REGISTRATION is open!

All Access Passes on sale now!
Dance only and day passes go on sale June 1st @ Noon MST!

For 2024 we have secured the 3rd floor of the Curtis Hotel, including the Four Square Ballroom for the main dance venue!

There will be daytime workshops and nighttime dancing into the wee hours. Whether you want to deepen your experience with partnered connection or incorporate crossover influences into your current style, HNFW has it all.

During the day we will offer classes in various fusion topics and dance styles including (but not limited to) blues, tango, latin, contact improv, jazz, contemp, swing, and more!

In the evenings our DJs will play music designed for crossover/fusion dancing, allowing you to play with a variety of dance styles and techniques and creating space for different dance backgrounds to connect on the dance floor. Join us for an unforgettable weekend in the Mile High City this September!

RSVP to our Facebook event for live updates! CLICK HERE

Tickets

Passes are tiered and prices increase as the event approaches. Buy early for the best deal!

2024 INSTRUCTOR APPLICATIONS COMING SOON!

Please see our 2023 event teachers below. You will see some of these again plus some new faces!

Flouer Evelyn

Flouer is a Dance Instructor & Embodiment Coach from New York City, currently based in Turin, Italy. She has been teaching partner dance since 1999 and Fusion since 2011.  She spends most of her time Blues Dancing, but has an MFA in dance and a background teaching and performing Contemporary, Latin Ballroom, ballet, and ice skating.  She has won plenty of partner dance competitions in various styles, and has performed & taught all over the globe.  

Sure, yeah, blah blah!  But what’s actually important is that Flouer has a warm, encouraging way of challenging you to grow in your dancing, and if you want, helping you link this growth to the rest of your life.  She is known for her values of artistry and emphasis on dance history, complimented by her ability to break down any movement into incredibly specific detail.  Coming from an academic background, Flouer loves offering simple yet profound ways to give structure to your Fusion dance.  https://flouerdances.com

“The reason to master technique is so the body does not prevent the soul from expressing itself” – la Meri

Mark Carpenter - 2024 confirmed!

Mark Carpenter is a dancer, dj, teacher, and organizer, focusing largely on the fusion scene and its emerging forms and conventions. He has organized with, taught at, and dj’d for dozens of events spanning four continents (and two languages). He has been teaching for over 15 years and is at the forefront of shaping what fusion is and what it can become. Mark is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and exploration of fusion and continually strives to make the impossible look easy, and the easy look impossible.

Pomona Lake

Pomona Lake, a product of the west coast of Canada, has been immersed in dance since her early days, sneaking out of her parents' place in high school for blues and fusion parties. A true jack-of-all-dances, she has won Lindy Hop, Blues, and Fusion competitions worldwide as a leader, follower, and soloist. She draws inspiration from unexpected sources such as contact improvisation, clowning, and her experience in the film industry. Her dance style is characterized by its playful, rhythmic, and raw nature, with an emphasis on improvisation and an unwavering dedication to musicality and expression.

Kenya Soul

Kenya Soul, hailing from the Bay Area, draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of hip hop, Lindy Hop, blues, and occasionally anime. His teachings are rooted in improvisation, connection, and musicality, breathing life into stories through movement. He seeks to build bridges between divergent communities through shared artistic language, which is how he found his home in Fusion. His Black-experience-centered philosophy sits at the heart of all of his and Pomona's lessons. Together, they create a clear, play-focused, and light-hearted teaching environment where students are often surprised with their own creative prowess.

Ally Yancey

Ally is a body geek and a movement addict. She's been dancing since she could walk, but discovered the world of partner dancing first in 2004 when she fell in love with Lindy Hop. She found herself obsessed with Blues by 2006, and since then she's gone on to practice several other dance and movement studies including Tango, West Coast Swing, contemporary, hip hop, house, aerial silks, pole dance, and the Alexander Technique. She has taught Blues and Fusion on the West Coast since 2007, internationally for a decade, and is a certified Contemporary Alexander Technique instructor.

Over the years of dance exploration, Ally has developed a keen fascination with the design and mechanics of coordination in the human body, and now enjoys teaching all of her classes through the lens of body discovery. Her classes are full of geekery—to her, curiosity, fascination, and silliness are the bedrock of an effective (and enjoyable) learning environment. Her passion is to not only teach people how to dance technically, but to simultaneously engage with their bodies playfully, creatively, and with deeper understanding.

Rachel Leigh Farley

A globally sought after instructor, Rachel has an impressive teaching record that is ever expanding. Her range and reach show that her experience and ability to connect students is unmatched.  She is the founder of the Denver Zouk School, organizes Dirty Dance Camp, and has taught over 5,000 students at festivals and retreats throughout the U.S and Mexico. Rachel has 20 years of cross-training in social dances including Brazilian Zouk, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Blues, Salsa, and Fusion. Rachel invites her students into a classroom where her gentle flow and playful styling will support any dancer in tapping into their own creative expression. Her workshops have impacted classrooms, companies, and dance studios across North America. Learn more at www.RachelLeighDance.com

Hunter Gill

Hunter has spent the last six years fully immersed in the world of dance. With a love for fusion, Hunter has explored a variety of styles, with a main focus on West Coast Swing, Blues, and Brazilian Zouk. Hunter's unique perspective on dance comes from his experience blending Brazilian Zouk with other fusion styles, creating a style that is uniquely his own. His dedication to his craft has taken him around the world, including three months in Brazil where he studied with masters of the art. Hunter's passion for dance goes beyond the physical movements. He is passionate about connecting with people and creating special dances, regardless of his partner's background or skill level. His ability to make anyone feel comfortable on the dance floor has made him a sought-after partner among dancers of all levels. Hunter's love affair with dance continues to drive him forward, as he seeks to push the boundaries of what is possible. His creative energy and dedication to his craft make him a true asset to the dance community.

Tybaldt Ulrich

Tybaldt Ulrich loves partner dancing, and has been dancing most days since the mid 90’s. Most known for competitive Hustle, West Coast Swing, Lambada, and Carolina Shag, he has also studied with many masters of, (and professionally performed)- many other dance styles.

