Celebrating 90 Years of the Historic Spanish Ballroom!

Dance Into the Future with Us!

Glen Echo Park has three unique dance venues that host our weekly social dances: Spanish Ballroom, Bumper Car Pavilion, and Ballroom Back Room. The historic Spanish Ballroom proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Our fun and affordable social dances are open to the public with no prior experience and no partner required. New dancers are always welcome, and a pre-dance, introductory lesson is included with admission. Most dances feature live music by renowned local and national bands.

Dances take place year-round and occur regularly on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Frequently, two or three different dances are presented at the same time, one in each dance hall, offering greater variety to the public. (View the Dance Calendar below!)

Currently, we're presenting dances in these styles:

Blues |  Contra & Square | Swing  |  Folk  |  Waltz  |  Tango & Milonga  |  Ballroom  |  Zouk  |  Barn Dances  |  Balboa  |  Other Latin Dances

View Dance Calendar     2024 New Dance Styles

Special Partnership Dances!

BUMPER CAR SQUARES

UPCOMING DANCE:  Join us on October 5, 2024, for Bumper Car Squares! The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a special series of square dances in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Saturday nights 7:00pm-10:30pm. Live music by Big Cricket String Band, calling by Caroline Barnes! Haven’t ever square danced or maybe the last time was in elementary school? YOU can do this! Come at 7:00pm (sharp) for an introductory session, and we’ll have you Do-Si-Do-ing and swinging your partner in no time flat.

NO partner, special attire, or prior experience necessary. The Bumper Car Pavilion has a wonderful wooden floor and overhead radiant heaters will keep you toasty warm throughout the winter months.

Admission: $15-adults, $5-teens, 12 and under FREE! Cash, check, or credit card at the door.

Save these dates for amazing square dancing!

June 1  |  July 6  |  September 14 | October 5 | November 2 | December 7

SARAU de SAMBA/BRAZILIAN SAMBA GATHERING

Join us on October 27, 2024, for a Sarau de Samba / Brazilian Samba Gathering 3:00-5:00pm in the Ballroom Back Room.

Co-presented with EducArte, the Glen Echo Park Partnership presents Sarau de Samba, featuring a dynamic ensemble of skilled musicians and dancers showcasing the diverse rhythms of samba, from Golden Age classics and choro to modern pagode and high-energy carnival beats.

More than just a performance, this event invites attendees to become part of the music, with opportunities to dance, sing, and even play instruments alongside the professionals. Short beginner dance lessons will be included in each session. The event is open to people of any skill level, no partner or instruments required. All ages are welcome!

Sarau de Samba é apresentado pela produtora EducArte em parceria com o Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture. Realizado no histórico centro cultural Glen Echo Park, o Sarau de Samba reúne músicos, dançarinos e o público num ambiente amistoso e contagiante. O evento é aberto a pessoas de qualquer nível de habilidade, sem necessidade de trazer um parceiro de dança ou instrumentos. “Vem Pra Perto da Gente Sambar!” (Come Samba With Us!) — Luiz Carlos Da Vila

Tickets sold at the door (cash, credit card, check accepted) | $15 adults, $10 teens, $5 children 12 & Under

Save these dates for amazing Sarau de Samba events!

September 15 | October 27 | November 17

CAJUN DANCE WITH PINE LEAF BOYS

On September 20, 2024, Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture presents a Cajun dance in partnership with Dancing by the Bayou in our charming Bumper Car Pavilion! Dance to live music with the Pine Leaf Boys from 7:00-10:30pm! Louisiana's finest, world-renowned Pine Leaf Boys have made a name for themselves by presenting their own inimitable brand of Louisiana music with youthful exuberance, blending the sounds of Cajun, Zydeco, Swamp-Pop, Country, and Soul. Starts with a free Cajun dance lesson with Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart included with admission, 7pm.

Tickets $20 in advance | $25 at the door (cash, credit card, check accepted)

Purchase tickets here >>

(Photo by Greg Miles)

BUMPER CAR SQUARES

Join us on November 2, 2024, for Bumper Car Squares! The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a special series of square dances in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Saturday nights 7:00pm-10:30pm. Live music by Jump Fingers: Palmer Loux (fiddle) Greg Loux (guitar) Bob McCluskie (fiddle and viola) Carolee Rand (banjo, tenor banjo, tenor guitar, mandolin) and Mat Clark (bass) with calling by Pete LaBerge!

Haven’t ever square danced or maybe the last time was in elementary school? YOU can do this! Come at 7:00pm (sharp) for an introductory session, and we’ll have you Do-Si-Do-ing and swinging your partner in no time flat.

