A Snippet of History

A monthly history lesson

Des Moines has a rich history associated with World War II. Did you know, for example, that the WAAC (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) program got its start right here in Des Moines? You can even visit the relatively new museum at Ft. Des Moines that features the WAAC program.

The first WAACs were actually housed at the Savory Hotel in Des Moines, which closed its doors to paying guests for a time. (Try to find a hotel willing to do that these days!) They learned all sorts of skills and received their training at Ft. Des Moines. Though I can't repost them here, the museum website has a few pretty neat pictures of the ladies at Ft. Des Moines, and you can find lots of interesting newspaper clippings here.

Did you Know?

A monthly blurb about our organization.

Jive Junction, Swing Des Moines' monthly swing dance, is Iowa's longest-running (and most consistently fun) swing dance event. We have, at this point, even surpassed Swing Night at the Val Air Ballroom!

Swing Des Moines had held swing dances on a rather irregular basis for a few years before establishing Jive Junction as a monthly dance in December 2003. That first Jive Junction had an attendance of fewer than 50, but we were completely thrilled! We were even more thrilled when attendance climbed regularly throughout the next several months - and it continues to climb to this day.

Jive Junction did not always have a name. At first, we merely called it a "monthly swing dance." We quickly decided it needed to have a good name, though, and held a contest to name the dance. We actually ended up not choosing ANY of the entries, but combining a few of the suggestions to come up with Jive Junction.

Jive Junction is also the name of a song and a movie from the 40s, as well as one of the most popular swing dance bulletin boards in the nation (now closed).

Did you Know?

A monthly blurb about our Organization

Swing Des Moines has relied upon the input and contributions of many individuals over its 10-year history. Notable among these individuals is the great Malcolm Wells, who fronts up the Soul Searchers, which is arguably the best blues band in town.

Malcolm started dancing back in the late 1990s at the Val Air, and was among the first Iowa residents to take up Lindy. (Mostly everyone just danced East Coast back then!) As Swing Des Moines started to take shape, Malcolm was one of the four founding members, and also served on the Board of Directors for a time.

Shortly after he joined the Board, though, Mal's old band (The Soul Searchers) decided to get back together. Malcolm resigned from the Board in order to focus on his music, but he continues to dance to this day!

Did you Know?

A monthly blurb about our organization.

Swing Des Moines was formed for the purpose of being Educational in our community. Our mission statement is:

Swing Des Moines is a nonprofit organization with an educational purpose of promoting and expanding the education and enjoyment of vintage swing dances in the central Iowa area. The organization will achieve this purpose through teaching classes and workshops, giving demonstrations and presentations to area schools and organizations, uniting central Iowa dancers who are interested in swing dance, and educating the public about swing dancing as America’s folk dance.