Hot Night Fusion Weekend 2025
🗓️ September 12–14, 2025 · 📍Denver, CO
Get ready for a full weekend of workshops, social dances, and deep connection on and off the floor.
Whether you're here to explore partnered creativity or blend your movement with crossover styles, Hot Night Fusion Weekend invites you to play, expand, and connect.
Workshops will span a variety of styles and fusion influences, including (but not limited to):
Fusion, Zouk, Blues, Tango, Afro Latin, Hustle, Afro Dance, and Seminars designed to deepen your practice.
Each night, our DJs and featured musical act will create a dance floor soundscape designed for fusion — giving you room to express your style, mix your technique, and connect across genres.
✨ Join us in the Mile High City for a weekend you won’t forget.
Follow the Facebook page for updates, announcements, and community vibes.
Tickets
First 50 Early Bird Passes are only $250!
After Early Bird sells out, the following passes will be released in order:
Tier 1 – $295
Tier 2 – $339
Tier 3 – $369
All full weekend pass include access to:
✔ All workshops and seminars
✔ Pre-social classes & Sunday social hour
✔ All evening social dances
✔ All Hot Night Fusion Weekend, Lindy on the Rocks, and Denver Jazz Festival events
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Dance Passes– $200
For the night owls and dance-floor diehards.
Includes:
✔ All evening social dances (Fri/Sat/Sun)
✔ Pre-social classes
✔ Sunday social hour
Does not include daytime workshops or seminars.
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Single-Day & Partial Passes
Available August 15
Friday Night Pre-Dance Class: $20
Friday Night Only: $45
Saturday Day Classes Only: $120
Saturday Night Pre-Dance Class: $20
Saturday Night Only: $55
Saturday All Day & Night: $170
Sunday Day Classes Only: $120
Sunday Night Pre-Dance Class: $20
Sunday Night Only: $45
Sunday All Day & Night: $160
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Looking to register to volunteer/work trade? CLICK HERE to fill out the application, and email felicia@cmdance.org with any questions!
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Refund & Credit Policy
We do not offer refunds, resale, or pass transfers due to:
🔒 Ticketing platform fees and restrictions
🤝 Community safety policies
🚫 Scalping prevention
If you can’t make it, we’ll issue you credit valid for any CMDance event for up to two years.
Thursday
Pre-Party at the Cheeseman Park Pavilion!
Dance 6-10pm
Cheeseman Park, pavilion located on the East side of the park.
Admission: FREE!
Friday
Curtis Hotel - 2nd Floor
7:00pm to 3:00am Fusion Social Dance
Peek-a-Boo Ballroom
Lesson 7-8pm with Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey
DJ’d social from 8pm-3am
Saturday
Curtis Hotel - 2nd Floor
11:30am-5:15pm Classes
[Lunch from 1:45-3:00pm]
Class descriptions here
7:00pm to 3:00am Fusion Social Dance
Peek-a-Boo Ballroom
Lesson 7-8pm with Tybaldt Ulrich
DJ’d social from 8pm-3am
Live music from Laughing Matters (12:00am)
Sunday
Curtis Hotel - 2nd Floor
11:30am-5:15pm Classes
[Lunch from 1:45-3:00pm]
Class descriptions here
7:00pm to 3:00am Fusion Social Dance
Peek-a-Boo Ballroom
Lesson 7-8pm with Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey
DJ’d social from 8pm-3am
*Schedule subject to change, check back here closer to the event for the final schedule.
**All Access Pass holders may also attend any class or dance at the Denver Jazz Festival and Lindy on the Rocks. Find their full schedule HERE
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey
Teaching Fusion
Mark Carpenter Bio:
Mark is an internationally acclaimed Fusion dance instructor, DJ, and event organizer and has been shaping the global fusion scene for more than a decade. Based in the SF Bay Area, he founded the Fusion Dance Academy in 2023 and has studied multiple dance styles, including Lindy Hop, Blues, Tango, and many more. Mark's innovative approach to teaching and his fluency in two languages have made him a sought-after instructor and facilitator worldwide.
He has worked on countless events and projects (including &ATJ, Fireside Fusion, Fusion Teacher Trainings with Flouer Evelyn), continuing to push the boundaries of what partner dancing is and can be. He stands at the forefront of defining and evolving Fusion as an artform and movement, inspiring dancers across the globe with his creativity and expertise.
