Lindy Hop is a dance that emerged in 1928 when Black dancers, "Shorty" George Snowden and Mattie Purnell, lost their grip and briefly broke away only to return to each other again. Lindy Hop is first and foremost a Black dance having been created during the Harlem Renaiisance and took flight at the legendary Savoy Ballroom as an expression of Black kinetic values such as call-and-response, improvisation and making African-American rhythms visible on the dance floor.

What is East Coast Swing, Jitterbug and Swing?

When swing dance schools or related festivals and events refer to east coast swing, jitterbug or swing, they're often referring to Lindy Hop, albeit a specific rhythm pattern featuring Slows and Quicks. These names indicate these organizations are engaging in cultural appropriation rather honoring the Black heritage or creators by using the names they gave their dances. Much like jazz, swing dances contain a multitude of rhythms and call on dancers to express themselves individually even while in partnership. East Coast Swing or Jitterbug was created to reduce the rhythms, limit individual expression and create a hierarchy where the leader, typically male, is the role dominant over the follower, typically female. Black social dances, rather, encourage mutual assertiveness. Lindy Hop and other Black social dances were dances of liberation, joy and freedom and made people fear upheaval of the status quo.

Where can I find social swing dancing in Denver?

Swingin' Denver offers a multitude of options through the year with our partnerships and collaborations across metro Denver and beyond often featuring live music. Here in Denver, you can also find options at The Pearl, Denver Turnverein, Avalon Ballroom in Boulder and other spots around town. When you find a favorite band, we encourage you to follow them so you can discover other venues where you can dance!

How can I stay informed about classes and events?

We encourage you to check out our website calendar and follow us on Facebook.

What should I wear to a dance class?

Lindy Hop is a casual dance and can be as athletic as you'd like it with a variety of rhythms, kicks, hops and bouncing. We suggest comfortable clothes that you can move around in, and non-marking 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. If you have leather soled shoes, maybe bring a backup option in case you think the floor is a bit too slick.

Do you offer private lessons?

Some of our instructors do offer private lessons. Please email info@swingindenver.com. We offer private lessons for those seeking choreography, wedding dance help, improvement and other reasons.

What are the dance roles called?

The two dance roles are called leader and follower. Either gender can dance either role and switch during a dance if consent is there. Since we teach Black social dances, it's important to emphasize these roles are mutually assertive and both partners can be dancing different rhythms at the same. Much like how these dances encourage you to create bent lines and revel in asymmetry so is that asymmetry found between partners as we're constantly listening to the other partner and responding in time.

A Punk-Focused Lindy Hop + Charleston Workshop

Saturday, April 25, 2026
1:00 PM 3:00 PM 13:00 15:00

1400 Dallas 1400 Dallas Street Aurora, CO, 80010 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Join our punk-focused swing dance workshop! This is beginner-friendly and everyone is welcome! Ticket link HERE.

Punk and swing have many commonalities and we’ll be exploring those links through Charleston, Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop dances blended alongside punk, ska and swing music.

We’ll kick things off with solo work and move into Charleston, then Lindy Hop. When we dive into partnered movements, we’ll be teaching the everyone follow, everyone lead method so you have an opportunity to explore both social dance roles. These Black social dances emerged during the 1920s redefined gender relations and sparked a youth culture. We thank the Harlem Lindy Hop community for “keeping the lights on” since then and sparking the global community that exists today.

These dances teach us how to find freedom with each other through call-and-response, improvisation and by bringing yourself into the dance. We strive to be inclusive in the language we employ as we welcome people to come as they are.

We are limiting attendance at 1400 Dallas Street, Aurora to 24 people. We are asking for $30/person for the two-hour workshop but you are encouraged to pay more or less depending on your financial needs.
Your teachers will be Allison Frey (she/they) and Kenny Nelson (he/him). They are veteran teachers and they’ll be switching roles throughout the class and can’t wait to dance with everyone present!

Lindy Hop involves steps, stomps, jumps, turns, and other movements with a partner. We invite you to participate at your comfort level. Instructors are happy to provide modifications if desired.

Who is this workshop for? We're welcoming folks ages 12+ that want to explore dances originating in the 1920s and whose steps, rhythms and patterns have been transformed based on the community’s needs. The workshop will feature beginner level material and the instructors will be ready to adapt and challenge based on individual needs.

DO NOT attend this event if you are sick. K/F/N95 masks are strongly encouraged and will be available for free. Please practice mask reciprocity! Hand washing is appreciated. Some contagions evade sanitizer but cannot escape soap and water.

Profits will be donated to Punk Rock Saves Lives
Parking: There is a lot immediately south of the 1400 Dallas building that should be accessible along witih street parking.

Accessibility: We'll be utilizing studio A1 which is immediately inside the building. You can either use stairs or a ramp to access the 3' wide door. Upon entering, there are gendered restrooms with a water fountain to the right along with a wheelchair accessible restroom to the left.

Ticket link HERE.

Posted in dance nights, community event, lessons
Tagged lindy hop, punk rock, charleston, workshop, dance