Thank you for another great year!
Click HERE to fill out our 2024 post-event survey!
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 EVENT HERE
As seen on SwingPlanit, DanceCal, and WhereCanWeDance
Tickets
Online sales are closed but all options are available at the door!
We accept cash and card.
Lindy on the Rocks is run in conjunction with Hot Night Fusion Weekend and the Denver Jazz Festival. An All Access Pass gains you attendance to all events at HNFW, LotR, and DJF!
Due to ticketing platform fees and restrictions, as well as safe spaces policies, and to prevent scalping, we do not provide refunds nor resale of passes to others. In the event you cannot attend, we will provide credit good towards any CMDance events valid for two years excluding contest fees.
Full Schedule
All-Access Pass holders may also attend any class or dance at Hot Night Fusion Weekend and any Denver Jazz Festival event. See schedules below!
**We are dealing with humans; schedules are subject to change; be flexible; thanks!
Thursday Night Pre-Party at the Mercury Cafe - collab with Shimmy Shakin’ Blues!
Live music by MJ and the Side Gig!
Dance 8pm-Midnight
Mercury Cafe 2199 California St. Denver CO 80205
Note: this is not included in event passes and has a separate admission fee.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
FRIDAY
Studio Loft
Lindy on the Rocks & Denver Jazz Festival
7:30 pm - Doors & Registration Open
8:00pm - Dance Class: Intro to Lindy Hop w/Allison & Lorne
9:00pm - Contest Registration Closes
9:00 pm-12 am - Dance to Live Music with Eyal Vilner and His Hot 5
1st Band Break = Solo Prelims & Costume Contest
Top of 2nd Band Set = Instructor Demos
Top of 3rd Band Set = Solo Finals
12am-2am Late Night Dances @ The Curtis Hotel
Evening Social Dance Theme: Garden Party
Curtis Hotel
Hot Night Fusion Weekend
6:30pm Doors & Registration Open
7:00-8:00pm - Dance Class: Fusion Lesson
8:00pm-12:00am- DJ’d Fusion Social Dance
12:00am-5am: Fusion Late Night Dances
SATURDAY
All classes are at the Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor
Classes will run 11:00am-4:00pm - Choose Your Own Adventure!
Brunch buffet available 11:30a-1:30. $25
1-2p LUNCH CHAT w/Chisomo & Josette (Cultural Topic TBA)
1:45-3:45pm Contest Registration
Contest Prelims 4:15-5:30p
4:15-4:30pm LotR Contest Check-in
4:30pm Open Lindy Strictly Prelims
4:50 pm Lindy Amateur M&M Prelims
5:10pm Lindy Open M&M Prelims
*All times are approximate. Things happen. Be flexible.
Dinner Break
Buffet & Cash Bar 4:30-7p @ Curtis Hotel $25
Studio Loft - LOTR & DJF
7:30pm Doors Open
8:00pm Interactive Musicality Lesson w/Eyal Vilner!
9:00pm pm-12 am - Dance to Live music with The Eyal Vilner Swing Band!
1st Band Break = Theme Costume Contest
Top of 2nd Band Set = Strictly Lindy Hop Contest Finals
2nd Band Break/Top of 3rd Band Set = Showtime: Diamond Dolls, Elaine & Stefan, and the CMDance team with special guests!
12am-3am Late Night Dances @ The Curtis Hotel
NEW! 1:00am SHAG UNDERGROUND CONTEST!
Evening Social Dance Theme: 20th Anniversary Emerald
Curtis Hotel - HNFW
8-9pm: Fusion Dance Lesson
9-12am: DJ’d Fusion Social Dance
12-5am: All Late Night Dances
SUNDAY
All classes are at the Curtis Hotel
Classes will run 11am-4pm - Choose Your Own Adventure!
Brunch buffet available 11:30-1:30pm $25
1-2p LUNCH CHAT= DJ ROUNDTABLE w/”Ian and the Locals”
SPECIAL: Happy Hour Dance Collab w/Denver Jazz Festival 4:30-7:30 with Live Music by Jeremy Mohney & His Band! (Included with All Access & Dance Pass; $20 a la carte for dance)
Buffet & Cash Bar 4:30-7p @ Curtis Hotel $25
Studio Loft - LOTR & DJF
9pm - Midnight - Dance to Live Music with Ian Hutchison's Colorado Band
1st Band Break = Theme Costume Contest
Top of 2nd Band Set = Amateur Lindy Hop Mix & Match Finals
Top of 3rd Band Set = Open Lindy Hop Mix & Match Finals
12-3am: Swing & Soul & Blues & Fusion Party
Evening Social Dance Theme: Wild Things
Curtis Hotel - HNFW
9pm-12a: DJ’d Fusion Social Dance
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.
a.j. howard
With nearly 10 years of experience, AJ Howard takes the influences from Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Lindy Hop scenes to bring his own unique style and energy to the Swing Dancing community. He burst into the scene in 2016, winning competitions throughout the US with his partner Jennifer, showing the dance world what Sacramento really had to offer!
