Callie Dahlberg-Healy, Zootown Swing

Zootown Swing is a newer Missoula nonprofit built around Lindy Hop, a vintage swing dance that started in Harlem in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Callie describes it as a joyful, social, goofy, partner-based dance that gives people a way to connect for a few minutes at a time through music and movement.The group started hosting dances in Missoula last September, with regular social dances at Free Cycles. What began with a small group of organizers has grown into a steady community of dancers, newcomers, and regulars who show up to learn, practice, and spend time together.This summer, Zootown Swing is bringing the dancing outside with four events at the Caras Park pavilion: June 8, July 6, August 10, and September 14.The first Caras Park dance is Monday, June 8. The evening starts with a beginner lesson at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music from The Jive from 7–9 p.m. The event is free, with donations encouraged to help pay the instructors and the band. No partner is needed, and beginners are absolutely welcome.Callie also talks about how approachable Lindy Hop can be. You do not need to know fancy spins or complicated moves to start. A simple six-count basic can get you moving with the music, and the whole point is to have fun, connect with a partner, and enjoy the moment.The conversation also gets into Callie’s background, from growing up near Seattle and skiing Stevens Pass to coaching young skiers with the Missoula Ski Education Foundation. Like a lot of good Missoula stories, this one includes skiing, music, community, a nonprofit, and someone deciding to build the thing they wanted to see in town.If you have ever thought about trying swing dancing, this is a pretty easy way in: show up at Caras Park, take the beginner lesson, listen to the band, and see what happens.The Zootown Swing summer series begins Monday, June 8 at Caras Park. Lesson at 6:30 p.m. Live music from The Jive from 7–9 p.m.Learn more and follow along with Zootown Swing on Instagram at @zootownswing.