CMDance

- 421 S Monaco St Pkwy, Denver, CO 80224

In the heart of Denver, Colorado, CMDance—also known as Community-Minded Dance—serves as a vibrant and vital nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and teaching the rich history of vernacular, partnered, and folkloric dances. Established in 1999, this organization is a cornerstone of Colorado’s arts scene, focusing its mission on building healthy, thriving communities by bringing the global culture of movement and music to both children and adults. CMDance is a unique cultural gem in the Mile High City, distinguishing itself by specializing in vintage dance forms like Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Argentine Tango, which it champions through dynamic school programs and world-class public events.

For Colorado residents, CMDance represents more than just a dance school; it is an engine for arts education and community engagement. The organization has successfully transitioned the joy and cultural significance of historical dance from global dance movements—inspired by legends like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller of Harlem's Savoy Ballroom—directly into local schools and venues. This dedication to cultural experiences and educational outreach ensures that these captivating dance forms remain alive and accessible to a new generation across the Denver Metro Area. The organization is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring that its primary focus remains on its charitable and educational mission, with proceeds from major events directly supporting its youth programs.

The impact of CMDance is widespread across the state. They have developed robust school programming that introduces social and historical folk dance to thousands of K-12 students. These programs go beyond teaching steps, focusing on the developmental benefits of movement, partnership, self-expression, and cultural literacy. By partnering with organizations like Denver Arts & Venues, The Denver Foundation, and Denver Great Kids Head Start, CMDance has solidified its position as a key contributor to cultural education, especially for underserved and in-need communities in Denver.

The organization’s commitment to world-class experiences is evident in its annual, nationally recognized dance festivals. These events draw enthusiasts and instructors from around the globe to Colorado, featuring live music, top-tier instruction, and opportunities for social dancing. These festivals not only elevate Colorado's standing in the international dance community but also generate critical funding that directly feeds back into the local youth outreach efforts, connecting the joy of dance with tangible community benefit.

In summary, CMDance is a cultural beacon for Coloradoans, expertly blending arts preservation with social responsibility. They are celebrated for their quality instruction, high-profile events, and, most importantly, their dedication to instilling confidence, coordination, and an appreciation for global dance culture in over 10,000 youth annually, with testimonials from teachers and directors praising the program’s positive impact on students’ emotional and physical development.

The administrative office and core operational hub for CMDance is centrally located in Denver, making it accessible to partners, supporters, and local community members. The organization executes its wide variety of classes, workshops, and events at various venues across the Denver Metro Area, partnering with iconic locations and local facilities to maximize community reach and engagement.

The official address for the nonprofit organization is: 421 S Monaco St Pkwy, Denver, CO 80224, USA

As a community-focused organization, accessibility is a priority. The main office and the venues utilized for their major events consistently strive to accommodate all Colorado residents:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The facility provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.
• Parking: Convenient access is provided by a designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Community Reach: While the administrative office is fixed, the "point of interest" truly travels. Their services extend to various partner schools and public venues, bringing dance education directly to communities across Denver, rather than confining instruction to a single studio space.

CMDance offers a powerful combination of educational programs and large-scale cultural events, making it a multifaceted resource for dance and arts education in Colorado. Their service delivery is structured into three main pillars:

• School Programs and Youth Outreach:
  • One-of-a-kind social dancing and historical folk dance education in Colorado schools (K-12).
  • Dance and movement programs developed for early childhood development programs, such as Denver Great Kids Head Start.
  • Customized dance clubs and workshops to reach youth who can benefit from structured physical and artistic expression.
• Community Dance Events and Festivals:
  • Hosting world-class, annual dance festivals that bring top global instructors to Denver, such as “Lindy on the Rocks” and “Hot Jazz Jamboree.”
  • Organizing Amazing music and dance events in beautiful Colorado venues, featuring live music, competitions, and large-scale social dancing.
  • Connecting the Colorado community through regular dance and music gatherings.
• Performance and Education:
  • Creation of world-class educational dance and music experiences, featuring the music and dance of the Americas.
  • Bringing the global culture of both solo and partnered vernacular dancing, including Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, and Vintage and Folkloric dances, to adults and youth.
  • Providing performances and outreach, famously including the “Denver Airport Flash Mob,” to engage the public and promote the art forms.

CMDance stands out in the Colorado arts community due to several key organizational features:

• Nonprofit Status: Operates as a Non-profit organization (501(c)(3)), meaning its mission is purely educational and community-focused. All proceeds from paid events directly support their youth and school-based programs.
• Preservation of Vintage Dance: Recognized for its exceptional efforts in keeping historical vernacular dances—specifically Vintage Dance, Lindy Hop, and Argentine Tango—alive through quality instruction.
• Significant Youth Reach: Reaches an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 youth throughout Denver Public Schools and early childhood programs annually, demonstrating a profound community impact.
• Nationally Recognized Events: Hosts major dance festivals that attract international talent and participants, such as Lindy on the Rocks and Hot Jazz Jamboree, solidifying Denver's place on the global dance map.
• Deep Community Partnerships: Works with major Colorado institutions like the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, and various foundations to maximize outreach and offer unique cultural experiences.
• Focus on Development: Programs are highly valued by educators for promoting discipline, coordination, self-expression, and crucial social skills in students.
• Celebrating 25 Years: The organization is proudly celebrating over 25 years of inspiring movement and building community in Colorado.

Colorado residents can connect with CMDance for information on classes, school programs, upcoming festivals, or to inquire about donations and volunteer opportunities using the following contact details:

Address: 421 S Monaco St Pkwy, Denver, CO 80224, USA

Phone: (303) 883-6691

Mobile Phone: +1 303-883-6691

For Coloradoans seeking to enrich their lives through culture, movement, and community engagement, CMDance is an exceptional choice. What makes this nonprofit truly worth choosing is its dual mission: delivering world-class dance education while simultaneously committing to profound community accessibility. When you engage with CMDance—whether by attending a festival, taking a class, or making a donation—you are directly supporting the arts education of local Denver youth. Over 58% of their revenue comes from program services, indicating a strong model where the quality of their events funds their charitable work.

For adults, the opportunity to learn Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, or other vintage dances from internationally renowned instructors at their three annual events is a major draw, offering a high-quality cultural experience rarely found outside of major metropolitan areas. These events also foster a lively, welcoming social dancing community right here in Colorado.

For parents and educators, choosing CMDance means providing children with high-quality, structured arts education that has been vetted by organizations like Denver Public Schools and the Denver Foundation. The programs are proven to build more than just physical skills; they foster confidence, unity, and an appreciation for diverse cultural histories. As one Head Start teacher noted, CMDance brings “love, smiles, unity and enthusiasm to our smallest learners.” By focusing on solo and partnered vernacular dancing, CMDance equips students with a unique set of skills that promote social connection and communication.

In short, CMDance allows Colorado citizens to participate in and support a vibrant arts organization where every dollar spent on a dance ticket is an investment in a child’s education, creating a truly community-minded cycle of art, movement, and social development.

CMDance

421 S Monaco St Pkwy, Denver, CO 80224, USA