NO partner, special attire, or prior experience necessary. The Bumper Car Pavilion has a wonderful wooden floor and overhead radiant heaters will keep you toasty warm throughout the winter months.

Admission: $15-adults, $5-teens, 12 and under FREE! Cash, check, or credit card at the door.

Save these dates for amazing square dancing!

June 1  |  July 6  |  September 14 | October 5 | November 2 | December 7

HONKY TONK DANCE WITH RUSTY SAL

Join us on October 18, 2024, for a Honky Tonk dance in the Bumper Car Pavilion 8:30-11:30pm with live music by Rusty Sal. Includes a free two stepping lesson. More information and advance ticket sales coming soon!

Made up of an all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians, Rusty Sal is a sure-fire good time for lovers of classic country. The groove is provided by upright bassist Alex Lacquement and drummer EJ Shaull-Thompson, the twang comes from the lead guitar work of Lucas Chohany, and sky high Dolly Parton-esque vocals from singer Letitia VanSant top it all off. After getting together as friends for a few years to practice singing three-part harmonies, the trio decided to book a few gigs with a drummer, which soon blossomed into Baltimore’s popular honky tonk two-stepping nights. The band aims to bring a new generation of fans to the likes of Hank Williams, Buck Owens, and Loretta Lynn. Letitia pens originals of her own with their spirits in mind. Get out on the dance floor and join Rusty Sal in the renaissance of classic country in the Mid-Atlantic.

Partnership Dance Series:

DANCEFIT FOR BODY & MIND

Join us for a brand new dance series designed to keep your body moving and your spirits up! Saturdays 11:15am-12:15pm

$15/class | Cash, Check, or Credit Card Accepted at the Door | Adults Ages 18+

 

OCTOBER:

Bollywood and Bhangra Dance with Smita Khatri

Dance to the soul-stirring rhythms of India and feel your spirits lift. In this class you will learn:

Bhangra--a celebratory and uplifting folk dance from the state of Punjab in North India

and

Bollywood dance--which borrows from Indian classical and folk dance styles, and is seen in Indian cinema.

Street shoes are not allowed in the Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio. Please bring shoes that have not been worn outside or be prepared to participate barefoot or in socks. Please wear comfortable clothing.

Four consecutive classes: October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. Come to any or all!

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Presenter: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture

Location: Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio

Admission: $15 Cash, Check or Credit Card. No pre-registration, pay at the door.

Email: info@glenechopark.org

 

NOVEMBER:

Shake Your Soul with Katy Baytosh
Experience the JOY of dance through Shake Your Soul! Shake Your Soul is a dynamic movement practice that energizes your body, relaxes your nervous system, and awakens your soul through a dance repertoire set to world music. Fun, freeing, meditative, graceful, and sweaty, the class invites you to dance from within and with others in community. Absolutely no dance experience is needed to experience this body mind connection. This class is appropriate for all levels and welcomes all movers and music lovers.

Street shoes are not allowed in the Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio. Please bring shoes that have not been worn outside or be prepared to participate barefoot or in socks. Please wear comfortable clothing.

Four consecutive classes: November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Come to any or all!

Learn More >> | Park Map >>

Presenter: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture

Location: Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio

Admission: $15 Cash, Check or Credit Card. No pre-registration, pay at the door.

Email: info@glenechopark.org

*** NEW ***  CHOREO RHYTHM & FLOW for Kids & Teens

CHOREO Rhythm & Flow: Introduction to Choreography

Join us at Glen Echo Park for the first in our new series of FREE workshops for children and teens to introduce you to the world of dance choreography! Many thanks to Elinor Coleman and David Sparkman for sponsoring this new free program! Light snacks (nut-free) and water will be provided. Pre-registration is required.

Take Class. Get Skillz. Make it. Show it.

First up, Contemporary Dance! It’s as easy as 1-2-3…4!

This Contemporary Dance workshop has been postponed to a future date to be announced! Stay Tuned!

This FREE workshop starts with an open-level contemporary dance technique class taught by DMV area artist Jamal Abrams. Next, Jamal will teach you basic skills for building your own choreography. Finally, you will break out in groups to work on a short choreographic assignment.

Each group will show their choreography to the rest of the participants, with opportunity for feedback from the instructor and reactions from your peers!

Contemporary Dance Workshops in the Park's Ballroom Back Room

Learn more about your instructor here: Jamal Abrams

Saturday September 21, 2024 *National Dance Day*

10:00-11:30 Ages 9-12 || 1:00-2:30 Ages 13-18

This Contemporary Dance workshop has been postponed to a future date to be announced! Stay Tuned!

