SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2025 EVENT!
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!
Online registration opens late summer 2025!
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!
Allison Frey
Head DJ/Contest DJ
Allison (she/they) grew up playing piano, violin, and soccer, and didn't start dancing until a study abroad trip to India in college. She fell in love with an ancient temple dance form, pursuing instruction on her own outside of study abroad courses. Allison was able to write about this dance in her Master's thesis when she returned to the states - there happened to be an incredible Odissi teacher at the same university, allowing her to both research and practice.
Allison entered the Lindy Hop community in 2014 and has organized, taught, choreographed, performed, DJed, competed...and done a lot of research! Being a musician and a music-lover has helped DJing emerge as a particular interest and talent. Allison enjoys crossing eras and genres that make Lindy Hoppers want to move and groove, appreciating the full spectrum of Black American music. Allison has DJed locally for weekly dances and events, as well as online events like the Global Online Social and Swing DJ Relay.
Photo credit Jerry Almonte
Ashley Cohen Conner
Ashley has been dancing for almost a decade, focusing on Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag (Collegiate and Carolina!), and Solo Jazz. She started DJing at local weekly venues in Mesa, Arizona, and quickly learned that she loved sharing the music she enjoyed with fellow dancers. She particularly loves Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Buddy Johnson, Roosevelt Sykes, and Helen Humes.
Ashley has DJ’d all over Arizona, most notably at SWINGdepenDANCE, Phoenix Lindy Exchange, and BadAZ Balboa. Additionally, she has DJ’d across the southwest for LA Jitterbug, Downbeat Swing, Salt City Stomp, SwingDanceVegas, 505 Swing, and Boise City Swings. She is excited to add Hot Jazz Jamboree to this list and can’t wait to share her sets with you!
Stephanie Quon
Stephanie (she/her) fell in love with Lindy Hop ever since she started dancing in 2015. However, it wasn't until the pandemic, specifically at the online Boulder Swing Radio Hours, that she started DJing. That experience was great preparation and practice - she developed an even greater love and appreciation for jazz music and how it inspires the dance overall. Since then, Stephanie has had the opportunity to DJ for dancers in person at local scenes and events in Colorado and is excited to share a variety of her favorite swing music as you dance the night away.
Miranda Whiting
Fast Feet Contest Queen!
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.
Photo credit William Kucharski
Leea Kuronen
Leea started dancing when she was just 6-years old. She had been begging her parents to enroll her to ballet classes, and finally they gave in. After a few years of ballet training Leea wanted to explore other dance styles, so she picked up hip hop, and later, street dance, show dance (theatrical jazz dance), and later returned to adult ballet. In 2013 Leea signed up for Lindy hop classes and immediately fell in love with the dance form. She soon dived deeper into vernacular jazz and started learning blues, balboa, and solo jazz. Leea has been teaching and DJing since 2015. She's currently teaching as well as choreographing and performing vernacular jazz dances in the Denver metro area.
Lorne Fultonberg
Photo credit William Kucharski.
After years of dancing Lindy Hop, Lorne Fultonberg finally realized the root of his addiction: the music, of course! Since, he has fallen in love with anything that swings, regularly DJing Lindy, Balboa, and Shag dances at Boulder Swing Dance, the Mercury Café, the Denver Turnverein, and the Rhythm Lounge. He's also spun sets at events like Lindy on the Rocks, Scissortail Swing, Diversion Weekend, and the Global Online Social. Lorne loves mixing and matching styles that reflect his playful nature on the dance floor. He firmly believes you can never play enough of Benny Goodman's small groups and has soft spots for Teddy Wilson, Fats Waller and Maxine Sullivan. But he also believes in giving love to the contemporary jazz groups preserving and pushing the music forward.
Thursday night unofficial pre-party collaboration with Shimmy Shakin’ Blues at the Mercury Cafe Denver!
Live music with Reckless and Blue. Click here for details! (not included in weekend passes, sorry!)
Friday
6:30p Registration Opens
7-8p Social Hour
8-9p Intro to Shag Lesson
9p-Midnight Social Dance to Live Music with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils!
—Instructor Demos
—Performances
Midnight-2a(ish) DJd Late Night Dance
—Invitational Crossover Mix & Match
Saturday
11a-4:30p Classes
5:00-6:00p Contest Prelims
8-9p Intro to Balboa Lesson
9p-Midnight Social Dance to Live Music with Naomi & Her Handsome Devils!
—Balboa & Shag Strictly Finals
Midnight-3a(ish) DJd Late Night Dance
—Fast Feet Contest
Sunday
11a-4:30p Classes
7-10p DJd Twilight Dance
—Balboa and Shag Mix & Match Finals
—LollyShaggers Performance
10p Awards
Farewell Social
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 starting at only $199!
Indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, and spa.
Restaurants and markets on location.
Discounted parking for attendees.
Decorations and exhibits for the holidays!
Discounted room block CLICK HERE to make a reservation!
If there are no available rooms, we’ve sold out again!
Email events@cmdance.org to see if we can add more (but no promises).
We will be returning to the amazing Juniper Ballroom!
Must have a full weekend or party pass to compete! Prizes are glory, cash, and event passes!
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. Prizes? Bragging rights and free passes to Hot Jazz Jamboree 2025!
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! Join this Facebook group to find a partner and coordinate with your captains!
Saturday
Juniper C
Balboa Classes
11:00-12:00 Class 1 - Cover the Basics
12:15-1:15 Class 2 - Olga & Andreas
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Class 3 - Olga & Andreas
3:30-4:30 Class 4 - Grace & Blake
Juniper A
Shag Classes
11:00-12:00 Class 1 - Cover the Basics
12:15-1:15 Class 2 - Chanzie & Steve
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Class 3 - Grace & Bake
3:30-4:30 Class 4 - Chanzie & Steve
Juniper B
Electives
11:00-12:00 Team Routine Part 1
12:15-1:15 Grace & Blake
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Team Routine Part 2
3:30-4:30 Team Routine Practice
Sunday
Juniper A
Shag Classes
11:00-12:00 Class 1 - Grace & Blake
12:15-1:15 Class 2 - Chanzie & Steve
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Class 3 - Chanzie & Steve
3:30-4:30 Class 4 - Chanzie & Steve
Juniper C
Balboa Classes
11:00-12:00 Class 1 - Olga & Andreas
12:15-1:15 Class 2 - Olga & Andreas
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Class 3 - Grace & Blake
3:30-4:30 Class 4 - Olga & Andreas
Juniper B
Electives
11:00-12:00 Team Routine Part 3
12:15-1:15 Grace & Blake
1:15 - 2:15 - lunch -
2:15-3:15 Team Routine Part 4
3:30-4:30 Team Routine Practice
Event Policies
For general questions about CMDance event policies, please contact events@cmdance.org
When you register for any CMDance event, you agree to the terms and conditions on this page and any additional terms and conditions referenced from this page. CMDance reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time without notice.
By signing up, attending, and/or participating in dance classes, social dances, or any event or program, current or future, organized by CMDance at any location, you hereby agree to the following:
REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS
For safety and security reasons, due to the fact that there is tiered ticketing prices, and events typically sell 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 get credit good for two years towards any CMDance events. After two years, the expired pass will be considered a donation to our non-profit organization.
If you have registered for an event and can no longer attend, you must email us at events@cmdance.org to request a credit. Credit is usually given for the full amount of the pass purchase price and is good towards any yearly national event. Contest registrations cannot be credited or refunded or transferred to another person. Prize passes are non-transferable nor sellable.
In very rare cases, a refund may be considered, but fees will be deducted as the ticketing and processing fees charged by the platforms and banks are not refundable for any reason.
INJURY WAIVER AND MEDIA RELEASE
I recognize that dancing requires physical exertion that may be strenuous and may cause physical injury and am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved. I have explained these risks to any minors who will accompany me.
I represent and warrant that I and any minors I sign up and/or accompany are physically fit and have no medical condition that would prevent full participation in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event or program.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event or program, I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, which I, or the minors I sign up and/or accompany, might incur as a result of attending and/or participating.
I authorize CMDance to use any photo or video in which I or any minors I sign up and/or accompany may appear, for all promotional and commercial uses and I waive any rights of compensation or ownership.
In consideration of being permitted to attend and/or participate in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event, I knowingly, voluntarily, and expressly waive any claims against CMDance, its partners, staff, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, for injury or damages that I or any minors I sign up and/or accompany may sustain, or anything else, as a result of attending and/or participating.
I acknowledge that CMDance, its partners, staff, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, cannot be held responsible for any loss or theft of my belongings and/or property, at all locations, and that I am solely responsible for them.
I agree to abide by the CMDance Code of Conduct or risk expulsion from the event.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
By participating in activities and events organized by CMDance I agree to abide by the CMDance policies or risk expulsion from the event.
I acknowledge that there are risks associated with my participation in any CMDance event. This waiver, release, and other representations and covenants set forth herein are given in consideration for CMDance permitting me to participate in any CMDance event. Therefore, without limitation, I understand that I could contract a communicable disease which could result in a serious medical condition requiring medical treatment in a hospital or could possibly lead to death.
On behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, I knowingly and freely, assume all such related risks, both known and unknown, relating to my participation in any CMDance event, and I hereby forever release, waive, relinquish, and discharge CMDance, along with its officers, agents, employees, or other representatives, and their successors and assigns, from any and all illness related claims, demands, liabilities, rights, damages, expenses, and causes of action of whatever kind or nature, and other losses of any kind, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, (collectively, “Damages”) as a result of my participation in any CMDance event, including but not limited to personal injuries, death, disease, or property losses, or any other loss, and including but not limited to claims based on the alleged negligence of CMDance. I further promise not to sue CMDance or its officers, agents, employees or other representatives, and agree to indemnify and hold them harmless from any and all damages resulting from my contraction of any communicable disease.
CODE OF CONDUCT
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.
CMDance is dedicated to providing a fun, safe, and comfortable event experience for everyone, regardless of age, disability status, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, dance ability, body size, race, or religion (or the lack thereof). In order to foster respect for the comfort and boundaries of others, we will not tolerate harassment in any form, in person, or online. Sexual language, imagery, and invitations in social situations are not appropriate within any event-managed space, including dances, workshops, competitions, and online media.
Safe and inclusive behavior extends to the dance floor. Please do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers either in class or on the social dance floor. Please use your full range of senses on the dance floor to avoid collisions and injuries. It is every dancer’s responsibility to be aware of their own and their partner’s movement and position, as well as the movement and position of the dancers surrounding them, in order to avoid all forms of dangerous contact.
Please be respectful to both event staff and hotel staff, even if you are experiencing a personal frustration. Without the goodwill of these individuals, a smoothly functioning event is impossible.
Details and Consequences
People who pose a threat to other dancers’ safety and/or other dancers’ comfort are not welcome at CMDance events.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, language or behavior that is bullying, abusive, demeaning, discriminating, mocking, intimidating, threatening, offensive, disruptive, or otherwise unwelcome or inappropriate in nature.
Unsafe behavior includes, but is not limited to, dancing while intoxicated, appearing intoxicated in a manner that interferes with other attendees’ comfort or enjoyment of the event, intentionally or unintentionally dancing in a way that is harmful or uncomfortable for your partner or surrounding dancers, creating disturbances, and/or interfering with the sleep or health of other attendees.
Potential attendees who have been in violation of CMDance’s policies in the past, or who have been in violation of similar policies at other swing dance events or in other swing dance communities in the past, may be notified prior to the event that they are not welcome at the event at the organizers’ discretion. Attendees at the current event violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event organizers.
All CMDance event attendees, instructors, staff, and volunteers are expected to comply with the code of conduct and local, state, and federal laws. We reserve the right to take prompt action in response to violations which may include warnings, notification of denial of entry to the event, expulsion from the event without a refund, and involving local law enforcement.
Attendees asked to stop any harassing or unsafe behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If you have any concerns, contact a member of the event staff immediately and we will take appropriate action which may include contacting safety staff, event organizers, or local law enforcement as needed. The organizers of the CMDance events pledge to treat these sensitive matters with confidentiality and to prioritize the safety and comfort of attendees whenever possible.
Reese Dewey
Lead Event Coordinator
nick peterson
Master of Ceremonies
Romeo Wong Henderson
Band & Stage Manager
Bill Kucharski
Sound & Lighting
Felicia Bode
Event Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
The Lindy Hopkins
Karen Vizzard Hopkins
Contest Coordinator
Dabney Hopkins
Guest Judge
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
Choose from several different food options at the Gaylord Rockies Resort!
Cocoa Bean Coffee House
Proudly serving Starbucks® coffee. Choose from premium coffee drinks, fresh bakery items, and gourmet sandwiches.
Rockies Marketplace
Don't have time to sit down at a restaurant? Visit the grab-and-go marketplace offering chef-crafted entrees, fresh fruit, and alternative snacks, plus our internal coffee shop!
Cantina Montana
Mexican
Enjoy the bold flavors of Mexico, along with signature margaritas at this festive bar and restaurant.
Mountain Pass Sports Bar
Indulge in a casual menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and draft beer at our sports bar. Catch a game on the 75-foot flat-panel TV, cheer on your favorite team, and then stay for dinner.
Embers Lodge Bar
Nestled amidst the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Embers Lodge Bar serves as a cherished hub to gather around two grand fireplaces and savor small plates, Colorado-inspired cocktails, and panoramic views.
The Fortunate Prospector
The Fortunate Prospector is a traditional English Pub. The menu pulls inspiration from traditional English roots featuring such dishes as fish & chips, bangers and mash, Shepherd’s pie, and sticky toffee pudding.
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Join us for a memorable dining experience in Old Hickory Steakhouse. Enjoy the highest quality beef, fresh seafood, caviar, artisanal cheeses, house made desserts, craft cocktails, and fine wines.