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.
January 2026 Lesson Series: Intermediate/Advanced Lindy Hop
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
February 2026 Lesson Series: Beginner Charleston
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
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