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Explore the vibrant world of swing dancing in Des Moines
Upcoming Events & Lessons
Heartland Swing is Des Moines' nonprofit Lindy Hop community, offering beginner-friendly swing dance lessons, monthly social dances, live music, and special events for dancers of all experience levels.
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Heartland Swing gift certificates are the perfect present for anyone who loves to move to the music. Whether it’s for lessons, social dances, or Heartland Swing gear, it’s an experience they won’t forget.
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At Heartland Swing, our mission is to inspire an inclusive swing dancing community in the Des Moines area. Through social dance events and education, we aim to preserve the diversity of our past and excite future generations of swing dancers. We believe that swing dancing is a powerful way to connect with others, express yourself, and preserve the rich history of this dance form. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can come together to learn, grow, and have fun.
FAQs
If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to reach out to us directly—we’re here to help!
Lindy Hop is an African American social dance that originated in Harlem, New York during the late 1920s. Danced to jazz and swing music, Lindy Hop emphasizes rhythm, improvisation, musicality, and connection between partners. At Heartland Swing, Lindy Hop is the primary style we teach through beginner classes, workshops, and monthly social dances in Des Moines.
Heartland Swing offers beginner-friendly Lindy Hop lesson series throughout the year in Des Moines, Iowa. Whether you're taking your very first class or looking to continue building your skills, we offer lessons for multiple experience levels. Visit our Classes page to see current offerings and registration information.
No! You do not need to bring a partner to any Heartland Swing lesson, workshop, or social dance. Most dancers rotate partners during class so everyone has the opportunity to learn, and many people attend our events on their own.
Absolutely! Heartland Swing is a beginner-friendly community, and we love introducing new dancers to Lindy Hop. Whether you're attending your first lesson or your first social dance, you'll find a welcoming environment with dancers of all experience levels.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. We recommend closed-toe shoes that stay securely on your feet and avoid flip-flops or loose sandals. Vintage-inspired outfits are always welcome but never required. Some dances feature optional themes, such as Halloween or 1920s attire.
No special shoes are required. Most beginners start with comfortable sneakers or other closed-toe shoes. As you continue dancing, many people choose shoes with smoother soles designed for social dancing, but they're never required.
Heartland Swing hosts Lindy Hop lessons and social dances at several venues throughout the Des Moines metro. Please check the event details for the current venue, address, parking information, and any event-specific instructions.
Our regular monthly DJ dances are $10, live band dances are $15, and we accept cash or Venmo at the door. Multi-week lesson series, workshops, and special events are priced individually—please see each event or class listing for current pricing.
We dance primarily to jazz and swing music from the 1920s through the 1940s, featuring artists such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and many contemporary swing bands. Many of our monthly dances also feature live jazz musicians.
Heartland Swing encourages all dancers to be aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety on the dance floor. Adapt your dancing to the available space, avoid aerials and drops during social dancing, and always respect your partner and those around you. Dips should only be done with prior consent, and all dancers are expected to follow our Code of Conduct and venue rules.
Yes! In addition to monthly social dances and lesson series, Heartland Swing hosts workshops, our annual Heartland SwingOut weekend, community outreach events, performances, and Lindy in the Streets pop-up dances throughout the Des Moines area. Visit our Events page or check out our Facebook to see what's coming up.
Heartland SwingOut is Heartland Swing's annual Lindy Hop weekend featuring workshops, live music, social dancing, and guest instructors from across the Midwest. The event offers beginner and intermediate workshop tracks along with two nights of live band dancing in Des Moines.
Heartland SwingIn is Heartland Swing's annual one-day Lindy Hop workshop featuring guest instructors from the Midwest. The event includes instructor development, afternoon workshops for beginner and intermediate dancers, a social dance, and a community potluck, offering a full day of learning and dancing in Des Moines.
Our dances are designed primarily for young adults and adults. Children under 14 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, minors should remain with their guardian and refrain from running around the venue or dance floor.
Yes! Heartland Swing regularly participates in community festivals, farmers markets, live music events, and other public gatherings throughout Central Iowa. If you're interested in having Heartland Swing perform, teach a beginner lesson, or participate in your event, please contact us for inquries.
Yes! Heartland Swing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of swing dance while building an inclusive Lindy Hop community through education, social dancing, live music, and community outreach in the Des Moines area.