Ally Yancey Bio:
Ally is a body geek and a movement addict. They’ve been dancing since they could walk, but discovered the world of partner dancing first in 2004 (and essentially never stopped). Blues, Lindy Hop, Tango, Fusion, West Coast Swing, contemporary, hip hop, house, aerial silks, pole dance, and a growing body of many other modalities are all in their wheelhouse. Throughout their exploration and training in each style, their love of the creative act of fusing grew. They have taught Fusion for 15 years, bringing their unique understanding of the body mechanics of movement to major events and local venues around the world.
Jesica Cutler & John Miller
Teaching Argentine Tango
Jesica is a master of anatomy, John has an encyclopedic knowledge of Tango structure, and together, their classes present a clear and integrated understanding of Tango, both in movement and in composition.
Jesica is heavily cross trained in Balboa, Lindy Hop, Brazilian Zouk, and West Coast swing and Massage Therapy. She brings a love of partnered dynamics and emphasizes comfortable and efficient body mechanics. John is a linguist and has a keen mind for analyzing vocabulary, his clarity and musicality are enriched from his experience as a musician and a DJ.
They have been teaching together for over a decade and work extensively to foster community, particularly at colleges and universities. They have taught at numerous festivals in the US and abroad, including the Albuquerque Tango Festival, Boulder Tango Festival, Tree City Tango, Windy City Tango, Wasatch Tango Festival, Mountain Milonga Retreat, La Paz Eco-Tango Festival, and Tango Maya in Mexico. They are also the hosts of the Tango on the Rocks festival in Denver, and Denver’s first free beginner tango festival: ‘Denver Does Tango.’
Ry’el Zenzouk & Devon Near-Hill
Teaching Zouk
Ry’el Zenzouk Bio:
Ry’el is a dynamic performer, choreographer, instructor, and community builder with a deep love for LambaZouk—the fusion of Brazilian Zouk and Lambada. Since 2011, he’s been instrumental in shaping the U.S. Zouk scene, especially in NYC, where he taught, performed, and mentored rising artists. His international experience spans 17+ countries, but pivotal moments like dancing in the Brazouka! show and visiting Lambada’s birthplace in Brazil deepened his commitment to honoring the dance’s roots. Now based in Colorado, Ry’el travels widely, sharing his RAD (Ry’el ART Dance) Method, a teaching system rooted in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning that blends creativity with foundational technique to help dancers grow with confidence, connection, and joy.
Devon Near-Hill Bio:
Devon Near-Hill is a teaching and performing artist, and Co-Director of Denver School of Social Dance alongside Rachel Farley. Her rich movement background includes belly dance, ballet, salsa, modern, capoeira, lambada, Brazilian zouk, kizomba, urban kiz, and tango. Devon serves as a judge for the Brazilian Zouk and Lambada World Dance Councils and is passionate about teaching embodied consent, informed by her work in Sexual Assault Prevention Education. She teaches both online and internationally, with a vision of nurturing adaptable, expressive, and intentional dancers.
Tom Ogunribido
Teaching Afro Latin (Salsa/Bachata)
Tom “El RastaSalsa” is a positively energetic Salsa and Bachata Instructor based in Denver, CO. As a musician with origins from Nigeria, West Africa, Tom has been deeply immersed in music and dance for over 20 years. He uses his in-depth knowledge of music to facilitate the connection of dance to the music. An engineer of 10 years, he uses the analytical skills from his technical background to break down concepts and then uses the empathetic skills from his tutoring background to explain the broken-down concepts in creatively different ways to connect with the various learning styles of the individual students.
No matter who you are, Tom has what it takes to get you groovin’ to the Afro-Latin vibes; from the most analytical engineer to the most freebird coachella enthusiast - Tom’s got your back!
Tybaldt Ulrich
Teaching Hustle
Tybaldt Ulrich has been dancing since the ’90s—Ghanaian folk, tango, salsa, lambada, zouk, and more. He’s a Hustle and West Coast Swing champ, a featured performer with the Key West International Dance Company, and a lifelong student and teacher. Tybaldt’s all about growing dancers—bringing joy, confidence, and creativity to your dance through solid fundamentals, groove, and playful connection.
Connie Love
Teaching Afro Dance
Constance Harris is a multifaceted dance artist with expertise in performance, choreography, and teaching. Her movement style seamlessly integrates traditional and contemporary African dance with Hip-Hop and House, creating a unique and vibrant artistic voice.
Jen Delk & Kara Fabina
Teaching Blues
Jen Delk Bio:
Follower, leader, organizer, student, teacher, music nerd (actually everything nerd). Jen started teaching dance in college to afford the habit. She refused to believe there was one way to break something down. Her curiosity about how things worked as a child taught her that if you try hard enough you can break something and if you try harder you might be able to put it back together making it better than before.