Competing at international events such as Camp Hollywood and the International Lindy Hop Championships, AJ became well known for his generous use of aerials paired with his energetic dancing.
AJ has also had the honor of performing on stage for the debut run of "SW!NG OUT" in addition to dance groups such as HellaBlackLindyHop and the Midtown Stompers, along with the privilege to spread his love of dance through teaching at Lindy Hop events across the US, on a Carnival Cruise ship, and overseas in countries such as Denmark and Sweden.
gaby cook
Gaby Cook is a esteemed, active professional in the global lindy hop community. For nearly 20 years, she has established her career, teaching and performing worldwide for events such as Herräng Dance Camp, Paris Jazz Roots and Lindy Focus. She leads two swing and jazz based dance companies: Wild Rhythm Dance Company and Gatsby Entertainment. These companies have been featured on stages such as Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out Series, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The 92nd St Y, Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center and many appearances at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.
Wild Rhythm was a dance company in residence for the CUNY Dance Initiative program (2019-2020 season)
In New York, Gaby curates and teaches a swing dance educational program with Caleb Teicher and Nathan Bugh at the 92Y. In class, she is playful, informative and honest. Through teaching dance, she seeks connect new audiences to the immensely rich history of swing-era dances. She prioritizes equality for followers and leaders in the classroom space — and has championed a movement first approach to teaching partnered dance content.
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.
josette wiggan
Josette Wiggan: an internationally acclaimed and much sought after educator/ choreographer/ performer, Josette has dedicated her life to the perpetuation of African American Vernacular Jazz Dance. She began her dance adventure with Paul and Arlene Kennedy in Los Angeles at the age of 12, and her love for performing was fostered by the Kennedys and refined as an adult while dancing with Jazz Tap Ensemble until 2007. A graduate of UCLA, Josette’s career highlights include, the 2001 Spotlight Award winner in non-classical dance category, the first National Broadway Tour of 42nd Street, 2004 Bessie Award Nominee for Outstanding Performance in the Baker/Tarpaga Project, movies Idlewild and Princess and the Frog, and studying with Germaine Acogny at L’ecole les Sables in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal. Alongside her brother, Joseph Wiggan, she was part of two original casts of Cirque du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel and Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour from 2009-2013. The duo also performed in Tireless, a curated show by Michelle Dorrance that had its debut at Jacob’s Pillow in 2017. Josette was also a part of Dorrance’s all woman quartet that created the works Until the Real Comes Along and and All Good Things Must Come and End. In 2019, Josette was also a co-creator with Michelle Dorrance and Hannah Heller for a Christmas work entitled, …The Nutcracker Suite…In 2021, Josette created her first evening length work, Praise: The Inevitable Fruit of Gratitude, in collaboration with Grammy nominated, jazz trumpeter, Keyon Harrold featuring the cast of Dorrance Dance. It had its debut at Jacob’s Pillow and the Queens Theatre in the Park. In 2023, Josette began her own tap company, Josette Wiggan Presents… and developed a new work entitled, On Solid Ground: A Celebration of Black Joy and Freedom In Our America and her first solo work, Threshing Floor: A Place of Mediation and Melody at American Dance Platform 2024. In addition, Josette is currently on faculty at USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, teaching Vernacular Jazz and Tap Dance.
chisomo selemani
Chisomo is a dance and teaching enthusiast. She loves movement, learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Her artistic endeavors in the Swing dances are inspired from her Zambian tradition and Afrobeats. Her teaching methodologies invite you to explore your own style and artistry. When she’s not dancing, she is co-hosting the podcast Integrated Rhythm and is highly involved in global issues and practices in communication sciences and disorders.
Cyle Dixon
At 27 years old, Cyle Dixon is a proud Cleveland native and award-winning dancer who discovered his passion for artistic expression early in life. He often reflects on how he first learned to hear music from the soul while soul line dancing at barbecues and singing in church as a child. Cyle embarked on his dance journey at just thirteen, joining the Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs (CJJ). This formative experience ignited a lifelong love for Lindy Hop, inspiring him to compete in and explore various dance styles, as well as create choreography and soul line dances.
