Swing night draws crowds for Dancing Under the Stars

Once again, the parking lot in front of Cottonwood Square's WiNot Coffee Company and The Little Shop became a Friday night outdoor ballroom during Niwot's Dancing Under the Stars. On Aug. 16, nearly 175 participants and spectators enjoyed the return of Swing Dance Night, with the event's usual introductory lesson, followed by open dance for the rest of the night. Catherine McHale and Tom Masterson organized the evening, as they do every Friday. "We have salsa, swing dancing, and country nights," said McHale. "We try to have a little variety so we can cater to everyone. We see lots of local residents here, singles, couples, and dancers of all ages, including teenagers. There's also people who come from Denver, Aurora, Fort Collins. They love to dance outdoors."

"Everybody is invited, you don't even have to bring a partner," added Masterson.

Attendees danced to a range of songs from the early to mid-20th century, including a line dance called the Shim Sham Shimmy. With its roots firmly planted in tap dancing, historically, the dance was often performed as the finale of swing performances in clubs in the 1930s. The night's musicians and dancers would come together for one, final routine. Over decades it evolved into the kind of line dance performed at the event in Niwot. At Dancing Under the Stars, it was energetic and fun, with stomping, clapping and more.

Next week, live music will return to Dancing Under the Stars with Terri Rasmussen and an evening of waltz, traditional folk dances and contra dances. Rasmussen is no stranger to the event, having played earlier this season on July 12 as well as during last year's season. Dancing Under the Stars is a weekly event held every Friday through Sept. 20. It's been a regular part of Niwot summers since 2019, and last year experienced an extended season due to its popularity. The event is funded by the Niwot LID and sponsored by the Niwot Business Association and Cottonwood Square as well as local businesses including Porchfront Homes, DRF Real Estate, Big Orange Square, Raza Fresa, Una Vida and The Niwot Tavern.