In the classroom Jen often draws on her own journey to find grounding, a voice, and a better connection with the music as a lead and follow. It’s been a long journey, it’s definitely not over, and she will gladly share what she has learned along the way.
Kara Fabina Bio:
Kara Fabina is an international dance instructor based in Colorado Springs, with a dynamic career spanning over three decades. Since 2005, she has been teaching and competing in multiple dance styles including ballet, hip-hop/urban dances, jazz, swing, and blues across the globe. Kara’s extensive background includes a BA in Dance and Psychology, training in pedagogy and teaching dance movement, and curriculum development for many communities and non-profits.
Kara’s teaching philosophy emphasizes deep connection with one’s partner, a profound engagement with the music, and intentional expression in dance. She is renowned for her choreography and competitive achievements, and she passionately explores the rich history and culture of each dance style. As a dedicated educator, Kara is committed to preparing the next generation of dancers to uphold and celebrate valuable dance/cultural traditions.
2025 Class Descriptions and Schedule
Friday
Smoothstepping Foundations (101)
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
7:00 - 8:00pm
This first workshop focuses on core mechanics and the basics steps of Smoothstepping. Take this class if you’re new to the style or want a refresher of the core foundational patterns! From its roots in ballroomin' blues and tango, Smoothstepping is a buttery dance that stretches and adapts to fit so much music. We'll be exploring this fusion idiom dance at a quick pace, learning moves and sequences to expand our dance reach. This all-levels class with some experience in smoothstepping, ballroomin' blues, tango, kizomba, or another close-embrace progressive dance recommended.
Saturday
Jukin’ - Blues Roots
Jen Delk & Kara Fabina (Blues)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Jukin’ can be traced back to the 1800’s and gets its name from the place it originated from, Juke joints. A community space for Black Americans, Juke joints could hold the band, the bar and a small number of dancers; they danced the way the music moved them in the space that they had. Jukin’ (or Jookin’) is an umbrella term containing many idiomatic blues dances. This class will cover the blues basics that are commonly associated with this style, like slow drag, funky butt, fishtails, and more.
From Snug to Signal: Navigating Brazilian Zouk’s Frames
Devon Near-Hill & Ry’el (Zouk)
11:30am - 12:30pm
From cozy close embrace to the invisible WiFi connection, Brazilian Zouk offers several ways to send and receive information. In this workshop, you’ll taste a range of frames, from contained to expansive, and learn how to flow smoothly between them. Tune in deeply and play in the structures!
The Fusion Map: Systems of a Partner Dance
Mark Carpenter (Fusion)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Explore the diverse world of partner dancing through the Fusion Map: a novel and expansive framework that reveals how different partner dance techniques connect and overlap. Discover and experiment with new rulesets to expand your dance vocabulary and identify areas for growth in your own dancing. This class will help you understand the underlying principles that unite various dance styles, allowing you to move more fluidly between them.
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AfroGroove
Connie Love (Afro Dance)
12:45 - 1:45pm
High-energy class blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African street styles to build rhythm, coordination, and confidence. All levels welcome.
How to Learn (More For Less)
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
12:45 - 1:45pm
A lab-style workshop where we practice watching and learning more-and-more complex moves or sequences with less-and-less instruction. Get good at picking up moves on the dance floor, from videos, or from every class you’ll take moving forward. We’ll also give tips & tools for how you can practice these moves during a class, on the dance floor, and be the best learning partner you can be.
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Lines and Circles: Connecting with Your Technique
Jesica Cutler & John Miller (Tango)
3:00 - 4:00pm
Lines: a profound discovery of the axis and what it means to travel in any direction. Circles: the spiral of the body gives us the pivot and allows us to glide and change orientation. Together these simple concepts allow deeply connected and precise coordination, to deeply feel each others position and possibilities.
Build-a-Dance
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
3:00 - 4:00pm
Every song is different, so why isn’t your dancing? What if you used a different dance style for each song, and what if those styles were ones that haven’t been invented yet? What if you could create a dance on-the-fly with your partner: an emergent dance that exists only for the moment, effortlessly curated to the music. Learn how in these series of guided exercises! You will practice concrete tools to shift your mode quickly and collaboratively, working with your partner to build a dance from the ground up.
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Hustle for Aspiring Divas
Tybaldt Ulrich (Hustle)
4:15 - 5:15pm
Explore the fundamentals of this fabulous dance style born from the vibrant rhythms of Disco, House, and Funk—full of groove, creativity, and freedom.