**Want to come but need help with transportation expenses? The first seven students to register for each workshop and ask for transportation stipend are entitled to $20 for transportation expenses. Indicate your interest as part of the registration form.

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Second week, Hip Hop Dance! It’s as easy as 1-2-3…4!

This FREE workshop starts with an open-level hip hop dance technique class taught by DMV area artist Chitra Subramanian. Next Chitra will teach you basic skills for building your own choreography. Finally, you will break out in groups to work on a short choreographic assignment.

Each group will show their choreography to the rest of the participants, with opportunity for feedback from the instructor and reactions from your peers!

Hip Hop Dance Workshops in the Park's Ballroom Back Room

Learn more about your instructor here: Chitra Subramanian

Saturday September 28, 2024 

10:00-11:30 Ages 9-12 || 1:00-2:30 Ages 13-18

Pre-Registration is required. Registration form here >>

**Want to come but need help with transportation expenses? The first seven students to register for each workshop and ask for transportation stipend are entitled to $20 for transportation expenses. Indicate your interest as part of the registration form.

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Week three, Tap Dance! It’s as easy as 1-2-3…4!

This FREE workshop starts with an open-level tap dance technique class taught by DMV area artist Quynn Johnson of SOLE Defined. Next Quynn will teach you basic skills for building your own choreography. Finally you will break out in groups to work on a short choreographic assignment.

**Tap shoes not necessary. If you don't have tap shoes, bring hard-soled shoes with a closed toe.

Each group will show their choreography to the rest of the participants, with opportunity for feedback from the instructor and reactions from your peers!

Tap Dance Workshops in the Park's Ballroom Back Room

Learn more about your instructor here: SOLE Defined

Saturday October 5, 2024 

10:00-11:30 Ages 9-12 || 1:00-2:30 Ages 13-18

Pre-Registration is required. Registration form here >>

**Want to come but need help with transportation expenses? The first seven students to register for each workshop and ask for transportation stipend are entitled to $20 for transportation expenses. Indicate your interest as part of the registration form.

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Final Week, Salsa Dance! It’s as easy as 1-2-3…4!

This FREE workshop starts with an open-level salsa dance technique class taught by DMV area artist Gustavo Ramallo of Azucar, George Mason University's Salsa Club. Next Gustavo will teach you basic skills for building your own choreography. Finally you will break out in groups to work on a short choreographic assignment.

Each group will show their choreography to the rest of the participants, with opportunity for feedback from the instructor and reactions from your peers!

Salsa Dance Workshops in the Park's Bumper Car Pavilion

Learn more about your instructor here: Azucar

Saturday October 12, 2024 *In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

10:00-11:30 Ages 9-12 || 1:00-2:30 Ages 13-18

Pre-Registration is required. Registration form here >>

**Want to come but need help with transportation expenses? The first seven students to register for each workshop and ask for transportation stipend are entitled to $20 for transportation expenses. Indicate your interest as part of the registration form.

 

Learn about the history of the Spanish Ballroom

Watch this short video

Watch this short video to learn about the history of the Spanish Ballroom! 

Learn more about the ballroom and the history of the Park

To visit our Park History page, click here >>

Volunteer for Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture dances!

Volunteer for one hour, to either help set up or break down for a dance or event, and gain free admission to the dance or event! To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@glenechopark.org.

View upcoming dates volunteers are needed:

September 29th 2024 Echo Arts Festival noon to 5:00pm

October 5th 2024 Bumper Car Squares 7:00-10:30pm

October 18th 2024 Honky Tonk Two Step Dance 8:30-11:30pm

October 27th 2024 Brazilian Dance Party 3:00-5:00pm

November 2nd 2024 Bumper Car Squares 7:00-10:30pm

November 17th 2024 Brazilian Dance Party 3:00-5:00pm

November 17th 2024 Dual Dance: Waltz 2:45pm-6:00pm and Cajun 1:00-4:00pm

December 7th 2024 Bumper Car Squares 7:00-10:30pm

December 14th 2024 Transcendental Light Orchestra-two music concerts 7:00-8:30pm and 9:00-10:30pm

While we weren't able to be together in the Park during the height of the pandemic, we enjoyed bringing you some of your favorite dance bands who performed for our Live from the Spanish Ballroom virtual music series. The performances are on Youtube, so have fun watching and dancing along! 

Learn More & Watch on YouTube