Our Story / Community

Every July, a small Swedish mining village of barely 400 inhabitants transforms into the swing capital of the world. It's called Herräng, and for over four decades, it has hosted the Herräng Dance Camp—the largest and most legendary dance camp dedicated to Lindy Hop, Balboa, Boogie Woogie, and Solo Jazz.

We went there 14 years ago, and that experience ultimately became the starting point for our brand. Even back then, we already understood how crucial it is to have the right footwear if you want to buy swing dance shoes capable of withstanding endless hours of rhythm and fun on the dance floor.

What Is Herräng Dance Camp?

Herräng Dance Camp, known as HDC, gathers dancers from more than 70 countries every summer on the Roslagen coast, just over two hours from Stockholm. For several weeks, the village comes alive with classes led by over 60 international teachers and guest artists, live bands, international DJs, and three dance floors that stay open until the very last dancer retires.

The 2026 edition takes place from July 4 to July 31, featuring three weeks of workshops in Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo jazz, and Tap, along with new opportunities for those looking to discover other dance styles. What makes Herräng unique is not just the high level of instruction, but the blend: for a few weeks, dozens of nationalities, ages, and skill levels live together, sharing the same floor, the same food, and the same sleepless nights.

Nearly 43 Years of History

It all began in 1982 when the Swedish Swing Society organized a first week of classes for just 25 students, taught by New Yorker John Clancy. In 1989, Frankie Manning arrived—one of the legendary names of the original Lindy Hop from Harlem—bringing along Norma Miller, Dawn Hampton, Al Minns, and other dancers from the golden era of swing. They turned Herräng into a living bridge between 1930s Harlem and today's dancers.

More than forty years later, it remains the ultimate meeting point for the international swing community, with thousands of dancers passing through the village every July.

14 Years Ago, a Journey That Changed Everything

In 2012, we traveled to Herräng as volunteers for four weeks. It was a true turning point: between Balboa classes, we fell in love with the elegant, character-filled shoes the instructors wore on the dance floor.

Amidst the music, the wooden floor dust, and nights that never seemed to end, the seed of an idea was born. Right then and there, we realized the need to design women's swing dance shoes that perfectly blended extreme comfort with a fascinating aesthetic.

From the Herräng Floor to Madame Dynamite

Those four weeks in Sweden taught us that a good dance shoe isn't just a technical tool—it's an extension of who you are on the floor. That philosophy continues to guide every model we create today, handmade in Spain with the same vintage spirit and that blend of comfort and personality we discovered among those Swedish barracks transformed into dance halls. That's why, fourteen years later, continuing to support and visit the international swing community remains a core part of who we are, because how Madame Dynamite was born.

If you've ever danced in Herräng, you know exactly what we're talking about. Share your own story in the comments or tag us on Instagram—we love reading anecdotes from those who, like us, let themselves get caught up by this Swedish village. And if you haven't been yet, the camp still opens volunteer positions every year, the very same gateway that changed our lives. Maybe this is your year. Never stop dancing!