Spirals in the Body
Ally Yancey (Fusion)
4:15 - 5:15pm
Develop more power, ease, integration, and fluidity in your dancing! Calling from Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, Contemporary dance, and floorwork, this class will combine waking up your body’s spirals through movement with learning about the anatomical structures that make up our most fundamental coordination patterns.
Ballroomin’ - Jazz and the Great Migration
Jen Delk & Kara Fabina (Blues)
4:15 - 5:15pm
Jazz originated in the Black American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. All that Jazz travelled north to the Savoy Ballrooms, the Cotton Club, and other ballrooms. Dancers would take up more space, pull off larger moves and travel the floor. Ballroomin’ is an umbrella term, containing idiomatic blues dances. This class will cover the blues basics that are commonly associated with this style, like slow drag, Savoy/Swing Walk, and promenades. We will also bring up other popular ballroom dances of the time like Foxtrot, Peabody, and more!
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Hustle Games Unleashed
Tybaldt Ulrich (Hustle)
7:00 - 8:00pm
Discover how Hustle’s dynamic energy can inspire strutting, expressive, and playful fusion—full of connection, rhythm, and fun.
Sunday
Leg Day: Sweeps, Passes, and Wraps
Jesica Cutler & John Miller (Tango)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Each place we touch the foot or leg has a specific meaning for movement. When do we kick? When do we step over? When do we sweep? The meaning of each movement will be explained regarding its contact so we can kinesthetically understand and execute Tango language.
Fusion Tricks
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Learn smooth & slick tricks to bedazzle your dance partners with confidence and flair. This class will offer several pieces of flashy new vocabulary, while focusing on both the following and leading techniques that make tricks work.
We will not be rotating in this class, so bring a partner (or group of 4) to work with. These will not be aerials (so no spotting needed).
Grooveline
Connie Love (Afro Dance)
11:30am - 12:30pm
Learn fun, easy-to-follow line dances to R&B, Hip-Hop, and Soul hits. No partner needed — just bring your groove.
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The Elemental Colors: Empathy Through Connections and Expression
Devon Near-Hill & Ry’el (Zouk)
12:45 - 1:45pm
The Elemental Colors class is dedicated to help us reconnect to the vibrant colors of nature within ourselves while developing kinetic empathy and awareness skills within each dance adventure. This colorful workshop will be a safe container to explore the powerful mindset of self-expression, connection and adaptation/understanding. All this, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the most important dance muscle, the muscle of joy!
Bachata: The Ultimate Fusion
Tom Ogunribido (Afro Latin)
12:45 - 1:45pm
Bachata’s smooth rhythmic basic step makes it one of the easiest and most versatile dances to learn. Anyone that has done the "Cha Cha Slide" already has the Bachata basic down! Whether you're coming from Hip Hop, Swing, or Blues - or just getting started, this class fuses Bachata intuitively to help you move naturally and confidently. No partner or experience needed—just show up ready to vibe and explore!
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Swingin’ Salsa: Intro to Salsa and the WCS Connection
Tom Ogunribido (Afro Latin)
3:00 - 4:00pm
Salsa and West Coast Swing may seem worlds apart, but they actually share deep roots in jazz, swing, and improvisation. In this class, we’ll dive into the basics of Salsa—timing, movement, and partner work—while exploring some of the subtle ways it mirrors West Coast Swing. You'll learn how both dances value musicality, connection, and creative play. This class is a great intro to Salsa with a nod to its surprising historical ties. No partner or experience needed—just bring your rhythm and an open mind!
Smoothstepping Plus 102
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
3:00 - 4:00pm
This second workshop expands on your pre-existing Smoothstepping knowledge to add more nuance and vocabulary to your dance. Come to this class to be challenged! Take this workshop if you’ve taken a Smoothstepping class previously, or joined us for the first weekend workshop on Friday night. Experience in Smoothstepping required, either by taking Smoothstepping Foundations (101) or by special permission by one of the instructors.
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Connection Game Hour
Rose Crespo
4:15 - 5:15pm
Join us for an hour of “connection games” to wrap up our incredible weekend with a few extra precious and playful memories to take with you! Rose will facilitate a series of collaborative and low pressure shenanigans and a few “getting to know you” activities meant to bring out a bit of silliness in ourselves and each other.
Partnered Massage
Jesica Cutler
4:15 - 5:15pm
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Yummy Momentum Moves
Mark Carpenter & Ally Yancey (Fusion)
7:00 - 8:00pm
Come learn some delicious lindy hop and WCS-inspired moves that weave together in various ways to create that good good stretchy flow! Through concrete vocabulary, we will explore the techniques of harnessing momentum that can be applied for increased creativity and fluidity.
All-levels class.
