Welcome to our swing dance community!
Lindy Hop from the film “A Day at the Races”, 1937
Learn Lindy Hop and Charleston, the original dances of the Swing Era! Swing dancing was created by Black Americans in Harlem, New York, and is joyful, free spirited, and infectious. It's unabashedly fun with a carefree style that closely reflects the hot jazz music of the late 20s, Big Band music of the 1940s, and everything in between. You're going to love it! Check out more information on the history of these dances here.
Lindy Hop and Charleston are partnered social dances, but you don’t need to bring your own partner. During our social dances, it’s common to dance each song with someone new. In class, we rotate partners so that you have a chance to meet and dance with many different people.
We kindly ask that you refrain from wearing fragrances and scented products when attending classes and dances at Boulder Swing. Perfumes, cologne, and scented lotions can trigger severe respiratory reactions in some people. Thank you!
Events
flatiron stomp dance parties
every first and fourth saturday
Dance with us from 8-11 p.m. in Sodal Hall, inside the Avalon. $10 admission or $5 for students (we take cash, card, and Venmo). Join us for a beginner Lindy hop lesson from 7-8 p.m. for $5.
Saturday, Nov. 30: Free Festivus Dance!
7-8 p.m.: $5 drop-in beginner lesson. No experience or partner necessary!
8-11 p.m.: Social dance ($10 admission, $5 for students)
Classes
Monday night lessons at the Avalon Ballroom
Our four-week progressive series provide material for dancers of all ability levels. Beginners can lay a solid Lindy Hop foundation in our introductory classes. Beginner+ and intermediate dancers have the opportunity to refine their technique and add to their social dance vocabulary. Join us on Monday nights! (Scroll down to our FAQs for more on what to expect, what to wear and where to find us!)
Schedule
6:45-7:45 p.m.: Intermediate topics
7:45-8 p.m.: Open practice session
8-9 p.m.: Intro to Lindy Hop
*To create the best learning environment for our students, we do not allow drop-ins or partial registrations for our progressive series. Anyone is welcome to drop in to the lessons before our Saturday night Flatiron Stomp dance parties.
Flatiron Flyers and Stompers performance teams
Introducing the Boulder Swing Dance Puddle Jumpers!
This fall, we'll be taking a temporary break from our traditional teams to put on a special spotlight event. Dancers are invited to create a short, less-than-90-second choreography and work together to perform it at a Flatiron Stomp in January. (Check out what they do at the Snowball for an idea of how this would work.)
These choreographies can be solo or partnered, small groups or big groups. You're also welcome to support other dancers by performing in their routines. Our teachers will be available once every month to mentor, coach, workshop and support.
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 4, to cheer on our community’s creations!
The Flatiron Flyers and Stompers perform at local swing events, such as the 1940s World War II and White Christmas Balls in June and December, respectively. Join our email list for more information on future sessions of the teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning to take your first dance steps can be a bit daunting, but we're here to make the process as fun and friendly as possible. Here are some things to know before you begin:
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The term “swing” refers to a number of different dance styles that evolved during the Swing Era (1920s-1940s), all of which are rooted in Black American culture and jazz music. Our intro classes start with Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop is a relaxed, social, lead/follow dance that is all about connection to the music and your partner. There is plenty of room for improvisation and self-expression!
Some of our intermediate and elective classes introduce students to other swing dances like Charleston, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and St. Louis Shag. While each of these dances are distinct, many of today’s swing dancers are familiar with and dance all of them. Check out our history page to learn more!
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Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, created by Black Americans in Harlem, New York. Ballroom dancer Arthur Murray, impressed by the art form, set out to “tame” the dance so he could market it to white audiences. The result was something he called “East Coast Swing,” a product that lacked many of the characteristics that make Lindy Hop what it is.
Today, the term “East Coast Swing” is commonly used as shorthand for certain Lindy Hop patterns and steps (often “6-count”), misidentified as a separate dance. In reality, Lindy Hop is an art form that weaves together movements of different durations (4-count, 6-count, 8-count, 10-count and so on), creating a dance that is expressive, creative, personal and deeply musical. It can be remarkably comfortable, fun and easy to learn!
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Each month, we offer an Intro to Lindy Hop course that provides the fundamental steps and movements of this Black American art form. For students with a little more experience, we offer progressive series on a variety of topics, including swingout technique, Charleston, musicality and more complex movements. Visit our Swing Shop to see our current offerings and join our email list for notifications when new classes are announced.
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You do not need to bring a partner. Lindy Hop has always been about community, and we encourage everyone to dance with one another at our social dances, regardless of who they may have shown up with.
In all of our classes, we rotate partners so that students get experience dancing with a variety of people. We have found that it helps our students learn much faster. Rotating is never required—but we sure recommend it!
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To create the best learning environment for all students, we do not allow drop-ins at our progressive lessons on Monday nights. Anyone is welcome at the lessons that take place before our Flatiron Stomp dance parties on the first and fourth Saturday of every month!
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We allow students to join the second week of a series, but be aware that the class will be covering material faster due to its progressive nature. To ensure the best learning experience for all students, we recommend waiting until the next session begins.
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Unfortunately, Boulder Swing is not able to offer makeup sessions if you are absent or if class is canceled (due to extreme weather, etc.). Under extenuating personal circumstances, it may be possible to refund your registration or roll it over to a future session.
Email boulderlindyhop@gmail.com with questions.
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We have created a handy guide to the expected etiquette at all of our events. Following these simple guidelines will help ensure everyone has an enjoyable time.
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Lindy Hop is a casual dance and it’s also quite athletic. We suggest comfortable clothes that you can move around in and flat shoes that will stay on your feet. (Open-backed shoes or flip flops don’t work well.) Followers don’t generally wear heels in Lindy.
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While dancing in crowded venues, it is easy to get sweaty. Most dancers bring an extra shirt or two to change into as the night goes on, as dancing with someone who has sweated through their clothing is unpleasant. Also consider bringing deodorant and breath mints to stave off personal odors. If someone is particularly smelly, speak to one of the instructors or staff and they will delicately approach the issue with the person.
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All classes are held at the Avalon Ballroom in Boulder, 6185 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder, CO 80303. Our social dances take place in Sodal Hall at the Avalon. Classes typically occur in the main ballroom.
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Click here to join our email newsletter. And follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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Some of our instructors do offer private lessons. Please click here to contact us directly.
Music
Whether you’re just looking for a little music to practice your dancing with, or you’re building a growing collection, here are some tunes to help get you started.
Some of our favorite swing era artists include Louis Jordan, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Slim and Slam, Fats Waller, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Johnson, and many more!
