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

 

Special Partnership Dances!

BUMPER CAR SQUARES (Monthly | Upcoming: April 3)

Join us on April 3, 2025, for Bumper Car Squares! The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a special series of square dances in the Bumper Car Pavilion, monthly from 7:00pm - 10:30pm. Live music by Vandalia, 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 even if it's chilly outside.

Tickets sold at the door (cash, credit card, check accepted) | $15-adults, $5-teens, 12 and under FREE! 

Save these dates for amazing square dancing!

April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | September 4 | October 9 | November 6 | December 4

 

🕺 NEW! BACHATA Y MÁS / BACHATA & MORE (Upcoming: April 12)

Come experience the magic of Bachata! On Saturday, April 12, 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, April 11, $18 at the door (Cash and credit accepted).

April 12 Bachata y más Schedule

7:30pm - 8:15pm | Salsa Lesson with Amber Logan & Ronald Rios
8:15pm - 9:00pm | Bachata Lesson with Amber Logan & Ronald Rios
9:00pm - 1:00am | Social Dancing with DJ Eli

Save these dates for more amazing Bachata y más !

April 12 | May 31 | June 28

BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly | Upcoming: April 18)

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
 

Partnership Dance/Fitness Series:

DANCEFIT FOR BODY & MIND

Join us for a dance series designed to keep your body moving and your spirits up! New dance styles every month, meeting in either the Ballroom Back Room or the Hall of Mirrors.

More DanceFit Information

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
 

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