Downbeat Vintage Swing Society

04/14/2026

This 4-part lesson series will focus on the introductory skills you’ll need to get started with Lindy Hop swing dancing, which will include: a brief history and context regarding the origin and evolution of the dance, finding the pulse within jazz music, basic rhythm, holding a proper frame and connecting with a partner, and 6-count patterns that are essential for any Lindy Hopper. You will leave this class with the basic skills and confidence that will allow you to join in on any social dance floor.

Classes will be Wednesday, May 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.

No experience or partner required.

Cost for full series: $65 per person

Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person

Link in bio to sign up

03/31/2026

Balboa is a close embrace swing dance, which is characterized by smooth shuffling footwork, kicks, and turns. This is an elegant dance to know, especially for faster tempos. This 4-part lesson series will teach the basics of this dance and have you ready to Balboa on the social dance floor.

Classes will be Wednesday, April 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.

No experience or partner required.

Cost for full series: $65 per person

Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person

Link in bio to sign up!

03/03/2026

Downbeat March Updates! -

Thank you all for making February another great month! We had 20 dancers go to Salt City Stomp Lindy hop festival and were recognized as a strong and kind community. We had a great showing for our Charleston lesson series with Isaac and Taylor, hosted our first dance at 406 Cirque with a lesson taug...

02/27/2026

Welcome to our new board members Sally, Brandon, and Mara! Looking forward to another year of dance with our Downbeat community!!!

02/27/2026

The Social Dancer's Toolkit is a 4-week series that will give you everything you need to enjoy a night of swing dancing whether you are in Bozeman, MT, or anywhere else in the world! Each week we will dive into a new topic to expand your social dancing skills:

Slow, bluesy swing - how to use connection and groove to keep it interesting when the music slows down
Fast Lindy - how to keep dancing at faster speeds without losing control
The Shim Sham - the solo jazz line dance that is played at every social dance around the globe
Intro to jam circles and special dances and how to join in!
Classes will be Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

No experience required (but some previous Lindy Hop experience is helpful) | no partner required.

Link in bio to sign up!

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio

02/12/2026

Join us tonight for a special valentine's dance at La Brasserie!!!

02/06/2026

01/26/2026

Charleston is a foundational dance of Lindy Hop and one that will get you moving on the dance floor. Charleston is often interspersed within any social swing dance, or can be danced standalone–it also helps you dance to faster music without working too hard. This 4-part lesson series will get you started with basic Charleston, including footwork and connection, beginner moves, and traveling basics. The instructors will specifically focus on:

-'40s Charleston for social dancing
-Embedding Charleston within Lindy Hop
-Understanding where Charleston fits the music
-This is a great series for people new to dancing/Lindy Hop

Classes will be Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

No experience required | no partner required.

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.

Cost for full series: $65 per person

Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person

12/29/2025

This 4-part lesson series will be great for those who already have a foundational understanding of 6- and 8-count Lindy Hop patterns, who are comfortable with varying tempos, and who are comfortable with mixing up rhythmic structures. This series will also get into the nuances of more complex moves and sequences, timing and momentum technicalities, and creative exploration.

Classes will be Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

A basic understanding of beginner Lindy Hop is recommended | no partner required.

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.

Cost for full series: $65 per person

Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person

12/21/2025

Join us for a New Year’s Eve bash at La Brasserie in collaboration with Sizzling Salsa! Dancing will start at 9pm and take us through the new year!

12/21/2025

There will be no dances the next two Thursdays , enjoy the holidays! Thanks to all who celebrated at our holiday dance last week. And join us instead for our New Year’s Eve dance party, more info on that next post!!!