He has been teaching in NYC since 2000, with Emmanuel Pierre Antoine (EPA), Stepping Out, Dancesport, You Should Be Dancing, Salsa Salsa, Starlight, G&J, and ZenZouk.

He has performed as a dancer or musician in numerous shows and competitions and shows on 4 continents, including the touring Swing show Swing Dance America, and most recently singing and dancing the lead role in the original musical Bum Farto.

He began as a musician, with a degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of North Texas, where he began dancing, starting with performing traditional Ewe music and dance, eventually studying in Ghana and Togo, west Africa. He dances full time and has been teaching over a thousand lessons a year for the last two decades, specializing in partnership skills, and kind creativity grounded in music and dance traditions.

Vanessa Stephan

Vanessa fell in love with partner dancing back in 2004 and began pursuing every dance style and avenue available to her from Ballroom, Lindy Hop, and Blues, to Tango, WCS, and Fusion. She taught Ballroom for a number of years in both a studio and university setting, and from the very beginning, she was interested in both the leader and a follower's perspective. The richness of what dance can teach us about an endless range of relational concerns fascinated her: communication, expectation, structure, flexibility, play, limitation. Eventually, Tango subsumed her focus with it's depth of connection and seduced her with it's demanding technical precision, so in 2014, Vanessa moved to Boulder with a firm resolve to learn Tango in a granular, soul consuming way and largely succeeded. She became first a Teaching Assistant and then an Instructor for Gustavo" Naveira and Giselle Anne at their Boulder Tango Studio - a prestigious role which had not previously existed. There she gained a deep understanding of the structure, technique, and responsibility of dancing with another person and broadened her teaching style. Vanessa is now known in the community for her depth of knowledge in the area of Tango technique.
Vanessa's second greatest love has always been teaching. In fact, scant are the times in her life when she wasn't involved in teaching something. Teaching isn't only about conveying information. It's about patience, strategy, creativity, and listening. To understand someone's question is to understand their way of thinking which is a kind of window into their world view. People come to dance for different reasons and with different values, and imparting something valuable to them is the endlessly exciting job of the teacher. 

Jamie-Lynn Figure

Jamie-Lynn has been teaching movement arts including partner dancing, yoga, flexibility, and strength & stability training for the better

part of her lifetime. Her journey began in competitive figure skating, progressed off the ice onto the ballroom floor, and found its way to

Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, and Blues. Please don't ask her to pick just one, there's something meaningful and unique about each of them! She's been involved with the fusion community since the 2008 Houston Fusion Exchange and joined the FX teaching staff in 2014-15. Across all connected partner dances, she believes connection begins with connection to yourself: your own body, your own movement and balance, your own abilities and edge. She strives to create playful, connected classrooms in all areas of her practice.

Hot Night Fusion Weekend is run in conjunction with Lindy on the Rocks and the Denver Jazz Festival. All Access passes gains you attendance to all events at HNFW, LotR, and DJF.

Safe Spaces Policy:

CMDance aims to ignite a passion for dance and music in our community. To fulfill our mission, we strive to provide a safe place for each of our attendees to learn and enjoy, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, religion, or range of abilities. We work to foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity, promotes the dignity of life and mutual respect, and advances authentic, multi-cultural interactions and collaborations.

CMDance reserves the right to refuse service to, or revoke access to anyone we determine is threatening this safe, inclusive environment. We comply with Colorado laws and work closely with our cultural peers, community partners, and legal counsel to enact best practices. 

Additionally, no weapons are allowed at any CMDance events, regardless of carry permits.

Health Guidelines: The CDC and WHO currently have no public health orders in place. If this changes, CMDance will update all events to follow global recommendations.

General Event Info:

For safety and security reasons, due to the fact that there is tiered ticketing prices, and this event sells out, there are no refunds or transfers to other individuals, meaning you can not sell your pass if you are no longer attending. Contact the event organizers to find out options if you are unable to attend.

2024 CLASS INFO WILL BE UPDATED AS IT COMES IN

Check out last year’s exciting class topics below!

Flouer & Mark’s Classes

Buckets / Modes

Conceptual Class - All Levels, prerequisite for Essences

We will combine Flouer and Mark's "foundational fusion frameworks" by looking at dance styles through a broad categorization lens, using the underlying elements to alter our own dancing and giving people choices about how they dance. This is a super important class for fusion dancers, and something we want to see more of in the wider scene.

Essences

Conceptual Class - High Level, requires understanding of "buckets" or "modes" as they relate to fusion dance

An hour of diving deep into high theory in a fun way.  We’ll deconstruct partner dances by distilling and isolating different parts of the “essence” of each dance.  After exploring the edges of these things, we will reconstruct new fusion dances from the bottom up.  Ultimately, this is the most exciting part of fusion dancing (in our humble opinion).

Frame Class

Technique Class - All Levels 

A door frame gives structure to a door, an art frame gives structure to a painting— just as our “dance frame” (the quality in which you hold another person) gives structure to our partner dancing.  This class will cover the basics of dance frame and explore how different types of frames accomplish different goals and how to apply them in your fusion dancing.

Challenging Combinations

Moves/Technique Class - High Level

Moves are cool. Sequences of moves with interesting transitions are cooler— and harder. Dive into a collection of some of Flouer and Mark’s favorite combinations that pull from a variety of dances including tango, swing, ballet, modern, and blues. A strong ability to lead or follow is required for this fast-paced class, designed for people who have mastered frame, tone matching, and balance. We will be building off of down-the-line turns, single axis (pivot) spinning, and linear/rotational momentum, with the ultimate goal of being able to lead these moves in a sequence, and incorporate them into your fusion.

Pomona & Kenya’s CLasses:

African-American Rhythms in Fusion: from Lindy Hop to Rap flow

Conceptual Class- All Levels

Explore how rhythms and musical traditions from jazz and blues (such as syncopation, call & response, and lead-follow dynamic) flow from early Black American music and dance culture into today's fusion dancefloors.

Show Off

Technique Class- All Levels

How do you extend your connection from your partner to the entire room? How do you express yourself clearly through movement and captivate your audience? Dancers of all levels are invited to consider their dancing from a performance perspective using techniques from Pomona's clowning background, experience with dance competitions, and work as a dancer in the film industry.

