Heartland SwingOut! Schedule

Get ready for an unforgettable experience! Find all the details for the weekend, including workshop sessions, social dances, live music, and competitions. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

Level 1

Early Bird Weekend Pass $50 / Full Weekend Pass $60 (After May 31st)

The Level 1 full weekend pass includes all Level 1 workshop classes listed below, and entry to the Friday & Saturday night dances. If you’re newer to Lindy Hop, we’re excited to have you join us! To get the most out of the Level 1 workshops, we recommend being familiar with the swing out, but don’t worry if you’re not there yet—there’s still plenty of time to prep with our upcoming classes before the event.

Friday, Oct. 10
venue: Des moines ballroom
time
main ballroom
7:15-8:00pm Open to publiC
Kickoff Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00pm Open to publiC
Social Dance with live music from: Junction Jazz Society
Saturday, Oct. 11
venue: chandelier
time
Studio 1
Studio 2
1:00-2:50pm
Lindy Hop Crash Course
3:00-3:50pm
Dance to the Music
4:00-7:00pm
DINNER BREAK
7:00-7:50pm
Learn the Shim Sham
8:00-11:00pm Open to public
Social Dance with Live Music from: NOLA Jazz Band
~9:30pm Open to public
Mix-n-Match Preliminaries
~10:00pm Open to public
Mix-n-Match Finals
11:30pm-1:30am Open to public
Late Night Jams @ Star Bar
All lesson times and instructors are subject to change

Level 2

Early Bird Weekend Pass $75 / Full Weekend Pass $90 (After May 31st)

The Level 2 Full Weekend Pass offers access to all Level 2 workshop classes listed below, and entry to the Friday & Saturday night dances.  The full day of workshops on Saturday, features a variety of classes including partner & solo dancing. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from talented Midwest instructors who can help you take your dancing to the next level! Please note, the Mix-n-Match competition is an additional fee.

Friday, Oct. 10
venue: Des moines ballroom
time
main ballroom
8:00-11:00pm Open to public
Social Dance with live music from: Junction Jazz Society
Saturday, Oct. 11
venue: chandelier
time
Studio 1
9:00-9:50am
Zhush Up Your Swingouts
10:00-10:50am
Changing Directions
11:00-12:50pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-1:50pm
Connect Where You Least Expect
2:00-2:50pm
Improv as Spontaneous
3:00-3:50pm
It's the Way That You Do It
4:00-7:00pm  
DINNER BREAK
7:00-7:50pm
Mama Stew Routine
8:00-11:00pm Open to public
Social Dance with Live Music from: NOLA Jazz Band
~9:30pm Open to public
Mix-n-Match Preliminaries
~10:00pm Open to public
Mix-n-Match Finals
11:30pm-1:30amOpen to public
Late Night Jams @ Star Bar
All lesson times and instructors are subject to change
Class descriptions

Level 1

Level 1 is perfect for dancers who have some background with swing dancing, but still don't feel comfortable swinging out on the social dance floor. A dancer in Level 1 should be familiar with triple steps, and either 6-count or 8-count footwork. This level includes five hours of optional classes.

Kickoff Beginner Lesson
Fri
7:15-8:00pm

Whether you’re new to swing dancing or just need a refresher, this 45-minute class will teach you the basics, including the swingout and essential footwork, to get you ready for the social dance later in the evening.

Lindy Hop Crash Course
Sat
1:00-2:50pm

This crash course will review & teach you what you need to have a blast swing dancing to the live band! It will feature a variety of Lindy Hop shapes, with a focus on the partner connection and refining your swing out.

instructor(s)
Dance to the Music
Sat
3:00-3:50pm

Put what you’ve learned in the crash course to the test! Spend the hour experimenting with how your new moves fit with the music, and practice putting together different sequences of moves.

instructor(s)
Learn the Shim Sham
Sat
7:00-7:50pm

The Shim Sham is a classic solo jazz line dance, choreographed by the beloved Frankie Manning. Join the crowd when we perform the Shim Sham at the dance that night, and every month at the Heartland social!

instructor(s)
Class descriptions

Level 2

Level 2 is intended for dancers who are comfortable swinging out on the social dance floor. This level offers a variety of courses throughout the day, designed to challenge and refine your skills while learning from top Midwest instructors. This level includes six hours of classes.

Zhush Up Your Swingouts
Sat
9:00-9:50am

Bring personality out with a fresh look at your classic 8 count move.

instructor(s)
Changing Directions
Sat
10:00-10:50am

Find the importance of timing and weight shifts to redirect energy in a partnership.

instructor(s)
Connect Where You Least Expect
Sat
1:00-1:50pm

Exercise your lead/follow skills with unconventional connection points.

instructor(s)
Improv as Spontaneous Choreo
Sat
2:00-2:50pm

Build your skills in collaboration and improv as you interpret the music- breaking into groups to choreograph phrases together.

instructor(s)
It's the Way That You Do It
Sat
3:00-3:50pm

You may have learned, "t'ain't what ya do". Come learn how to do it.

instructor(s)
Mama Stew Routine
Sat
7:00-7:50pm

You can warm up for the dance just like Whitey's Lindy Hoppers would warm up for their performances with the Mama Stew routine! This classic solo jazz routine was named after Louise "Mama Lou" Parks who frequently performed it with her troupe, The Parkets.

instructor(s)

Mix-n-Match Competition

Put your social dancing to the test!
$5 per entry. pre-register or SIGN UP at the EVENT. you could win $100 to the Aris Allen Dancestore.com!

Compete as a fun way to test your social dancing skills, meet new partners, and add extra excitement to your weekend! No partner required!

There are two rounds: In the first round you will dance 3 songs with 3 randomly selected partners. Each leader and follower will be judged individually on their musicality, creativity, and partnership. The judges will select the top followers and leaders from prelims to compete in the final round. In the final round, you'll be paired with 1 random partner and each couple will have the opportunity to spotlight their dancing to the judges before the winning lead and follow are crowned!

Late night

After a full day of workshops and social dances, join us for our Late Night Social Dance and keep the dancing alive! Dance the night away with great music and new friends in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Saturday, October 11
11:30pm-1:30am

Star Bar

2811 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Whether you’re a late-night dancer or just looking to unwind, our Late Night dance offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere to continue swinging into the evening.