*Schedule subject to change
**All Access Pass holders may also attend any class or dance at the Denver Jazz Festival and Lindy on the Rocks. Find their full schedule HERE
Laughing Matters
Live act on Saturday night!
The music of Laughing Matters is the sweet hot nectar of genre-hopping sound-candy thwomp-sauce with melted chocolate and extra cuddles. Due to the awesomeness of friends and fans like you, I have been lucky enough to play these tunes from New York to San Francisco, Vancouver, Costa Rica, Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia, Portland, and more, on a life-long mission to inspire dancers and listeners across the GALAXY. Thank you always for your love and support- I am excited to see you on the dance floor.
Mark Carpenter
Mark has been dancing for his entire adult life. His social dancing career started with Lindy & Blues in 2005 and he first started ‘spinning’ in 2007 at the ... “blues” ... venue he co-founded, back before we had a name for this thing we now call “fusion”. His eclectic style delights in mixing fresh new tracks in with the classics and his goal is to take you on a musical journey.
Ally Yancey
Ally began their love affair with DJing Fusion at house parties in 2007, and has been obsessed ever since. From local weekly venues in PDX to exchanges along the West Coast and throughout Europe, they have found a satisfaction behind the DJ booth that's become quite special to them.
They are a sucker for juicy rhythms and dirty beats, and are always seeking to find just the right song that, in a moment, can turn dancers into wild things—roaring their terrible roars and gnashing their terrible teeth and rolling their terrible eyes and showing their terrible claws.
Rose Crespo
Rose (they/them) is a trans non-binary movement artist and DJ based in the Bay Area, CA. A social partner dancer for over the last decade, they are known for bringing both bangers and subtle beats to various local, national, and international fusion events since 2015. From the roots of the Mendocino Woodlands to the rooftops of Valencia, Spain, they love to create soundscapes that invite dancers to explore self and shared expression, intimacy, and trust.
Rémy Baheux
For 15 years, Rémy (Seattle, they/them) has been DJing fusion events nationally. They've found so much joy in the constant exploration of music and what can be danced that the fusion community partakes in. They have been inspired by so many musical genres and dance styles over the years. Music that'll make you feel music that will make you shake! Booty werkin to oooey gooey. They are excited to share the range of their tastes and take you on a journey with their music ✨️
DJ Volter
DJ ⚡Volter (Kyle) discovered partner dance via Lindy Hop and Blues in Orlando, Florida in 2012, and from then on was hooked! He set about learning as many styles as possible and became obsessed with the music and started DJing! While also co-founding Orlando's own fusion scene, Volter has served as a traveling DJ all over the continent from coast to coast physically and virtually! DJ ⚡Volter sets about weaving musical adventures and performances in a way that tugs at dancers’ inner minds and coaxes them to play and connect with the music and the energy such that they can't help but move to the tunes, and the thunder...
DJ WAY
Julia Way (aka DJ WAY) fell in love with social dancing in 2003, progressed through Lindy hop, Blues, fusion, and Brazilian Zouk, and started DJing 10 years later. Since then, she has been found spinning tunes wherever and whenever she can along with organizing events for her local Denver Zouk community. From sheets of ice high in the Rocky Mountains, to geodesic domes perched on precipices, to the ballrooms of New York City, she is determined to find those songs that make people jump up and dance. So get ready for some chunky beats and funky treats for your dancing feets.
DJ Kadence
DJ Kadence (aka Sharon) is known throughout Colorado for her DJ skills in fusion, Blues, and Brazilian Zouk. She incorporates her prior experience as an on-air DJ to curate high-quality musical variety using smooth transitions. Her style is bass-laden, lush, emotional, and original, often creating her own remixes and mashups.
Tybaldt Ulrich
Tybaldt likes to keep the groove going with a strong beat. Their music includes songs from a variety of sources, including Funk, Dancehall, Blues, and Afrobeat. You can expect their sets to be a little joyful, sometimes ragged, and never too chill. There may be some detours, but we promise you’ll enjoy the ride!
Kara Fabina
Kara Fabina is a DJ whose expansive knowledge of musical genres brings a unique and vibrant energy to swing, blues, and fusion events. With a rich background in various dance styles, Kara’s deep understanding of music translates into carefully curated sets that keep the dance floor alive. Her eclectic tastes range from House and Funk to Old School Hip Hop, Vintage Jazz, Blues, and Soul, with a particular love for inventive mashups.
John Miller
John Miller has been DJing for over half his life, playing more than 1,500 events across nearly every imaginable setting: seedy bars and warehouses, churches and beaches, weddings and funerals, high school sock-hops and wild house parties, beneath bridges, from century-old victrolas, and at dozens of festivals.