Dance Role, Black Culture, and Partnership

Half Lecture/Half Conceptual Class- All Levels

Half philosophy lecture, half dance class where we will seek to understand the cultural values that bring us to our embodied ideas about what "lead" and "follow" can, and should be. We will experiment with different lead-follow dynamics to hone and widen our listening and connection skills.

Contact Improv & Clowning for The Fusion Dancer

All Levels

A fun warm up class exploring movements and techniques from Pomona’s extensive clowning and contact improv background.

Rachel & hunter’s Classes

Boom Chick Chick

All Levels
Together we will explore the "gush" and flow of a few signature Brazilian Zouk moves. You will not only learn rhythm and footwork, but also Zouk's unique approach to energy resolution into the floor. Then we'll show you entry and exit opportunities for weaving these elements into your fusion dance.

Endless Spine

All Levels
Use techniques from Brazilian Zouk to explore movement in the spine and its use in body undulations and head movement. We'll show you the core techniques and safety rules necessary to execute this kind of movement with gentleness and care. Then we'll show you how to suggest and listen to this kind of movement in Fusion settings, as we adapt to our partners and their individual level of body awareness.

Vanessa & Cynthia’s Classes:

How Tango Works

All Levels

In an attempt to demystify how and why Tango works the way it does, we will start at the very beginning by exploring concepts like rotation, twist, and axis in basic Tango moves like el basico (the basic 8), ochos (figure 8's), giros (grapevines), and hamacas (rotating rock steps). The ideas in this class will be useful for all levels as you import them into your fusion dancing.

Was That Tango?

High Level- requires strong understanding of frame and the ability to balance on one leg

Undeniably, Tango has some cool moves. Sometimes you just want to spice up your fusion dance with a few here and there, ya know? Come learn some ganchos, boleos, and cortes. Experience moving with a partner using frame is a necessity for success in this class along with a general sense of balance on one leg.

Tybaldt’s Classes:

Hustle Fundamentals

All Levels

Hustle is well named- it is not a dance of stillness! Explore the fundamental rhythms and shapes of this dance as you build your foundations for the Hustle series this weekend.

Hustle Random Pattern Generator

Hustle Fundamentals Prerequisite Recommended

Learn how to create a look of continuous content & movement just by changing simple variables, plus explore some spins that redirect for more!

Hustle: Drama, Groove, and Play

Hustle Fundamentals Prerequisite Recommended

In this class we will step out of the basic rhythms explored in previous classes to strut and move in new ways. Keep your eye out for Dive Walks- they are coming your way!

Ally’s Class:

Anchor & Gravity (WCS)

All Levels

Dive into the foundations & footwork responsible for that smooth, stretchy, connective magic of West Coast Swing. We will break apart the whip, studying the components separately and in conjunction, as well as explore techniques for grounding your weight and maintaining a steady center. Come to improve balance, control, and gooey communication with your partner.

The Curtis Hotel

1405 Curtis Street Denver, Colorado 80202 USA

The Curtis Hotel is right across the street from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and just two short blocks from the 16th Street Mall, putting Denver’s best shopping, entertainment, and attractions just steps away. Inside, you’ll find cartoons playing in our retro-chic lobby and an amazing art collection.

Parking: There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking garage and lot (available all day) within 2 blocks of the Opera House. Parking garages and lots start at $12/day. Parking meters are free on Sundays.

What’s happening here:

• All Fusion Classes

• All Fusion Dances

• Accommodations for out-of-town attendees

The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202

The Studio Loft is an beautiful event space with a cathedral ceiling, exposed brick, warm-colored walls, and a spacious wood dance floor. This venue has vast room, a bar, and plenty of seating.

Parking: There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking garage and lot (available all day) within 2 blocks of the Opera House. Parking garages and lots start at $12/day. Parking meters are free on Sundays. If you are staying at the Curtis, they have discounted overnight parking available to purchase during booking.

What’s happening here:

• Denver Jazz Festival Entertainment

• Lindy on the Rocks Main Dances

• Sunday Late Night Fusion Party

2024 APPLICATIONS FOR DJS WILL BE OPENED SOON!

See our talented DJs from last year below. Maybe you’ll see some familiar faces this year!

DJ Rémy baheux

This is Remy and he likes to party. DJing and doing all sorts of stuff for fusion for 12+ years in the PNW, he's excited to bring his experience and his love of partying to Hot Night Fusion.

DJ Kadence

Sharon Koon, aka DJ Kadence, started DJing professionally as well as social dancing 23 years ago. She first discovered east coast swing and salsa, followed by blues, bachata, fusion, and Brazilian zouk. Her diverse DJ career began on-air and led to special events and social dances. Currently, DJ Kadence is best known throughout Colorado for her DJ skills in fusion, blues, and Brazilian zouk. Her trademark style is bass-laden, lush, emotional, and original, often creating her own edits and mashups.

DJ RIngo Sanchez

Ringo’s dancing and musical addiction started over 10 years ago with Ballroom, Latin, Swing and everything else he could find and move his feet to! That is until he found the very rich and amazing fusion scenes in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area, and there was no looking back! He curates his sets with hopes of taking you on a journey that will have you both grooving to high energy beats, and melting into ooey gooey micro!

DJ Pomona Lake

Pomona does her best to channel the party gods when she DJs, making offerings of blues, soul, funk, r&b, jazz and hip hop to the floor. Her unbridled hype and wildly varied musical palette create dancefloors that transcend the boundaries of decade and genre.

FULL SCHEDULE
All Access Pass holders may also attend any class or dance at the Denver Jazz Festival and Lindy on the Rocks. Find their full schedule HERE

Thursday Night Pre-Party at the Mercury Cafe - collab with Shimmy Shakin’ Blues!
Swing & Blues Band 8-Midnight featuring TBA!
(not included with event passes)
Mercury Cafe 2199 California St. Denver CO 80205

Friday

Curtis Hotel 3rd Floor Ballrooms

9:00-Midnight DJ’d Fusion Social Dance - Four Square Ballroom

12-3am (or later): Fusion Late Night Dances - Schedule below!

