders and swing legends. We’ve also used this time to read more; not just about Lindy Hop, but also about the music, the Great Migration, and other important factors that spurred swing, the music and genres of dances. And the best way to find out what we’re about now is to come see us!

Cheers!