Emory Roehrkasse
DJ Emory Roehrkasse has been crafting rhythmic tales since 2012, captivating fusion dance scenes from Houston to San Francisco. With a knack for setting the perfect vibe, they've headlined "& All That Jazz" and curated the secret Blues room at Dance Out Loud. Emory also keeps crowds engaged as a seasoned guest Karaoke DJ at R Bar in Fort Collins, seamlessly blending tunes that compel both dancers and non-dancers to move and groove.
Sarah Bella
Sarah Bella is an emerging DJ whose roots in New York City and current home in Denver shape her distinctive musical style. With a deep love for dance, especially Argentine Tango and Tango Nuevo, Sarah has honed her craft by playing at a range of Tango events, including Tango Futuro, Denver’s premier Alternative Tango Milonga, Hot Night Fusion, the Denver Does Tango festival weekend, and Elks Lodge Milonga. As both a dancer and DJ, Sarah has an intuitive sense of how music moves through the body. Her carefully curated sets are designed to inspire creativity, evoke emotion, and support dancers’ natural flow, giving them the freedom to explore and express themselves fully on the floor.
The Curtis Hotel - 1405 Curtis Street Denver, Colorado 80202
The Curtis Hotel is right across the street from the Denver Performing Arts Complex and just two short blocks from the 16th Street Mall, putting Denver’s best shopping, entertainment, and attractions just steps away. Inside, you’ll find cartoons playing in our retro-chic lobby and an amazing art collection.
Parking: There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking garage and lot (available all day) within 2 blocks of the Opera House. Parking garages and lots start at $12/day. Parking meters are free on Sundays. If you are staying at the Curtis, they have discounted overnight parking available to purchase during booking.
What’s happening here:
All Fusion Classes
Fusion Dances Friday Main & Late, Saturday Main & Late, and Sunday Main
Accommodations for out-of-town attendees
The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House - 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
The Studio Loft is a beautiful event space with a cathedral ceiling, exposed brick, warm-colored walls, and a spacious wood dance floor. This venue has vast room, a bar, and plenty of seating.
Parking: There is metered street parking available, as well as a parking garage and lot (available all day) within 2 blocks of the Opera House. Parking garages and lots start at $12/day. Parking meters are free on Sundays. If you are staying at the Curtis, they have discounted overnight parking available to purchase during booking.
What’s happening here:
Denver Jazz Festival Entertainment
Lindy on the Rocks Main Dances
Lindy on the Rocks Contests
Sunday Late Night Fusion Party
The Pearl - 2199 California Street Denver CO, 80205
What’s happening here:
Shimmy Shakin’ Blues Event Kick-Off Party!
Thursday, September 11th
Live music by TBA
Hot Night Fusion Weekend is thrilled to have out-of-town visitors for the event!
We have secured a block of rooms at The Curtis Hotel for a special rate. To book a room, click HERE. The deadline for the discounted room rate is August 19th!
Please use our Facebook group to organize roommates for the hotel or to seek a local host.
Use this Facebook group to find local housing for Hot Night Fusion Weekend.
Flying Into Denver
The nearest major airport to Denver is the Denver International Airport (DIA). You can find deals at respective discount airfare sites or directly from your preferred airline. We suggest checking fares often and signing up for low-fare alert services.
www.southwest.com – www.farecast.com – www.orbitz.com –www.kayak.com – www.priceline.com – www.hotwire.com –www.travelocity.com - www.skyscanner.com
Getting Around Denver
Rideshare programs like Uber or Lyft are highly active in Denver.
RTD Buses – For public transportation, our RTD buses and light rail system are an effective and inexpensive method of getting around Denver. Check out the RTD website for a helpful Trip Planner and more details on Denver public transit.
Bird Scooters are an efficient/affordable option to get around downtown. App download required.
Lime Scooters are another app based scooter option to get around downtown. App download required.
Getting to Downtown Denver from DIA
The A Line will get you from the DIA airport to Union Station (around 1 mile from the Studio Loft/Curtis Hotel) in approximately 45 minutes. This is by far the most affordable and efficient way to get downtown from the airport. Last train to leave DIA departs at 1:26am. Trains departing Union Station start as early as 3:15am.
We offer work trade positions!
Our helpers are the face of the event! We value our helpers and seriously cannot function without you. Help us make a fun and successful weekend and get to know your organizers and artists a little better. You will be able to sign-up after reading the following.
Important Notes on applications:
If you would like to work in exchange for a pass, please do not purchase a pass until given your promo code after being assigned shifts for the weekend.