Saturday

Curtis Hotel 3rd Floor Ballrooms - Choose Your Own Adventure!

Classes will run 12-5:45pm - Schedule below!

9-Midnight DJ’d Fusion Social Dance - Four Square Ballroom

12-3am (or later): Fusion Late Night Dances - Schedule below!

Sunday

Curtis Hotel 3rd Floor Ballrooms - Choose Your Own Adventure!

Classes will run 12-5:45pm - Schedule below!

9-Midnight: DJ’d Fusion Social Dance - Four Square Ballroom

The Studio Loft

12-3am: Farewell Soul , Blues & Fusion Party

Hot Night Fusion Weekend is thrilled to have out-of-town visitors for the event! Please use the Facebook groups to organize roommates for the hotel or to seek a local host.

We have secured a small block of rooms at The Curtis Hotel for a special rate. These are first come, first served and will run out well before the event so reserve soon! To book a room, click HERE

Roommate Finder Facebook Group: CLICK HERE

Flying Into Denver

The nearest major airport to Denver is the Denver International Airport (DIA). DIA is a stylish, up-to-date facility receiving all popular airlines. You can find deals at respective discount airfare sites or directly from your preferred airline. We suggest checking fares often and signing up for low fare alert services. Research shows that the ideal time to buy your airline tickets is generally about 54 days before travel. After 54 days, prices begin to rise and then shoot up 30 days before the flight. Remember to check out package discounts for hotels and car rentals, if you wish. Here are some sites you can use to find deals and set up price alerts:

www.southwest.com – www.farecast.com – www.orbitz.com –www.kayak.com – www.priceline.com – www.hotwire.com –www.travelocity.com

Getting Around Denver

Rideshare programs like Uber or Lyft are highly active in Denver. We also have Car2GO, a convenient smart-car rental service providing over 400 2-person cars spread throughout Denver; just take it, drive it, and park it, within the designated city area (membership required).

RTD Buses – For public transportation, our RTD buses and light rail system are an effective and inexpensive method of getting around Denver. Check out the RTD website for a helpful Trip Planner and more details on Denver public transit.
Bird Scooters are an efficient/affordable option to get around downtown. App download required.
Lime Scooters are another app based scooter option to get around downtown. App download required.

Getting to Downtown Denver from DIA

The A Line will get you from the DIA airport to Union Station (1.5 miles from the Studio Loft/Curtis Hotel) for only $10.50 in approx 40 minutes. This is by far the most affordable and efficient way to get downtown from the airport. Last train to leave DIA departs at 1:26am. Trains departing Union Station start as early as 3:15am.

Would you like to earn your pass by working the event? We offer shifts towrads full weekend or dance passes. 10 hours for a full weekend, 6 hours for a dances only pass. Fill out THIS FORM to apply! Questions? felicia@cmdance.org

• Volunteers at the event will be required to fulfill 10 hours for the all-access pass and 6 hours for the dance pass.

• Once the schedule has been finalized, every volunteer is required to cover their shift if they are no longer able to work for a time they signed up for. You are still required to meet the minimum amount of hours, so swapping shifts with another volunteer is acceptable. Any changes must be notified to the volunteer coordinator.

• Volunteers are responsible for managing their own schedule. i.e. Make sure you keep up with your schedule and don’t miss your shift.

• All volunteers must adhere to the responsibilities provided to the workers prior to the event.

• All volunteers are representatives of CMDance, its mission and standards, which means you will conduct yourselves with professional, courteous, and appropriate behavior for a work-place environment.

• Failing to show up for a shift, or on time for a shift, will result in paying for your pass or a portion of your pass, as applicable for the amount of shifts missed as deemed appropriate by the event managers. You will also not be allowed to volunteer at any future events and will not be given a positive referral.

CMDance Director

Caryn Carrasco

CMDANCE SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Reese Dewey

Event Manager

Melody Flores

Join us for the 20th anniversary of Lindy on the Rocks September 13th-15th 2024!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
All Access Passes on sale now!
Dances only & day passes go on sale June 1st @ Noon MST!

Lindy on the Rocks is a full weekend swing dance festival in Denver, Colorado featuring live music, classes, competitions, and all the social dancing your heart desires! While the focus is on Lindy Hop, you will find all vintage swing dances represented including tap, charleston, shag, and balboa!

Our event provides high-quality instruction from the most talented swing dancers in the world. Lindy on the Rocks also runs concurrently with Hot Night Fusion Weekend and the Denver Jazz Festival so be sure to nab an All Access Pass which gets you into any class or dance at any of these events!

Follow us on Facebook! Lindy on the Rocks and RSVP to the FB EEVENT HERE

As seen on SwingPlanit, DanceCal, and WhereCanWeDance

Tickets

LAST YEAR THIS EVENT SOLD OUT!!! Get your 2024 pass now!

Dances only and single day passes go on sale June 1st!

All Access Passes are tiered pricing with the first tier tickets at the most discounted pricing and then increasing incrementally until each tier sells out - so buy early and save! All online options are also discounted online pre-sale only and - IF AVAILABLE - will be more at the door.

Full Schedule

All-Access Pass holders may also attend any class or dance at Hot Night Fusion Weekend. Click HERE to see the HNFW schedules. Note: schedule is subject to change.

Thursday Night Pre-Party at the Mercury Cafe - collab with Shimmy Shakin’ Blues!
Dance 8pm-Midnight
(not included with event passes but will be discounted for weekend attendees)
Mercury Cafe 2199 California St. Denver CO 80205

Friday

Saturday - All classes are at the Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor

Classes will run 11:30am-4:00pm - Choose Your Own Adventure!

Contest Info

1:45-3:45pm Contest Registration

4:15-4:30pm LotR Contest Check-in

4:40pm Open Lindy Strictly Prelims

5:00pm Lindy Amateur M&M Prelims

5:20pm Open M&M Prelims

*All times are approximate. Things happen. Be flexible.

Dinner Break

Sunday - All classes are at the Curtis Hotel

Classes will run 11am-4pm - Choose Your Own Adventure!

