Get to Know David Frutos and Kim Clever - Juke Joint Hosts and Legendary Swing Instructors
From Hollywood stages to dance floors around the world, David & Kim bring passion, history, and decades of experience to every class.
Meet Your Swing Dance Instructors
David Frutos
David is a walking encyclopedia of swing dance history, which is evident whether he is teaching, performing, or picking out that perfect tune. Widely considered one of the best swing djs on the lindy scene, he knows how to play the best songs for swing dancing that get people moving. As a swing dance instructor, he is known for his humor and encouragement, helping beginning dancers to feel at ease and challenging more advanced swing dancers to push their limits. And when he's on the dance floor himself - either as a competitor or dancing socially - his ease, joy, and seemingly effortless "cool" are a delight to watch.
Kim Clever
Kim has always been a rebel at heart, and in fact that's what drew her to swing music in the first place. What's the best way to antagonize your hippy parents? Jazz of course! Luckily for the world of lindy hop, her act of rebellion wasn't just a phase, but a lifelong passion. Kim is a captivating performer, fierce competitor, and inspiring teacher. She has choreographed countless routines for couples and groups, most recently coaching the Juke Joint Rhythm to win the student team division at Camp Hollywood for the second year in a row!
A Partnership Built on a Love for Swing
David Frutos & Kim Clever met in a swing dance class at a bar in 1994, and just two years later, they were teaching together at the world-famous Brown Derby in Los Angeles—one of the most iconic swing dance venues of the 1990s.
Since then, they have:
🏆 Won multiple national & international swing dance championships
🎭 Performed in film & television productions
🎤 Taught at workshops & festivals worldwide
🏅 Been inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame—both individually & as a couple
Their influence in the swing dance revival of the 1990s helped keep Lindy Hop alive and thriving. They have trained dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to world-class competitors. They are the top swing dance instructors in Ventura and famous all over the world for their encouraging, knowledgable, and accessible teaching style.
The Juke Joint Mission
David and Kim started the Juke Joint to provide a home for Lindy Hop in Ventura County. They are dedicated to providing quality instruction and nurturing the swing dance scene so that new generations can continue to fall in love with Lindy Hop.
FAQ
When are classes? When are social dances?
Classes are Tuesday nights.
7pm Beginner 6 Count Lindy
8pm Beginner 8 Count Lindy OR Intermediate Lindy 1 (rotates)
9pm Intermediate Lindy 2
Every Last Tuesday of the month is a social dance instead of regular classes.
See full schedule
How much does it cost?
Series pricing varies depending on how many Tuesdays are in the month.
3 week series is $45 per series/ 4 week series is $60 per series.
For experienced Lindy Hoppers and returning students: Extra Discount for taking multiple classes!
3 week series TWO CLASSES $75 per person; THREE CLASSES $100 per person
4 week series TWO CLASSES $105 per person; THREE CLASSES $130 person
Drop ins are $20/class
Come sign up in person!
Can I join in the middle of a series?
Drop ins are available for returning students only. New students should come to the first lesson of the month (new series starts the first Tuesay of each month).
Where are classes, social dances, and rehearsals?
Everything is located at
Knights of Columbus
36 Figueroa Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Park in the Figueroa Street Mall Parking Lot and enter through the blue awning.
Use this address for the parking lot if needed.
Do I need a partner?
Nope! Bringing a friend or partner can be fun, but is not necessary. During class, we rotate partners frequently so you get a chance to dance with everyone. If you and a partner come together and prefer not to rotate, that's fine too. At social dances,
What should I wear to a swing dance class?
For Classes: Feel free to dress for comfort and get ready to move! Lindy Hop is a physical dance, and while we're learning, comfort is king.
For Social Dances: Want to dress up? Go for it! Want to be comfy? Okay! Just make sure you can move. There is often a theme of the month. Choose to dress the part of just come how you are comfortable!
Shoes: Footwear is very important when it comes to Lindy Hop. Shoes with sueded or leather bottoms can help take the stress off your knees and dance with ease! Feel free to wear whatever you like, but something you can move or spin on can really enhance the dance.
Code of Conduct
The Juke Joint is committed to fostering safe and comfortable dance spaces for everyone attending our events. Our events are a celebration of community; to be a community, we must all work to create an environment of respect for each other and each others' boundaries. It is our expectation that everyone will take an active role in creating a safe, fun social environment. Please follow three simple steps to help make our events safe spaces for all who are present:
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Take ownership of your actions and language. If someone indicates verbally or nonverbally that you are making them uncomfortable, check your behavior, and make a change.
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Educate yourself about what language and behaviors constitute harassment and avoid them.
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Interact with others in a mature and respectful way that contributes to an overall fun and positive environment.
Covid Policy
Covid Policy is subject to change. We are now mask optional. Please stay home if you are sick, or wear a mask when in doubt to keep others safe.