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/November 2025 Lesson Series: Swing Outs!

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.

Classes will be Wednesday, October 29 and Wednesday, November 5, 12, and 19 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

Located at the Story Mill Community Center in the Starlite Studio (600 Bridger Canyon Dr., Bozeman, MT).

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

REGISTER HERE

December 2025 Lesson Series: Variety Lindy Hop

Back by popular demand, this 3-part lesson series will include rotating instructors each week–instructors who will select whatever Lindy Hop curriculum they’d like to focus on. This could include, for example, momentum and redirection, stylizations, musicality, swing out variations, etc. This will give the participant a fun variety of instructional styles as well as some unique ways to spice up their dance repertoire.

Classes will be Wednesday, December 3, 10, and 17 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: $45 per person

  • Cost for a single drop-in class: $20 per person

REGISTER HERE

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