SPECIAL: Happy Hour Dance Collab w/Denver Jazz Festival 4:30-6:30! Band TBA!

Lindy on the Rocks 2024 Instructors

Community-Minded Dance is pleased to bring Lindy Hop instructors from across the globe to Denver to teach, dance, and inspire.

nathan bugh

Nathan Bugh “rocked the stage” at Carnegie Hall, dancing Lindy Hop with the New York Pops Orchestra. And he has performed in Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater, in “Swingin’ Frankie’s Way.” Nathan brought the 20’s to life in the “Great Gatsby” episode of David Tutera’s “My Fair Wedding;” appeared on FoxNC’s “Fox and Friends Christmas” with George Gee; and he danced Lindy Hop at the legendary dance mecca, Jacob’s Pillow, as part of the Vanaver Caravan’s “Earth Beat.”  He has also danced in several music videos, including the Weepies, “Be My Honey Pie.”
As a national competitor, Nathan has taken 1st place in Lindy, Slow Dancing, Solo Charleston, Team, Jill&Jack, and Cabaret divisions. He is one of the most eminent solo-jazz contestants in the world, having won both the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown (2012) and International Lindy Hop Championships (2014). He is also the director and choreographer of “Yeah Man,” the 2015 ILHC Team champions. He is based in New York City, where he performs and teaches regularly, in affiliation with Syncopated City Dance Company, and Gaby Galore.

elaine & stefan

Elaine Buchignani is a full-time Lindy Hop & Jazz Dance instructor, organizer, choreographer, and program director. She co-founded Swing Dance SCT, one of Seattle’s largest Lindy Hop & Jazz Dance schools, in 2016 and Stormy Weather Jazz Dance Festival in 2023. She is also the founder and choreographer of Evergreen Rhythm performance team.

As an instructor, she’s known for her keen eye for body mechanics and ability to break down complex concepts. As a dancer, she’s known for her dramatic stylings, creativity within the connection, and full body musicality. She’s won many contests at events over the years, but her heart belongs to performance, social dance, and community building.

Stefan Huynh has been partner dancing for nearly two decades and swing dancing since 2010. He’s been a member of numerous performance groups such as The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers, Yeah Man, The Amazebals, and more. As a competitor, Stefan has won and placed at major events across the country such as Camp Jitterbug, Lindyfest, Inspiration Weekend, and others. He is an avid social dancer who values conversational dancing and prioritizes connecting with the music and his partner above all else.

Stefan makes use of his master's degree in psychology from NYU as an instructor of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and other jazz-age partner dances. He is a cofounder of Swing Dance SCT, one of the largest swing dance schools in Seattle and acts as a teacher, coach, and mentor there. He is known for his innovative pedagogy and passion for partner technique.

Limited colors and sizes of merchandise will be available at the registration desk during the event. We will also have limited vintage event merch. If you see something you like, nab it!

Zipper hoodies, tees, and totes in this design in various colors: mountain, forest, sunset, midnight, and more! Our new CMD 25th anniversary merch will also be available!

NO OUTSIDE FOOD IS ALLOWED AT THE CURTIS HOTEL

For 2024 we will have lunch buffets and evening happy hour cocktail and taco bars for purchase on Saturday & Sunday. Details and menus will be posted once available.

(or click here for the nearest restaurants).

No track tryouts or level checks!

You may freely take classes as you please. Teachers have listed any prerequisites for the class content they will be covering in the descriptions. Additionally, the Fusion Weekend classes are available to those holding an all-access pass. Check out the Fusion class schedule HERE

Friday

Intro to Lindy Hop 8-9pm (Studio Loft)

Saturday

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Taster Lesson 7-8pm (Studio Loft)

Open Level Swing Dance w/TBA

Sunday

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2024 Live Music

headliner band

Eyal Vilner and His Hot 5 on Friday Night and the traditional Eyal Vilner Swing Band on Saturday Night! Don’t miss Eyal’s Interactive Workshop on Saturday before the band goes on!

Eyal Vilner has become one of the leading new voices in the New York swing and big band scene. Born in Tel Aviv, saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, composer and bandleader Eyal Vilner moved to New York in 2007 and started his big band the following year. 

The Eyal Vilner Big Band has been performing widely at some of New York’s landmarks such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Midsummer Night Swing, Birdland, Dizzy's Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Minton’s Playhouse, The Django, Battle of the Big Bands on the Intrepid, Swing ReMix, Swing 46  and Central Park SummerStage.

Internationally, Eyal has performed on Israel's most prestigious stages such as the Red Sea Jazz Festival, Tel Aviv Museum, Jerusalem Theater, The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival as well as the historical La Bellevilloise, Caveau des Oubliettes and Caveau de la Huchette in Paris.

The big band performs Eyal’s new arrangements of jazz and swing tunes as well as his original compositions. Their music, which derives from the tradition of jazz, swing and the blues, strives to bring a unique voice to this beautiful art form. The big band’s first four albums: Introducing the Eyal Vilner Big Band, Almost Sunrise, Hanukkah and Swing Out! received rave reviews and made it to the Top Jazz Radio Charts of the US and Canada.

The Eyal Vilner Big Band has collaborated with some of the top jazz legends of our time including NEA Jazz Masters Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath and Jimmy Owens, and pianist Junior Mance. 

Sunday night band

Ian Hutchison's Colorado Band

Ian Hutchison knows how to play swing music for swing dancers. His propulsive bass playing has made toes tap all over the world for the last 15 years. He has led bands at dances throughout New York City and Colorado. A consummate sideman, Ian has played swing events in North America, Europe, and South Korea with such band leaders as Gordon Webster, Naomi Uyama, Jonathan Stout, Glenn Crytzer, and Eyal Vilner. Ian is also the bass player in the hit touring lindy hop show SW!NG OUT. When he's not playing, Ian enjoys social dancing and DJing. Ian spent 10 years as an in-demand bass player in Colorado before moving to New York City in 2014.

DJs

These folks are bringing you sweet tunes to keep the dancing going all weekend.

