Swinging Back into Des Moines

Swinging onto the Scene

Heartland Swing emerged into the Des Moines dance scene in 2023. Driven by a shared love of dance and a desire to reconnect after COVID, a group of enthusiastic founders – Nicole Bramow, Renee Brechtel, Jenn State, Matt Tough, Grant Hobin, and Geilesha Kurfman – launched this exciting organization. Their debut dance was at the Des Moines Ballroom in March of 2023. By August, Heartland Swing secured non-profit status!

Building a Welcoming Community

The rich history of swing dancing conveys the joy of self-expression through movement. Heartland Swing’s mission extends far beyond simply teaching how to swing dance. They strive to create a safe and inclusive space where dancers of all levels can:

Connect with Others: Connecting with people is a cornerstone of the Heartland Swing experience. Their events offer opportunities to engage with the community, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment.

Express Themselves: Dance is a powerful form of self-expression, and Heartland Swing encourages everyone to find their own voice on the dance floor.

Preserve the Rich History of Swing Dancing: Heartland Swing preserves the history of swing dancing by sharing their knowledge and education to ensure this vibrant art form continues to live on through future generations.

The Rich History of Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop has a rich history that started with African American dancers in Harlem, New York. Lindy Hop grew out of other swing dances – including the Charleston and the Send Out – in the famous Savoy Ballroom. Frankie Manning, a regular at Savoy Ballroom in the 1930s, is credited as being one of the founders of Lindy Hop. Heartland Swing is helping this history live on through their dancing by learning as much as they can and sharing it with their community.

A Fresh Approach to Swing Dancing

Heartland Swing sets itself apart with its innovative teaching style. Instead of focusing on memorization of steps, their swing classes emphasize the importance of musicality and partner connection. Students learn to feel the music, interpret its rhythm, and translate it all into movement. The focus on music encourages both beginner and experienced dancers to develop a deeper understanding of footwork patterns and improvisation skills. Dancers gain the confidence to hit the dance floor and have fun, all while expanding their knowledge and expertise.

Lindy in the Streets

Heartland Swing is dedicated to fostering a vibrant social dance community in Des Moines. Their efforts extend beyond their regular dance nights, with a strong focus on community outreach through their Lindy in the Streets events.

Spreading the Joy of Swing

One way Heartland Swing connects with the community is by attending local farmers markets. They host dances at markets like Valley Junction, Indianola, and Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market. This allows them to engage with the community and showcase their moves with demonstrations. These lively performances not only entertain market-goers but also serve as an invitation to join the growing dance community.

Jiving with Junction Jazz Society

Heartland Swing has built a strong relationship with Junction Jazz Society, a local Big Band. Junction Jazz Society played at Heartland Swing’s first-ever live band event in January of 2024 along with their one-year anniversary celebration in March of 2024 and June 2024 dance. Their commitment extends beyond these events. Heartland Swing is planning to attend the Beaverdale Farmers Market on July 9th to show their support for Junction Jazz Society, further building bridges between these two organizations and enriching the Des Moines music and dance scenes.

Beyond the Streets

Their outreach extends beyond farmers markets. Heartland Swing has showcased their talents by dancing for other local bands like the NOLA Jazz Band at Noce and the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. They've also hosted a pop-up event at Mayalu coffee for World Lindy Hop Day, celebrating Frankie Manning’s birthday. Additionally, Heartland Swing is working to bring their infectious enthusiasm to retirement homes like The Bridges at Ankeny, Scottish Rite Park, and Wesley Acres.

The Future of Heartland Swing

Looking ahead, Heartland Swing plans to expand the styles of dance they teach, including Collegiate Shag, St. Louis Shag, 1920s and 1930s Charleston, and Balboa among many others. They will also continue to collaborate with venues, bands, and organizations to promote social dancing. This includes their ongoing partnership with Noce to establish a regular schedule of dances, making it easier for people to find and participate in swing dance events.

Check out Heartland Swing's website and Facebook to stay in the loop on all of their upcoming lessons, dances, and events!