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. 

General Information

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!)

Dance Styles

Currently, we're presenting dances in these styles:

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

 

2024 New Dance Styles

View Dance Calendar      View the Monthly Dance Newsletter
 

Special Partnership Dances!

 

BUMPER CAR SQUARES (Monthly | Upcoming: Thursday, September 4)

Join us for square dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion! Choose from two lessons offered free with the price of admission: Intro to Square Dancing, or Intro to Flatfoot Dancing taught by members of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. After the lesson, caller Katie Stahl will lead a rousing square dance along with live music!

 

Purchase Tickets

Discounted Advance Tickets: $12/adults (Advance tickets available online until 11:59pm 9/3/2025)

Tickets sold at the door: $15/adult, $5/teen, FREE for ages 12 and under (Cash, check, or credit card)

No partner or special attire required. Shoes with backs are recommended (no flip flops).

Even though we are in the outdoor covered Bumper Car Pavilion, with the window flaps down and the ceiling heaters on, we'll be toasty warm!

Mark your calendar for 2025!
September 4 | October 9 | November 6 | December 4

BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly | Upcoming: Friday, September 19)

Join us every third Friday in the Ballroom Back Room for a sizzling hot night of Salsa presented by Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture.

Learn More

 

Purchase Tickets

 

BACHATA Y MÁS (Monthly | Upcoming: Saturday, September 20)

Come experience the magic of Bachata! On Saturday, September 20, join us for an evening of Bachata— and more!—in the Ballroom Back Room. 

 

Learn More 

 

Purchase Tickets

 

Tickets $15 in advance until 11:59pm Friday, September 19, $18 at the door (Cash and credit accepted).

HONKY TONK DANCE WITH RUSTY SAL | Friday, October 3

Rusty Sal returns to the Bumper Car Pavilion for a Honky Tonk Dance! Join us for a dance lesson in Two Step followed by an evening of dancing to live music. A sure-fire good time for lovers of classic country, Rusty Sal is made up of all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians, with the groove 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. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner.

 

Purchase Tickets

 

Discounted Advance Tickets ($15)  ||  Advance sales end at 11:59 pm on Thursday, October 2

Tickets sold at the door ($20)  || Cash, Check, or Credit Card  || Doors open at 8:00pm on Friday, October 3

 Come Dance at the Music FREE-for-All! 

Dancers are invited to attend a Music FREE-for-All in the Bumper Car Pavilion 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Join us for FREE live music concerts with music you can dance to—it's like an extended day-long summer concert!

Learn More      RSVP (Preferred, not required)

Partnership Dance/Fitness Series:

DANCEFIT FOR BODY & MIND 

Join us for a dance series designed to keep your body moving and your spirits up! Meeting in either the Ballroom Back Room or the Hall of Mirrors.

More DanceFit Information

 

Social Dance Classes

Have you ever wanted to attend one of our social dances but don’t feel comfortable enough with the style? Or are you looking to hone your skills and show off to the crowd? While our dances are beginner-friendly, we are proud to offer dance classes in a variety of styles at various levels.

Browse the Catalog 

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 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! 
 

More Information
 

LOST AN ITEM ON A VISIT TO THE PARK? 

Lost & found is in the Partnership office, and you may pick up/check for lost items during office hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)

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