Miranda Lank

Miranda’s love for jazz began at a young age listening to records and watching old movie musicals. Her early collection of jazz music helped her meet the need for DJs at her local dance scene in South Carolina, and it quickly fueled a passion for finding songs to inspire dancers to hit the floor. Since then, she has livened up dance venues from the Southeast to New England and now calls Colorado home. She has a knack for finding the feeling of the room and playing to it as if it was tailored for each individual dancer, and she can’t wait to do the same for you.

The Curtis Hotel

1405 Curtis Street Denver, Colorado 80202 USA

The Curtis Hotel is right across the street from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and just two short blocks from the 16th Street Mall, putting Denver’s best shopping, entertainment, and attractions just steps away. Inside, you’ll find cartoons playing in our retro-chic lobby and an amazing art collection. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE ON THE 3RD FLOOR FOR 2024

Parking: There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking garage and lot (available all day) within 2 blocks of the Opera House. Parking garages and lots start at $12/day. Parking meters are free on Sundays. If you are staying at the Curtis Hotel, there is discounted parking in their garage available when booking.

What’s happening here:

• Late Night Social Dancing

• Daytime Classes for both events (Lindy on the Rocks & Hot Night Fusion Weekend)

• Lindy Hop Mix & Match and Strictly Contest Pre-Lims

• Accommodations for out-of-town attendees: Reserve A Room

Applications will open with registration.

2024 volunteer applications are now open!

Please read everything below and then fill out the form via the link.

Would you like to earn your pass by working the event? You could work a few hours for a full weekend or dance only pass. Reduced hours this year: 10 hours for a full weekend, 5 hours for a dance only pass. Fill out THIS FORM o apply! Questions? felicia@cmdance.org

• Volunteers at the event will be required to fulfill 10 hours for the all-access pass and 6 hours for the dance pass. All competition fees are separate, and no deposits or volunteer hours apply to competition fees.

• Once the schedule has been finalized, every volunteer is required to cover their shift if they are no longer able to work for a time they signed up for. You are still required to meet the minimum amount of hours, so swapping shifts with another volunteer is acceptable. Any changes must be notified to the volunteer coordinator.

• Volunteers are responsible for managing their own schedule. i.e. Make sure you keep up with your schedule and don’t miss your shift.

• All volunteers must adhere to the responsibilities provided to the workers prior to the event.

• All volunteers are representatives of CMDance, its mission and standards, which means you will conduct yourselves with professional, courteous and appropriate behavior for a work-place environment.

• Failing to show up for a shift, or on time for a shift, will result in paying for your pass or a portion of your pass, as applicable for the amount of shifts missed as deemed appropriate by the event managers. You would also not be allowed to work future events nor get a recommendation.

In order to compete in competitions you must hold either a Competitor’s Pass or All Access Pass.

All contests will place at least 3 but up to 5 winners and prizes. Prizes will consist of cash and choice of event passes in order of placement.

Prize passes including but not limited to the following: Boston Tea Party, Diversion Weekend, Canadian Swing Dance Championships, Shag Summer Camp, Hot Jazz Jamboree, Hot Night Fusion Weekend, Lindy on the Rocks, Swing Battle, Swingdependance Weekend, or CMDance Event Pass Credits.

Competitors Note: Judges will be valuing collaboration, musicality, risk taking, rhythm, and individuality to our dance floor.  As a community, we would like to increase our understanding of the connection between music and dance. 

Online Registration for competitions will close at midnight on Thursday, September 14th! If there is still space in any of the competitions, then we will have some opportunities for you to sign up and add competitions on site (see full schedule). Keep in mind entry fees will be more at the door!

Locations: Friday Solo Prelims and all Finals will be held at the Studio Loft. Strictly and M&M Prelims will be held at the Curtis Hotel on Saturday directly after classes.

Solo Jazz & Swing

This is a solo dance competition, open to all, including vintage styles such as charleston, black bottom, soft shoe/tap, or any other dance traditionally done to swing and jazz music. Dancers will dance to music selected by LOTR in the preliminary round on Friday evening. The finals will be danced in a spotlight format to live music.

lindy hop Strictly

Choose your partner and throw down your best moves in this strictly lindy hop contest. Partnerships will be judged on musicality, showmanship, teamwork, and technique. Air steps, lifts, and drops are allowed. There will be a mixture of tempos in preliminary rounds and finals ranging approximately 160 up to 220bpm.

Open Lindy Mix & Match

This will be a social dance competition open to everyone, and especially geared towards advanced dancers who regularly travel and compete. Leaders and followers will be randomly drawn to dance together to several songs of varying styles and tempos, but will be judged as individuals in the preliminary rounds. The dancers that are selected to dance in the finals will be randomly assigned a partner again, but will be judged as a couple for finals. The finals will be a spotlight format. You can only complete in one division of Mix & Match, unless you’re competing as the opposite role in the other division.

Amateur Lindy Mix & Match

This will be a social dance competition open to those who are amateurs and have not placed top 3 at national level competitions. Leaders and followers will be randomly drawn to dance together to several songs of varying styles and tempos, but will be judged as individuals in the preliminary rounds. The dancers that are selected to dance in the finals will be randomly assigned a partner again, but will be judged as a couple for finals. The finals will be a spotlight format. You can only complete in one division of Mix & Match, unless you’re competing as the opposite role in the other division.

Stay current with all of our big updates via Facebook. Follow the event pages and RSVP to the events!

Lindy on the Rocks Page

Hot Night Fusion Page

Denver Jazz Festival Page

Flying Into Denver

The nearest major airport to Denver is the Denver International Airport (DIA). DIA is a stylish, up-to-date facility receiving all popular airlines. You can find deals at respective discount airfare sites or directly from your preferred airline. We suggest checking fares often and signing up for low fare alert services. Research shows that the ideal time to buy your airline tickets is generally about 54 days before travel. After 54 days, prices begin to rise and then shoot up 30 days before the flight. Remember to check out package discounts for hotels and car rentals, if you wish. Here are some sites you can use to find deals and set up price alerts:

www.southwest.com – www.farecast.com – www.orbitz.com –www.kayak.com – www.priceline.com – www.hotwire.com –www.travelocity.com

Getting Around Denver

Rideshare programs like Uber or Lyft are highly active in Denver. We also have Car2GO, a convenient smart-car rental service providing over 400 2-person cars spread throughout Denver; just take it, drive it, and park it, within the designated city area (membership required).

