It's not just a dance, it's a lifestyle!
Heartland Swing was founded in 2023. Coming out of the pandemic, the world was looking for a way to engage again. Like many other communities worldwide, Des Moines also experienced limited opportunities for connecting through dance. Heartland Swing was committed to bringing the Des Moines swing dance scene back to life. With a small team of dedicated people, they worked hard to learn how to create and run a non-profit organization.
What is swing dancing anyhow?
Swing dance started in the streets of Harlem, New York in the early 1900’s. With roots in African American dances, swing dancing emerged as another form of self-expression. From its African American roots, Charleston was born in the 1920’s, and in the early 1930’s the famous dance move, The Swing-out, was created out of a movement called the Breakaway. Through this movement, Lindy Hop was created.
Swing dancing continued to rise in popularity through the 1940’s, and in the 1950’s, it emerged in various forms in Hollywood. Swing dancing has continued to grow through Lindy Hop while keeping ties to its African American roots. The Swing dancing and Lindy Hop community strive to be a vibrant and inclusive space that brings together a multitude of people, history, and self-expression.
Board members
Meet Nicole Bramow, the President of Heartland Swing! With 10 years of swing dancing experience since 2013, Nicole's favorite styles are 30's Charleston, St. Louis Shag, and 50's Rockabilly. Her go-to swing song is "Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley, and what she loves most about swing is the welcoming community and the ability to connect with others through dance. Swing dancing has also helped her become more confident and communicative with people she doesn't know yet. Her personal goal for the future of Heartland Swing is to see the scene grow positively and inclusively, supporting a dance community with a range of levels, experience, and ideas that can continue to thrive for years to come.
Introducing Renee Brechtel, our Treasurer at Heartland Swing! With 1.5 years of dancing experience, she's captivated by the music and fashion of the 40s and 50s. Renee loves how swing dancing brings people together, allowing for both individual and collective expression. It's a tangible way to connect in our fast-paced world. Personally, swing dancing has brought her closer to her family's history and filled her life with joy. Her goal is to see the community grow, offering more classes, performances, and bigger spaces to come together. Let's keep the swing spirit alive in Des Moines!
Meet Jenn State, our Marketing Director and Secretary, who has been dancing for 7 years! She loves shag and Lindy Hop dances from the 40s and 50s, and her favorite swing song to dance to is 'Bei Mir Bist Du Schon' by Benny Goodman. For Jenn, swing dancing brings pure joy and energy to her life and constantly puts a smile on her face. It has built up her dancing confidence, driven her to continue learning and become a stronger dancer, and brought the joy of swing dancing to our community. Her personal goal for the future of HS is to grow the scene and have full rooms at our monthly social dances, monthly classes, and live bands. We're lucky to have Jenn on our team!
Meet Raven Wells, our enthusiastic Board Director at Heartland Swing! With over 10 years of Lindy Hop experience, Raven also enjoys exploring Solo Jazz and Blues. She finds joy in dancing to various music genres, believing that every song is danceable with the right spirit. For Raven, swing dance celebrates resilience, creativity, and self-expression rooted in its rich history. Personally, Lindy Hop has brought Raven happiness and valuable friendships, showcasing the dance’s unifying power. As part of Heartland Swing, Raven is dedicated to spreading joy and building strong community bonds in Des Moines through dance education and advocacy.
Meet Danell Bramow, a passionate member of Heartland Swing! Danell has been dancing for about a year, favoring late 30s and early 40s Lindy Hop styles. Her favorite swing song to dance to is “Solid as a Rock.” Danell loves swing dance for its social atmosphere and the opportunity to meet new people while having a great time. Personally, swing dance has boosted Danell’s confidence and openness in social situations. Her goal for the future of Heartland Swing is to expand community involvement through larger events, fostering growth and inclusivity within our dance community.
Interested in volunteering?
Reach out today if you're interested in volunteering for various opportunities throughout the year!
Des Moines’ Swing Dance History
Swing dancing has been a steadily growing recreational art form in Des Moines since the early 2000s. The metro area’s first non-profit swing dancing organization, Swing Des Moines, was established in 1999 and continued its activities through the late 2010s. In 2007, Step Into Swing emerged, offering swing dance lessons and hosting weekly social dances. Their outreach extended to the Iowa State Fair from 2009-2022, furthering swing dance education. Step Into Swing concluded its journey in 2022.
Between 2011 and 2017, a multi-day swing festival known as the Heartland Swing Festival and Collegiate Jitterbug Championships attracted hundreds of participants from across the United States. The event offered daytime classes taught by renowned professionals, evening social dances featuring live bands, and a series of qualifying competitions that culminated in a national championship title.
Throughout its existence, swing dancers have shifted through various dance venues, including locations like Mad Hat Ballroom, Des Moines Ballroom, Mainframe Studios, and most recently Dance-A-Cross in West Des Moines.
Celebrating dance, community, and culture
Founded with a passion for preserving swing dance culture, we offer classes, social dances, and outreach programs to connect people of all backgrounds through the joy of dance. Join us as we celebrate diversity, promote learning and growth, and create memorable dance experiences for everyone in Central Iowa.
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