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.
March 2026 Lesson Series: The Social Dancer’s Toolkit
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.
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
Taught by Molly Cech and other experienced dancers from Bozeman's vintage swing scene.
April 2026 Lesson Series: Beginner Balboa
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
May 2026 Lesson Series: 6-Count Beginner Lindy Hop
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
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