RTD Buses – For public transportation, our RTD buses and light rail system are an effective and inexpensive method of getting around Denver. Check out the RTD website for a helpful Trip Planner and more details on Denver public transit.
Bird Scooters are an efficient/affordable option to get around downtown. App download required.
Lime Scooters are another app based scooter option to get around downtown. App download required.

Getting to Downtown Denver from DIA

The A Line will get you from the DIA airport to Union Station (1.5 miles from the Studio Loft/Curtis Hotel) for only $10.50 in approx 40 minutes. This is by far the most affordable and efficient way to get downtown from the airport. Last train to leave DIA departs at 1:26am. Trains departing Union Station start as early as 3:15am.

Parking in Denver

Evening Social Dance Themes

Dressing for theme nights is optional but we will be giving away merch vouchers to those who do!

Friday = Garden Party
flowers, vines, gnomes, fruit, bees, weeds, cheshire cats, mushrooms…

Saturday = 20th Anniversary Emerald Green
Dress to impress! Emerald green sequins, velvet, cotton, tulle, linen, satin, etc!

Sunday = Wild Things
zoo, safari, animal prints: cheetah, zebra, giraffe, leopard

To reach out to any of our staff please contact events@cmdance.org

Melody Flores

Hot Night Fusion Main Manager

William Kucharski

Photography, Sound, and Lighting

photography

TBA

Safe Spaces Policy:

CMDance aims to ignite a passion for dance and music in our community. To fulfill our mission, we strive to provide a safe place for each of our attendees to learn and enjoy, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, religion, or range of abilities. We work to foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity, promotes the dignity of life and mutual respect, and advances authentic, multi-cultural interactions and collaborations.

CMDance reserves the right to refuse service to, or revoke access to anyone we determine is threatening this safe, inclusive environment. We comply with Colorado laws and work closely with our cultural peers, community partners, and legal counsel to enact best practices. 

Additionally, no weapons are allowed at any CMDance events, regardless of carry permits.

Health Guidelines: 

The CDC and WHO currently have no public health orders in place. If this changes, CMDance will update all events to follow global recommendations.

General Event Info:

There are no refunds or transfers for event ticketing. If a ticket goes unused, credit may be given, depending on the reasoning and evidence provided. Credit will not be given for no shows. Attendee must notify event organizers of absence within 7 days of event start. If credit is approved, it expires after 2 years. Credit will be for original price paid minus any fees imposed by the ticketing provider and any administrative fees.

Dates for 2024 will be September 13th-15th!
Tickets will be available via AXS late summer!

Denver Vintage Jazz Festival is three nights of world-class live music held in the Mile-High City of Denver, Colorado.

Our one-of-a-kind vintage festival focuses primarily on vintage jazz and blues of the 1920’s, 1930’s & 1940’s. The venue features a spacious dance floor, and there are workshops, classes and lectures available from internationally renowned instructors during the daytime hours through our sister events Lindy on the Rocks & Hot Night Fusion Weekend.

We bring in top name bands to work with local musicians to help bolster the local music economy, and employ and educate local musicians on playing this style of music.

RSVP to our Facebook event for updates!

Like our Facebook page for all event details: CLICK HERE

Note on health guidelines for the 2024 event: The CDC and WHO currently have no public health orders in place. If this changes, CMDance will update all events to follow global recommendations.

Tickets will go on sale via AXS late summer 2024. Sign up for our email list at www.cmdance.org to be notified!

Full Pass includes:
- 3 nights of live music and social dancing at Denver Jazz Festival.
- Intro to Swing Dance class Friday night and Saturday night before the band.
- Saturday night interactive workshop with band leader Eyal Vilner.
- Performances by local and national swing dancers every night.

Individual Night Tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will also be available!

Thursday Night Unofficial Pre-Event Party at the Mercury Cafe featuring live music (with TBA)
(not included in event passes)

Friday Night:

• Swing Dance Lesson

• Social Dance to Eyal Vilner and His Hot 5

• Contests & Performances during band breaks!

Saturday Night:

• Swing Dance Lesson

• Interactive Workshop w/Eyal

• Social Dance to The Eyal Vilner Big Band

• Contests & Performances during band breaks!

Sunday Night:

• Social dance to Ian Hutchison’s Colorado Band featuring Sweet B

• Contests & Performances during band breaks!

2024 Featured Bands and All-Star Artists:

eyal vilner big band & hot 5

Eyal Vilner has become one of the leading new voices in the New York swing and big band scene. Born in Tel Aviv, saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, composer and bandleader Eyal Vilner moved to New York in 2007 and started his big band the following year. 

The Eyal Vilner Big Band has been performing widely at some of New York’s landmarks such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Midsummer Night Swing, Birdland, Dizzy's Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Minton’s Playhouse, The Django, Battle of the Big Bands on the Intrepid, Swing ReMix, Swing 46  and Central Park SummerStage.

Internationally, Eyal has performed on Israel's most prestigious stages such as the Red Sea Jazz Festival, Tel Aviv Museum, Jerusalem Theater, The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival as well as the historical La Bellevilloise, Caveau des Oubliettes and Caveau de la Huchette in Paris.

The big band performs Eyal’s new arrangements of jazz and swing tunes as well as his original compositions. Their music, which derives from the tradition of jazz, swing and the blues, strives to bring a unique voice to this beautiful art form. The big band’s first four albums: Introducing the Eyal Vilner Big Band, Almost Sunrise, Hanukkah and Swing Out! received rave reviews and made it to the Top Jazz Radio Charts of the US and Canada.

The Eyal Vilner Big Band has collaborated with some of the top jazz legends of our time including NEA Jazz Masters Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath and Jimmy Owens, and pianist Junior Mance. 

Interactive Workshop w/Eyal Vilner

In this 1 hour interactive workshop, Eyal will teach a method of communication and share exercises between dancers and musicians. This workshop will explore the two languages of dance and music, helping you to better express sound with movement and movement with sound.

