Dancing Under the Stars returns to Cottonwood Square for another season

Dancing Under the Stars is back and ready to light up the night on Friday, June 28. The festive tradition, now its fifth year in Niwot, promises an enchanting evening of salsa dancing under the stars in Cottonwood Square from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Originally founded by Tom Masterson in the early 1980s, the event "started at the University of Colorado's Memorial Center and was very popular," said Masterson. "We had over 100 people dancing with us, and it has always been a completely free program, allowing everyone to experience the joy of dance." The event remains completely free and now hosts 150 to 200 dancers each week.

The event found its new home in Niwot in 2019, thanks to the efforts of Catherine McHale. In an email, she remarked, "I experienced the Boulder event for a couple of years before it was canceled, and one of the things I like better about the Niwot event is that it is in the heart of town, so we have good options for food and drinks."

Every Friday night from June 28 through September 20, Masterson and McHale will bring Dancing Under the Stars to the community. The program kicks off with free salsa dance lessons at 7 p.m., followed by a social dance session from 7:45 until 9:30 p.m. Both beginners and seasoned dancers of all ages can join in on the fun, thanks to the guidance of experienced instructors. Masterson said, "You don't have to be an expert at anything here in order to meet people, talk with people, and dance with people."

On June 28, attendees will be treated to salsa dance lessons by Joseph Snowhawk, a local dance expert who will also serve as the DJ for the evening. After the lesson, the dance floor will open up for a night of social dancing, with Snowhawk spinning the best salsa tracks to keep everyone moving.

"There is nothing like music, dancing outdoors, and a Colorado evening to make for a wonderful experience," McHale emphasized. She also wants everyone to know "that they don't need to have a partner– during the class at the beginning everyone rotates so you can always dance with someone."

Dancing Under the Stars attracts a diverse crowd from all over Colorado, with many regulars coming from Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins.

On September 6, the program will feature a new dance genre. "This year we have decided to try country night, so we'd love to see folks come down and two-step with us even if they have never tried it," McHale said.

The 2024 season will feature a variety of dance genres. After the salsa night on June 28, attendees can look forward to swing, waltz-folk, contra, and country throughout the summer. For the waltz-folk night and the contra night, the event will feature live music instead of a DJ.

With free lessons, free dancing, and free parking, Dancing Under the Stars offers an accessible experience for everyone. "I'm excited about seeing and meeting new people and dancing with those who have been attending for a while," Masterson concluded.

The event is funded by the Niwot LID, and sponsored by the Niwot Business Association, and Cottonwood Square, as well as local business sponsors, Porchfront Homes, DRF Real Estate, Big Orange Square, Raza Fresa, Una Vida, and the Niwot Tavern.