Downbeat is Bozeman, Montana’s premier organization for vintage swing, including six-count East Coast swing, eight-count Lindy Hop, and the Charleston.
We believe that anyone, at any age or level of experience, can easily pick up and fall in love with swing dance. In fact, many of our current members claim to never have danced a step before joining!
Dance can be an exciting outlet for creative expression, and we work hard to create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment. Besides learning how to dance, you’ll also find an incredible community that supports and attends many local dance events.
Wednesday Night Lesson Series
Each month (September - May) we offer a new lesson series. These are classes taught by our community to help elevate one’s skillfulness with vintage swing, whether they be a beginner or advanced dancer.
October 2026: Beginner Lindy Hop (Level 2)
This 4-part lesson series will build off Lindy Hop fundamentals (pulse, rhythm, frame, partner connection, 6- and 8-count patterns) and focus on progressing you through your Lindy Hop journey, which will include: strengthening frame and connection, making your rhythm swing, introducing musicality and stylization, understanding the flow of momentum, expanding on 6- and 8-count patterns.
Instructors: Taylor Mathews & Kat Patterson
Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.
A basic understanding of beginner Lindy Hop is recommended | no partner required.
Cost for full series: $65 per person
Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person
Classes will be Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
November 2026: Swingouts!
The swingout is undeniably the fundamental move of Lindy Hop swing dancing, but also one of the more difficult to master. This 4-part lesson series will focus on the basics of the swingout (frame, footwork, partner connection) and drill the mechanics into your muscle memory. From there you will learn how to incorporate 6- and 8-count rhythms together, how to expand and adapt move sequences from swingouts, and how to stylize your swingouts. You will leave this class with the fundamentals to thrive on any Lindy Hop dance floor.
Instructors: Isaac Schmidt & Sally Gammardella
Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio.
Prerequisite: A basic understanding of beginner/intermediate Lindy Hop | no partner required.
Cost for full series: $65 per person
Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person
Classes will be Wednesday, November 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Thursday Night Social Dancing
Join us, every Thursday night, at La Brasserie for a free dance lesson and social dance.
7:30 - 8:00PM: Free Lesson
8:00 - 9:30PM: Social Dance
No partner needed
31 S. Willson Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715