Heartland Swing: Des Moines’ Vibrant Community for Lindy Hop & Social Dance
Connect, Express, and Preserve the Rich History of Swing Dancing in Central Iowa.
Heartland Swing is a dedicated non-profit organization that emerged in Des Moines in 2023, born from a collective passion for historical swing dance and a desire to build a thriving community. Heartland Swing is your local hub for Lindy Hop classes, lively social dances, fostering connections and celebrating self-expression through movement.
Driven by enthusiastic founders, Heartland Swing’s debut dance took place at the Des Moines Ballroom in March 2023. By August of the same year, Heartland Swing secured our non-profit status, solidifying their commitment to enriching the local arts and dance scene.
Whether you’re looking to learn your first steps, find a place to dance, or connect with fellow enthusiasts, Heartland Swing offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
Core Offerings: Get Dancing!
Learn to Dance: Classes & Workshops for Every Level
Whether you’re taking your first steps or looking to refine your technique, Heartland Swing offers multi-week instructional classes and specialized workshops designed for all skill levels. No prior experience or partner is needed – just a desire to learn and have fun!
Dance the Night Away: Monthly Socials
Join us for our vibrant monthly social dances, a cornerstone of the Heartland Swing community. These events are open to the public, welcoming dancers of all levels, and no partner is required!
- Free Beginner Lesson: Arrive early for a beginner lesson before each social dance to get you comfortable on the floor.
- Music: Enjoy a mix of Lindy Hop and East Coast Swing to both DJ’d music and, frequently, live bands!
- Community: Heartland Swing’s socials are a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow dancers, practice your moves, and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of swing.
- Dance Floor Etiquette: To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, Heartland Swing encourage dancers to be mindful of personal space, respect all partners, and dance within their skill level.
Heartland Swing’s Community & Mission in Action
Building a Welcoming & Inclusive Community
Heartland Swing is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where everyone can come together to learn, grow, and have fun. Dance is for everyone, regardless of skill level, background, or identity.
- Connect with Others: Heartland Swing’s events provide countless opportunities to engage with the community, forging new friendships and strengthening existing bonds.
- Express Themselves: Dance is a powerful form of self-expression, and Heartland Swing encourages every dancer to find their unique voice on the dance floor.
- Accessibility: Heartland Swing strives to keep their programs financially accessible with student discounts and low-cost social dances, ensuring that more people can participate.
- Safety: Heartland Swing is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space, upholding respectful conduct and clear dance floor etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
Preserving the Rich History of Swing Dancing
Heartland Swing is passionate about safeguarding the vibrant art form of swing dance and honoring its origins.
- African American Roots: Heartland Swing deeply acknowledges and celebrates the profound African American roots of Lindy Hop and other swing dances, which emerged from the thriving Black communities in Harlem, New York, during the Jazz Age. Heratland Swing is committed to sharing this rich cultural heritage through their education and events.
- Local History: Heartland Swing builds upon a strong legacy of swing dancing in Des Moines, recognizing pioneers like Swing Des Moines and Step Into Swing. Heartland Swing proudly fills the void left by the discontinuation of the former Heartland Swing Festival and Collegiate Jitterbug Championships, continuing the tradition of high-quality swing dance events in Central Iowa.
The Future of Heartland Swing
Looking ahead, Heartland Swing plans to continue expanding our offerings and reach. They aim to introduce new dance styles, including St. Louis Shag, 1920s and 1930s Charleston, and Balboa, among many others. We will also continue to collaborate with venues, bands, and organizations to promote social dancing and foster a thriving swing dance scene in Des Moines and beyond.