Inspiring Movement Since 1999

About us

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

Teach dance programming to more than 10,000 students per year with a focus in 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, fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity, connection, and shared joy.

Vision

Increase access to dance experiences enriching the lives of children and community members.

OUR HISTORY

Community-Minded Dance (CMDance) was founded in 1999, inspired by executive director Caryn Carrasco’s exposure to the global swing dance movement led by Harlem legends Frankie Manning and Norma Miller. Rooted in the power of social dance to connect communities, CMDance was created to bring high-quality dance education and arts programming to Colorado.

Through swing and Argentine tango workshops, CMDance witnessed the transformative impact of dance, leading to expanded youth programs.

After becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2007, the organization partnered with schools and, in 2010, launched a dance and movement program for Head Start classrooms in collaboration with the Denver Mayor’s Office of Children’s Affairs and Denver Great Kids Head Start. Today, CMDance is a respected leader in Colorado’s arts community, hosting six nationally recognized events each year, with all proceeds supporting youth programs and strong partnerships with major cultural institutions.

WE PLEDGE:

We will continue to retool our curriculum to amplify the crucial role diverse people and cultures have plvayed in creating the art forms we provide in our educational programs.

Meet our founder

Caryn carrasco

Our executive director and founder has been Firsthand the bonds of social dance can build.
Her parents met while dancing at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom in 1955, and she has spent her life meeting new faces and forming relationships thru dances like swing.

Bring CMDance
To Your School PROGRAM

We are ever so grateful for our sponsorships and partners to make
dance dreams come true!