Cyle's dedication to his craft has taken him across the world , where he has showcased his talent at numerous events, including Frankie 100, BeanTown Dance Camp, Herrang Dance Camp, ILHC, and Camp Hollywood etc. As a teacher, his primary goal is to spread love and honor the rich legacy of the art form created by his ancestors or as he calls them “melanated legends and icons”. If there is one lesson he wishes to impart to every student, it would be: “Feel the beat of the music from the depths of your soul and let your creativity and individuality shine outward.”
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 food for purchase on Saturday & Sunday. See menus below.
Meal Schedule:
Saturday Brunch 11:30-1:30pm - Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor - Duck Duck Goose $25
Saturday Dinner 5:00-7:00pm - Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor - Four Square Foyer $25 + Cash Bar 4:30
Sunday Brunch 11:30-1:30pm - Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor - Duck Duck Goose $25
Sunday Dinner 5:00-7:00pm - Curtis Hotel - 3rd Floor - Four Square Foyer $25 + Cash Bar 4:30
(or click here for the nearest restaurants).
LUNCH TALKS
1-2p Saturday w/Chisomo & Josette
Cultural Title/Topic TBA
1-2p Sunday “DJ Rountable” w/Ian, Lorne, Miranda, & Leea
New and experienced folks can learn from LOTR DJs about how they approach their role—finding good music, making a set, improvising on the fly, and some of the groovy stuff we're listening to now!
CLASSES
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
Intro to Lindy Hop 8-9pm (Studio Loft) w/Allison & Lorne
Learn the original swing dance, rooted in Black American culture and jazz music. Lindy Hop is a relaxed, social, lead/follow dance with West African roots. It's all about connection to the music and your partner, with plenty of room for improvisation and self-expression!
Josette - Solo Jazz: Dancing Through Time
Description
Level: Open
AJ & Skye - Aerials/Air Steps 101
Description TBA
Level: Intro (must be comfortable with physical activity a la jumping/lifting/inversion)
Chisomo & Cyle - Finding your Voice in the Groove
Find your groove in basic steps. Learn how to put some stank in your lindy hop. In this class, we will work on spicing up the fundamental rhythms transitioning your dancing from moving through shapes to grooving through space.
Level/Prerequisite skills: Beginner/Intermediate Lindy - Must at least have 6 and 8 count basics (i.e., have a repertoire of 6 count moves and working on/learning the swingout).
Elaine & Stefan - Follow-Initiated Moves
Who's leading? Who's following? This class will explore leading from the follow role, following from the lead role, and all the grey areas in between. The result is connected, conversational dancing that's creatively fulfilling for every dancer!
Level: Must be comfortable with 6 and 8 count basics
Josette & Nathan - Tempo: Finding the Pockets
Description
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Chisomo - Afrodance Celebration
Come and explore the values of improvisation, call & response, playfulness, and groundedness in this class. Move in a different way, while learning about other Afrocentric dance styles. All are welcome.
Level/Prerequisites: All Levels
Nathan - Intro to Tap
Level: Open
Elaine & Stefan - Charleston Combos
Must know basic partner charleston (tandem, pattycake).
Elaine & Stefan - Fast Swing Outs!
Learn techniques that make fast swing outs efficient and fun! We recommend you bring clothes you can sweat in, shoes with some grip, and a water bottle.
Level: Must be comfortable with medium-tempo swing outs
INTERACTIVE MUSICALITY LESSON with 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.
AJ & Skye - Aerials/Air Steps 201
Description
Level: Previous experience with lifts and air steps (must be comfortable with physical activity a la jumping/lifting/inversion)
Josette & Nathan - Moves for Musical Breaks
Description
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Josette & Nathan -
Swivels from the right!
Chisomo & Cyle - In the Groove
Level up your groove. This class will focus on work on moving through basic rhythms and rhythm variations in a soulful way. Ms. Norma said, "it's all about the beat", this class works to honor the "rizz" (charisma) of the original dancers throughout your basic and more sophisticated shapes.
Level/Prerequisite skills: Intermediate - Have a repertoire of 6 and 8 count moves (i.e., know swingouts, lindy circles, 6 & 8 count turns, passes, etc.)
Josette - Tap: Let’s Swing it Out
Tap shoes not required. Learn some fancy footwork to jazz up your solo and social dancing.
Level: Open
Chisomo & Cyle - Soulful Lindy
Honoring the art and soul of the original dancers, this class will take on an inquiry based approach. We will play with different steps, rhythms, and movements to discover new ideas in your dancing.
Level/Prerequisite skills: Intermediate-Advanced/Advanced - Can integrate 6 & 8 count moves, listens to music and can generate your own musical variations, has an understanding of connection and flow, approaches the dance with playfulness and curiosity.
