Inspiring Movement since 1999!
Mission
Founded in 1999, CMDance strives to build healthy, thriving communities through world-class arts education programs that bring the global culture of both solo and partnered vernacular dancing to youth and adults.
What we do
Reach more than 10,000 students each year with a focus on 6 counties in Colorado.
Create unforgettable dance experiences for all of our attendees at six national and international dance festivals a year, including Lindy on the Rocks, Hot Jazz Jamboree, Hot Night Fusion Weekend, Diversion Weekend, Intercollegiate Swing Battle, and the Denver Jazz Festival.
Unite our community through the universal language of music and dance.
Vision
To enrich lives through the power of dance, fostering an inclusive and creative environment for all community members, from children to adults.
History
In 1999, Community-Minded Dance founder and executive director Caryn Carrasco found herself enveloped in American swing music and dance. Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, swing dancing legends from Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom, traveled to cities around the world at the time, bringing the spirit and movement of America’s roots to a new generation. Inspired by this era of global dance and movement, CMDance came to life as an organization focused on bringing world-class social dance education and arts programming to Colorado.
As our people invited swing, and later Argentine tango, dance instructors to teach eager beginners at workshops in Colorado, they witnessed the transformation of a community. Through expressing the music and communicating with a partner, class participants experienced illuminating personal breakthroughs. CMDance expanded its programs to bring the life-changing impact of dance education to youth in Colorado.
In 2007, CMDance secured 501(C)3 status and began to respond to the high demand from school administrators. In 2010 CMDance partnered with Denver Mayor’s Office of Children’s Affairs and Denver Great Kids Head Start (DGKHS) to develop a program that would introduce dance and movement into Head Start classrooms.
Today, CMDance holds a prominent position in the Colorado arts scene with both its school outreach and broader community engagement. CMDance hosts six annual, nationally recognized dance events, and 100% of the proceeds from those events support our youth programs. CMDance partners include Arts and Venues Denver, Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, Downtown Denver Partnership, Tango Colorado, and Colorado Swing Dance Club.
