Denver Westies
West Coast Swing lessons and weekly dances across Denver and Aurora
Denver Westies is an organization dedicated to building the West Coast Swing community in Denver, Colorado.
Photo: Denver Westies via Google
Before your first class
Beginner lessons are offered every Monday and Wednesday evening before social dancing, with no partner or prior experience required.
Casual dress; no defined dress code, though most dancers wear stretchy pants or jeans with a t-shirt.
Comfortable shoes (preferably with non-rubber soles); many dancers wear suede-soled dance shoes, felt soles, or dance socks.
Plenty of free parking at the Stampede on Monday nights; parking not specified for Mercury Cafe on Wednesdays.
About this studio
Denver Westies is an organization dedicated to building the West Coast Swing community in Denver, Colorado. They run Denver's largest West Coast Swing community with weekly dances and lessons at two venues.
Modern Swing Mondays happens at the Stampede (2430 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80014), where nearly 200 dancers gather every week. The Stampede has a beautiful dance floor, 7 bars, and a restaurant sprawled around a vast space, with plenty of free parking. The evening runs from 6:15 PM, with an intermediate lesson from 6:15–7:15 PM, a beginner lesson from 7:15–8:15 PM, and open dancing from 8:30–11:30 PM. Cover is $10 and includes both the lesson and dance. No partner is required, and the dress code is casual—wear comfortable shoes, preferably not rubber-soled. Ages 21 and over.
Westie Wednesday takes place at the Mercury Cafe (2199 California St, Denver, CO 80205), Colorado's second largest night of West Coast Swing dancing. The venue includes a restaurant, full bar, and spacious dance floor. Classes run from 6:00–7:00 PM (intermediate) and 7:00–8:00 PM (beginner), with dancing from 8:30–11:45 PM. Cover is $10 and includes the lesson. Casual dress, no partner required, comfortable non-rubber-soled shoes recommended. Cash is not accepted.
West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop that has evolved to adapt to popular music of the era. It isn't defined by a single music style and is danced to jazz, blues, country, pop, hip-hop, and contemporary genres—which is why it's often called "Modern Swing". Denver Westies teaches classes at all levels with a structured curriculum and offers private lessons through several instructors who compete at the All-Star level on the national circuit.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll arrive to find a welcoming social dance with plenty of dancers at your level. Beginner and intermediate lessons run first (30–60 minutes), then everyone dances together until late evening. No partner or experience required—the community is inclusive and partner-rotation is standard.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Denver Westies has several top-tier instructors offering private lessons at $75/hour. Gabi Wasserman specializes in musicality and advanced connection. Jonathan Prichard competes in the All-Star division and teaches science-based techniques. Terra Summers has over 11 years of experience competing as an all-star and founded the Dancing With Friends adaptive dance program. Aris DeMarco brings athletic training and strength coaching expertise to his teaching. Derek Newman has danced for over 20 years and has been teaching at the Mercury Cafe for 10 years, with experience in East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and West Coast Swing.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner lessons are offered every Monday and Wednesday evening before social dancing, with no partner or prior experience required.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Casual dress; no defined dress code, though most dancers wear stretchy pants or jeans with a t-shirt.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes (preferably with non-rubber soles); many dancers wear suede-soled dance shoes, felt soles, or dance socks. Bring extra t-shirts to change into during social dancing.
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Denver Westieshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Denver Westies, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Denver Westies
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Denver Westies teach?
Denver Westies teaches Swing, West Coast Swing. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Denver Westies located?
Denver Westies is located in Denver, CO. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Denver Westies offer private lessons?
Contact Denver Westies directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Denver Westies teach kids and adults?
Denver Westies welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Denver Westies?
The fastest path is to visit Denver Westies via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Denver Westies?
Plenty of free parking at the Stampede on Monday nights; parking not specified for Mercury Cafe on Wednesdays.
Are you the owner of this studio?
Upcoming opportunities
No upcoming opportunities for this studio in the next 90 days.
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