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.

Venues — Swingin' Denver

Little Man Ice Cream LoHi
Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Friends & Co. Coffee
Downtown Denver - 16th Street

Little Man Ice Cream LoHi

This is for our annual Swingin’ Under the Stars series.

Location: 2620 16th Street, Denver, CO 80211
Class: Lindy Hop classes 7:30-8:00pm. 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.
Cost: FREE events. We ask supporters, if they’re able, to support the venue through an ice cream or beverage purchase.
Language: Instructors are English-speaking.
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors event
Restrooms: Located to the left of the large mural. You might need a code which can be acquired from a staff person - ask at the back of the Can.
ADA Access: There are ADA access ramps on 16th Street and 30th Avenue
Dance Surface: Either cobblestone or smooth concrete
Parking: Street parking or a paid lot across the street. There are at least two handicapped spots available in the paid lot.
Lighting: Natural light supplemented by bistro lights

Little Man Ice Cream Factory

This is for pop up swing dance events that sometimes occur in December and often monthly between February - May.

Location: 4411 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204
Class: Lindy Hop classes 7:30-8:00pm. 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.
Cost: FREE events. We ask supporters, if they’re able, to support the venue through an ice cream or beverage purchase.
Language: Instructors are English-speaking.
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors event
Restrooms: Located to the left of the main entrance toward the back against the left wall.
Venue entry:
Dance Surface: Smooth concrete
Parking: There is a free lot to the west of the alley. Otherwise, we suggest street parking on Tennyson.

Friends & Co. Coffee

This is for our Knowledge is Power event September 13, 2026.

Location: 1260 22nd St, Denver, CO 80205
Class: Knowledge is Power by The Blue Bench 9/13/26
Cost: FREE. We ask supporters, if they’re able, to support the venue through a coffee or food purchase.
Language: Instructors are English-speaking.
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors event
Restrooms: Separate genders and ADA-accessible
Venue entry: Automated door with 34in+ clearance via a ramp and ground-level access.
Dance Surface: Smooth concrete
Parking: There is free 2-hour street parking immediately in front of the venue, paid street parking and surface lots.
Water: Water bottles are allowed and a water fountain is available.

Downtown Denver - 16th Street

Locations: Glenarm Plaza, 1600 Glenarm or The Outer Space, 16th & Welton
Cost: FREE
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors event
Restrooms: The public restrooms on 16th Street are located inside Pavilions Mall, At 16th Street and Arapahoe at Skyline Park, and inside Denver Union Station
Venue entry:
Dance Surface: Asphalt at 1600 Glenarm and larger pavers at The Outer Space
Parking: Metered street parking, Mayor’s $5 Parking lot initiative, SpotHero options