Workers will have the opportunity to select shifts in the first stages of volunteer sign-up, but the schedule will be locked for editing as the event approaches.
Shift selection for work trade will happen in order of acceptance.
Those who do not show up for shifts will not be allowed to work for CMDance events in the future and may be asked to pay for part or all of their attendance.
We will accept your support and helping hands at any time, even when you are not scheduled, of course!
The commitment is 10 hours of volunteering for full weekend pass and 6 hours of volunteering for a dance pass.
If you have any questions about volunteering for this event, please e-mail felicia@cmdance.org.
Themes will be shared across both Hot Night Fusion Weekend and Lindy on the Rocks — come be part of the crossover magic and show up in style.
Friday Night
Cabaret
showgirl, burlesque, Moulin Rouge, vintage glam, crooner chic, high drama, satin and lace, fishnets, feather fans, red lips, rhinestones, corsets, velvet drapes, opera gloves, fringe, sequins
Saturday Night
Wild West
western chic, desert glam, prairie ruffles, cowboy boots, fringe, denim on denim, vintage rodeo, leather vests, bolo ties, corsets, big buckles, sun-faded tones
Sunday Night
Elemental Realm
mystical, nature-worn, ethereal layers, sheer fabrics, elemental tones, enchanted forest, leather straps, flowing silhouettes, celestial shimmer, grounded textures, asymmetrical cuts, moonlit glam, and witchy elegance
10 year Hot Night Fusion Weekend anniversary merchandise! Crop tops, tanks, and tees!
We will also have other event and CMD anniversary merch!
Please note: Outside food is not permitted at the Curtis Hotel.
We’ll be offering on-site food options for purchase — more details coming soon!
Looking to explore nearby dining? There are plenty of great options just steps away.
Meet Melody — Event Manager of Hot Night Fusion Weekend
Melody is a nationally recognized dance event producer known for her ability to blend creative vision with logistical excellence. She manages dance festivals across the country, with a portfolio that spans Argentine Tango, Fusion, and Zouk.
She organizes Hot Night Fusion, a beloved monthly social in Denver, and is now in her second year leading production for Hot Night Fusion Weekend.
With roots in performance and a deep love for connection-based partner dance, Melody brings over a decade of experience to every floor she helps create. Whether she’s building a schedule, balancing a budget, or curating a dancefloor vibe, she shows up with the same energy: intentional, inclusive, and fully in service to the community.
Event Policies
For general questions about CMDance event policies, please contact events@cmdance.org
When you register for any CMDance event, you agree to the terms and conditions on this page and any additional terms and conditions referenced from this page. CMDance reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time without notice.
By signing up, attending, and/or participating in dance classes, social dances, or any event or program, current or future, organized by CMDance at any location, you hereby agree to the following:
Refunds and Transfers
For safety and security reasons, due to the fact that there is tiered ticketing prices, and events typically sell out, there are no refunds or transfers to other individuals, meaning you can not sell your pass if you are no longer attending. Contact the event organizers to get credit good for two years towards any CMDance events. After two years, the expired pass will be considered a donation to our non-profit organization.
If you have registered for an event and can no longer attend, you must email us at events@cmdance.org to request a credit. Credit is usually given for the full amount of the pass purchase price and is good towards any yearly national event. Contest registrations cannot be credited or refunded or transferred to another person. Prize passes are non-transferable nor sellable.
In very rare cases, a refund may be considered, but fees will be deducted as the ticketing and processing fees charged by the platforms and banks are not refundable for any reason.
INJURY WAIVER AND MEDIA RELEASE
I recognize that dancing requires physical exertion that may be strenuous and may cause physical injury and am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved. I have explained these risks to any minors who will accompany me.
I represent and warrant that I and any minors I sign up and/or accompany are physically fit and have no medical condition that would prevent full participation in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event or program.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event or program, I agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages, known or unknown, which I, or the minors I sign up and/or accompany, might incur as a result of attending and/or participating.
I authorize CMDance to use any photo or video in which I or any minors I sign up and/or accompany may appear, for all promotional and commercial uses and I waive any rights of compensation or ownership.
In consideration of being permitted to attend and/or participate in the dance classes, dance parties, or any event, I knowingly, voluntarily, and expressly waive any claims against CMDance, its partners, staff, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, for injury or damages that I or any minors I sign up and/or accompany may sustain, or anything else, as a result of attending and/or participating.
I acknowledge that CMDance, its partners, staff, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, cannot be held responsible for any loss or theft of my belongings and/or property, at all locations, and that I am solely responsible for them.