Elaine & Stefan - Dancing to Slow Jazz
Join us to explore close-embrace vernaculars like Slow Drag and Ballroom' to take your slow dancing to the next level. No Lindy experience is required.
Level: Open
Gaby & Nathan - Lead/Follow Challenges
Time to eat our vegetables! Improve your partnering skills with this essential techniques class. We will focus on timing, dance roles, and we’ll practice answers to any questions that arise.
Level: Intermediate
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.
Sunday Twilight Dance
Jeremy Mohney & His Band
For over a decade, Jeremy Mohney has lead one of Colorado’s most popular swing bands. His spirited renditions of Jazz classics as well as original compositions in the Swing style give him and his group a unique and authentic dimension. Whether playing a jam-packed ballroom for dancers, or playing for lovers of music an intimate club, Mohney has the charm to capture the attention of any audience.
DJs
These folks are bringing you sweet tunes to keep the dancing going all weekend.
Ian Hutchison
Ian Hutchison has been DJ'ing since 2016. He regularly DJ's at Frim Fram Jam and Midtown Swings in NYC and occasionally DJ's at The Mercury Cafe when in Colorado. Ian Hutchison is a bass player, bandleader, swing dancer, and educator based in New York City. He has played with a literal who's who in the swing dance world including Naomi Uyama, Jonathan Stout, Gordon Webster, Eyal Vilner, and Glenn Crytzer. Ian is currently a member of the hit touring lindy hop theater show SW!NG OUT. His debut album Bop For Dancing is available now on bandcamp.
Allison Frey
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.
Leea Kuronen
photo credit William Kucharski
Competition DJ
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.
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
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.
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.
The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
About the Venue: 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.
Tickets: Purchase tickets for The Denver Jazz Festival and all our evening events held at The Studio Loft here on AXS.com
What’s happening here:
Lindy on the Rocks Main Dances
All Competition Finals
Interactive Workshop w/Eyal
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 (deadline for discounted room rate is August 22nd!)
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. 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, Salt City Stomp, Diversion Weekend, Canadian Swing Dance Championships, Shag Summer Camp, Hot Jazz Jamboree, Hot Night Fusion Weekend, Summer Swing Fest, Lindy on the Rocks, Swing Battle, Swingdependance Weekend, and more!
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 12th! 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.
NEW for 2024! SHAG UNDERGROUND CONTEST!
This will be a social dance contest done Mix & Match style and free to enter! Any shag goes but you may not get matched with someone who does yours so come prepared! Three prelim songs . Will rotate partners between songs. (These will be full songs so others can social dance.) 4 judges = 2 lead judges; 2 follow judges. Each judge picks their top 2 dancers and confers to make sure they do not overlap. 3-4 couples in the finals: all skate, spotlights, and a fast all skate! Audience judged final using a decibel meter that will give the average. Only the winners are announced!
Prizes: Bragging rights and full weekend passes to Hot Jazz Jamboree!
Stay current with all of our big updates via Facebook. Follow the event pages and RSVP to the events!
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.
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.
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 (around 1 mile from the Studio Loft/Curtis Hotel) in approximately 45 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.
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
Caryn Carrasco
Executive Director & Founder
Reese Dewey
Overall Event Coordinator
“If plan A didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters. Stay cool.”
felicia bode
Volunteer Coordinator & Event Manager
Brett Dahlenburg
Videographer
Melody Flores
Hot Night Fusion Main Manager
William Kucharski
Photography, Sound, and Lighting
William Weeks
Photography
I started Stone’s Throw Productions in 2021 in a crazy leap of faith. I was working in project management for a construction contractor before that and was feeling stuck. I was messing around with a camera in my free time and the prospect of starting a business had never occurred to me. Over time my skills developed and people started asking if they could hire me for photos.
Even though I didn’t know if I’d be able to make a living, seeing the joy I brought people through my images was more fulfilling than anything I had ever felt. I knew I would never forgive myself if I didn’t give it a shot!
During my time in project management, I learned so many valuable things that applied really well to running my own business. I’ve always had this creative itch that just was not getting scratched.
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to saying that my job is a photographer and am thankful every day for the amazing experiences I’ve had, the cool people/brands I’ve gotten to work with, and that I get to live my dream every day!
I grew up in Colorado Springs and have always been in love with this state. I’m big into snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, longboarding, volleyball, and just generally getting out to experience what our amazing state has to offer. Yeah, it may be crazy expensive to live here, but still, we are truly lucky!
I truly cannot wait to see what comes next!
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.