Attending the whole weekend and want to stay downtown?

Click HERE for the discounted hotel room rate through CMDance at the Curtis Hotel right across the street!

The Denver Jazz Festival is brought to you by Community-Minded Dance, aka CMDance.

We rely on our loyal sponsors, partners and our incredible dancers from all over the world to keep our organization intact. With your support we are able to fulfill our mission of building healthy, thriving communities through world-class arts education programs that bring the global culture of both solo and partnered vernacular dancing to Colorado youth and adults.

We encourage your support of CMDance through The Denver Jazz Festival. We sincerely hope you will make a commitment to partner with us in sponsorship of this event which not only strengthens our relationship but will surely add the success of your organization.

Thank you to our loyal sponsors for over 15 years!

Denver Arts & Venues

National Endowment for the Arts

Bonfils Stanton Foundation

Hawley Family Foundation

Ann Ehli

Lynn Herrington

Colorado Creative Industries

Colorado Gives Day Donors

Sticker Mule

This list is not all-inclusive, as we have numerous anonymous sponsors!

Full Schedule for all three festivals that run in conjunction with each other.

(Schedule Subject to Change)

Thursday

Unofficial pre-party at the Mercury Cafe (details TBA)

Friday
7:30pm Doors Open to General Admission
8:00pm Intro to Swing Dance Class
9:00 pm Eyal Vilner and His Hot 5
12:00am Event Ends
**Special dance performances throughout the night

Saturday
6:30pm Doors Open to General Admission
7:00-8:00pm Swing Dance Lesson
8:00pm SPECIAL Interactive Talk w/Eyal Vilner

9-12pm The Eyal Vilner Big Band
12:00am Event Ends
**Special dance performances throughout the night

Sunday
8:30pm Doors Open to General Admission
9-12pm Ian Hutchison’s Colorado Band featuring Sweet B
12:00am Event Ends
**Special dance performances throughout the night

Save the Dates for Hot Jazz Jamboree 2024! November 22-24 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort!
Registration opens July 1st at noon MST with a 24-hour special:
Whole Shebang Early Bird Passes only $199 including fees!

A weekend festival featuring vintage swing dances and music, especially Collegiate Shag and Balboa!
Classes - Live Music - Contests - Performances - Social Dancing
Like our Facebook Page!
RSVP to our FB Event!

Party/Competitor’s Passes and Day Passes release August 1st & limited individual night dances release November 1st. Online registration closes Thursday, November 21st, at midnight MST.

balboa - olga & andreas

collegiate shag - Chanzie & steve

bal & shag - grace & blake

performance team - Julie & Jacob

Live music Friday and Saturday nights with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils!

DJd music band breaks and Sunday evening dance!

Stephanie Quon

Leea Kuronen

Allison Frey

Friday

7p Registration Opens
8-9p Meet & Greet
9p-Midnight Social Dance to Live Music with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils!
—Performances by the CMDance Team & Denver Diamond Dolls
Midnight-2a DJd Late Night Dance
—Invitational Crossover Mix & Match

Saturday
10:30a-4:30p Classes
5-6p Contest Prelims
9p-Midnight Social Dance to Live Music with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils!
—Balboa & Shag Finals
Midnight-3a DJd Late Night Dance
—Fast Feet Contest

Sunday
10:30-4:30p Classes
7-10p DJd Twilight Dance
—Balboa & Shag Mix&Match Finals
—LollyShaggers Performance

10p Awards
Farewell Social @ The Fortunate Prospector English Pub!

The entire festival will take place conveniently all under one roof
at the Gaylord Rockies Resort!

• Located near Denver International Airport.

• Discounted room rate for attendees at only $199!

• Indoor pool and spa.

• Restaurants and markets on location.

• Discounted parking for attendees.

• Decorated for the holidays!

Discounted rooms available only until OCTOBER 31st! CLICK HERE to make a reservation!

Must have a full weekend or party pass to compete!

Balboa & Shag Strictly Contests

Choose your own partner. Prelims are on Saturday after classes. Finals are Saturday night during the main dance. Air steps and lifts are allowed.

Balboa & Shag Mix & Match Contests

No partner needed to enter. Leads and follows will rotate and be judged individually for prelims and as a partnership for finals. Prelims are Saturday after classes. Finals are SUNDAY during the evening dance.

Fast Feet Contest

Any swing goes! Free to enter! Grab a partner and dance to increasing tempos until the last ones stand! Judging will be tap-out style. This contest runs during the Saturday late night dance.

JUST SOME OF THE PRIZE PASSES THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE!

All classes are in the Juniper Ballroom, divided during the day into A, B, and C.
The team routine is open to all! Bring a partner or find one here (2024 link coming soon).

Saturday

Juniper A
Shag Classes
10:30-11:30a Class 1
11:45a-12:45p Class 2
12:45p-1:45p - lunch -
1:45p-2:45p Class 3
3:30p-4:30p Class 4

Juniper B
Electives
10:30-11:30a Class 1
11:45a-12:45p Team Routine Part 1
12:45p-1:45p - lunch -
1:45p-2:45p Team Routine Part 2
3:30p-4:30p Class 4

Sunday

Juniper C
Balboa Classes
10:30-11:30a Class 1
11:45a-12:45p Class 2
12:45p-1:45p - lunch -
1:45p-2:45p Class 3
3:30p-4:30p Class 4

Juniper B
Electives
10:30-11:30a Class 1 -
11:45a-12:45p Team Routine Part 3
12:45p-1:45p - lunch -
1:45p-2:45p Class 3 -
3:30p-4:30p Team Routine Part 4

Reese Dewey

Lead Event Coordinator

Romeo Wong Henderson

Sound & Stage Manager

Felicia Bode

Event Manager and Volunteer Coordinator

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Grant Fukui

Caryn Carrasco

CMDance Director

Want to earn a pass by helping with some odd jobs during the event? Volunteer applications will be open prior to regular registration. Trade 12 hours for a full pass; 6 hours for a dance pass. Applying is not a guarantee. Priority is given to those who have volunteered for CMDance events before or have references as a volunteer for other national events. The application is LIVE: CLICK HERE