I agree to abide by the CMDance Code of Conduct or risk expulsion from the event.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
By participating in activities and events organized by CMDance I agree to abide by the CMDance policies or risk expulsion from the event.
I acknowledge that there are risks associated with my participation in any CMDance event. This waiver, release, and other representations and covenants set forth herein are given in consideration for CMDance permitting me to participate in any CMDance event. Therefore, without limitation, I understand that I could contract a communicable disease which could result in a serious medical condition requiring medical treatment in a hospital or could possibly lead to death.
On behalf of myself and my heirs, successors and assigns, I knowingly and freely, assume all such related risks, both known and unknown, relating to my participation in any CMDance event, and I hereby forever release, waive, relinquish, and discharge CMDance, along with its officers, agents, employees, or other representatives, and their successors and assigns, from any and all illness related claims, demands, liabilities, rights, damages, expenses, and causes of action of whatever kind or nature, and other losses of any kind, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, (collectively, “Damages”) as a result of my participation in any CMDance event, including but not limited to personal injuries, death, disease, or property losses, or any other loss, and including but not limited to claims based on the alleged negligence of CMDance. I further promise not to sue CMDance or its officers, agents, employees or other representatives, and agree to indemnify and hold them harmless from any and all damages resulting from my contraction of any communicable disease.
CODE OF CONDUCT
CMDance aims to ignite a passion for dance and music in our community. To fulfill our mission, we strive to provide a safe place for each of our attendees to learn and enjoy, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, religion, or range of abilities. We work to foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates diversity, promotes the dignity of life and mutual respect, and advances authentic, multi-cultural interactions and collaborations.
CMDance reserves the right to refuse service to, or revoke access to anyone we determine is threatening this safe, inclusive environment. We comply with Colorado laws and work closely with our cultural peers, community partners, and legal counsel to enact best practices.
Additionally, no weapons are allowed at any CMDance events, regardless of carry permits.
CMDance is dedicated to providing a fun, safe, and comfortable event experience for everyone, regardless of age, disability status, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, dance ability, body size, race, or religion (or the lack thereof). In order to foster respect for the comfort and boundaries of others, we will not tolerate harassment in any form, in person, or online. Sexual language, imagery, and invitations in social situations are not appropriate within any event-managed space, including dances, workshops, competitions, and online media.
Safe and inclusive behavior extends to the dance floor. Please do not offer unsolicited advice to fellow dancers either in class or on the social dance floor. Please use your full range of senses on the dance floor to avoid collisions and injuries. It is every dancer’s responsibility to be aware of their own and their partner’s movement and position, as well as the movement and position of the dancers surrounding them, in order to avoid all forms of dangerous contact.
Please be respectful to both event staff and hotel staff, even if you are experiencing a personal frustration. Without the goodwill of these individuals, a smoothly functioning event is impossible.
Consequences
People who pose a threat to other dancers’ safety and/or other dancers’ comfort are not welcome at CMDance events.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, language or behavior that is bullying, abusive, demeaning, discriminating, mocking, intimidating, threatening, offensive, disruptive, or otherwise unwelcome or inappropriate in nature.
Unsafe behavior includes, but is not limited to, dancing while intoxicated, appearing intoxicated in a manner that interferes with other attendees’ comfort or enjoyment of the event, intentionally or unintentionally dancing in a way that is harmful or uncomfortable for your partner or surrounding dancers, creating disturbances, and/or interfering with the sleep or health of other attendees.
Potential attendees who have been in violation of CMDance’s policies in the past, or who have been in violation of similar policies at other swing dance events or in other swing dance communities in the past, may be notified prior to the event that they are not welcome at the event at the organizers’ discretion. Attendees at the current event violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event organizers.
All CMDance event attendees, instructors, staff, and volunteers are expected to comply with the code of conduct and local, state, and federal laws. We reserve the right to take prompt action in response to violations which may include warnings, notification of denial of entry to the event, expulsion from the event without a refund, and involving local law enforcement.
Attendees asked to stop any harassing or unsafe behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If you have any concerns, contact a member of the event staff immediately and we will take appropriate action which may include contacting safety staff, event organizers, or local law enforcement as needed. The organizers of the CMDance events pledge to treat these sensitive matters with confidentiality and to prioritize the safety and comfort of attendees whenever possible.
Health Guidelines: The CDC, WHO, and CDPHE currently have no public health orders in place. If this changes, CMDance will update all events to follow recommendations.
The dances are indoors. Vaccines and masks are optional. If you feel unwell, please consider testing, masking, and/or not attending. If you have any questions please contact events@cmdance.org