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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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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Some of our instructors do offer private lessons. Please click here to contact us directly.