Swingin' Denver at The Savoy Denver

"I have been dancing with and learning from Swingin’ Denver since 2016, having only been in Denver a few months and in need of an opportunity to socialize. I had received prior instruction in ballroom and swing so it seemed like a natural choice. Now having known Kenny for six years, I’m taken aback that there’s a review here insinuating he made bodyshaming comments about anyone. I have not been a slender woman in decades now, and when some of the best follows you see internationally are petite, it has been a sore spot as I’ve pursued this dance. After some one-on-one instruction with Kenny, I opened up to him about my insecurities and feeling like I would not be the ideal dance partner because it’s not as easy for me to be light on my feet. Kenny had nothing but words of kindness and encouragement for me, and I’ve been forever grateful. My experience is only one example that speaks to how Kenny is as a teacher, dance organizer, and all-around person. He makes the time for students, he’s the first person that’ll welcome you to your first social dance, and he is mindful of creating policies and practices that keep the classes/events safe for everyone. You also see that in the instructors he employs, who also deserve praise. There’s also Kenny’s commitment to highlighting the wonderful swing/jazz bands in Colorado and to reminding us all of the Black roots of swing and Lindy. In my opinion, these are two of the most crucial components of any successful swing dance school. It truly has been a pleasure being involved with Swingin’ Denver these last six years (and counting, and I will always recommend them to those looking to dance in the Greater Denver area."

"I had never danced and was uncertain when I first attended a Swingin Denver class. The wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable owners and staff, who go out of their way to make everyone safe and comfortable learning something new, really made an impression on me. If you ever want to try dancing, this is the place to go."

"In my experience, I see Swinging Denver being all about nurturing a kind and enthusiastic community of dancers. I’ve learned several dances from many instructors over the 6 years I’ve been dancing in the Denver/Boulder/Golden area; salsa, bachata, blues, western line, and now Lindy Hop from Swingin’ Denver. I’ve also attended classes and dances all over the United States as I travel for business. One aspect of Swingin’ Denver that sets them apart is the focus on building the skills of the teachers in the swing dance community. Anyone who’s had a teacher skilled in Art or CAD but who sucks at teaching knows how important it is that skills involving performance be taught in a different way than lectures! Kenny takes this seriously, and I thank the many Swingin’ Denver instructors who have used effective pedagogy to teach us in a way that welcomes diversity, a range of skills and abilities, and a joy rarely seen in normal life. For instance 2 years ago I felt I had progressed enough as a follow that I wanted a new challenge so I was trying to learn to be a lead. As a lady, I’m often made to feel out of place while receiving instruction in a typical ‘male’ role - and I broke my wrist halfway through, so I had trouble doing some of the moves. Not only did I feel more than welcomed by the terminology used to refer to us (leaders/ followers, not men/ women), but the class brainstormed variations in the moves which I saw several other people using to accommodate their own lack of range of motion! Every drawback or mis-step is a teaching moment for the Swingin’ Denver teachers, leading to a community of joy and openness that sets it apart in my dancing experience here in Denver. As proof, just look at the lineup of activities Swingin' Denver supports: fundraisers for the community, interchange with a worldwide community of other dance groups, community lectures on the history of lindy hop as a black vernacular dance, free dances at various venues, support for live music, miniclasses in their several-nights-a-month free outdoor summer dances in the community, classes for many levels of experience, dances for practicing our skills and dances to show off our stuff, partnerships with conference - and so much more. I have gotten far more from Swingin' Denver than an easy date night and something to do. I've made lifelong friends, become more skilled and, maybe even better, more joyful than I thought I could be. My thanks to this excellent group."

"Whether you are starting as a beginner or as an intermediate dancer, Swingin' Denver is an amazing place to go. The teachers are kind and are never hesitant to help you whatever your level is. I started with them as a beginner, and thanks to them, I am in love with swing dancing!"

"I've been taking classes with Swingin' Denver on and off since 2018. Kenny truly cares about his students by offering thoughtful, high quality instruction in an encouraging environment, and by hiring teachers who are passionate about Lindy hop and its roots. His instructions are always super clear and he's also really good at giving personalized feedback to help you during class."