Every six months, Colorado is host to the 1940s Ball, a celebration of World War II era America. Founded by local artist and filmmaker Khyentse James as a tribute to her grandparents, the ball gathers war veterans, vintage fashion aficionados, and swing dancers alike to experience the music and culture of the Greatest Generation. This year, the theme was "A Celebration of V-Day," featuring a glowing Eiffel tower, Victory Street, and a Parisian cafe.

While the winter ball has had numerous venues, the summer ball takes place outdoors at the Boulder municipal airport. Veterans gather in VIP seating as fighter planes fly overhead. Jazz bands provide live music for the milling crowds in their vintage finery. There are costume contests, celebrity impersonators, military vehicle displays, clothing vendors, dance performances, and, of course, photo opportunities galore.

While the 40s ball isn’t strictly a dance event, local Lindy hoppers come out in droves to dance the night away under the stars. The majority of Front Range dance groups and jazz bands are represented, from Swing Nights Denver, 23 Skidoo, and Pearl Street Jive to the Jeremy Mohney Band and Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles.

This year, Boulder Swing Dance’s Flatiron Flyers performed a routine to "We'll Git It." Check out a video of the performance below:

Boulder Swing also provided beginner dance lessons in Rick’s Café Americain. In between coaching and dancing, Krister Shalm captured some great moments from the evening:

Hope to see you at the next ball!