• dancers

    We were thrilled to have our social dances featured in WAMU's wonderful piece about dancing in the DMV! Read or listen here >>

    DANCING AT GLEN ECHO PARK

    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: May 1)

    Join us on Thursday, May 1 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 Rachel Eddy and Friends, calling by Becky Hill!

    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 is an open-air covered dance floor with industrial fans and overhead radiant heaters, ready for any weather! 

    Bumper car mural with text reading "Bumper Car Squares" and "Come dance with us!"

    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!

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

    BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly | Upcoming: May 16)

    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

     

    Back Room Salsa Nights red graphic with dancers

    BACHATA Y MÁS / BACHATA & MORE (May 31)

    Come experience the magic of Bachata! On Saturday, May 31, join us for an evening of Bachata— and more!—in the Ballroom Back Room. 

    Learn More

     

    Purchase Tickets
     

    Bachata logo

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

    Bachata y más Schedule

    7:30pm - 8:15pm | Dance Lesson in Rotating Styles* 
    8:15pm - 9:00pm | Bachata Lesson* 
    9:00pm - 1:00am | Social Dancing with Live DJ

    *Lessons with Host and Teacher Amber Logan and Rotating Guest Instructor. Lessons are included with price of admission.

    Save these dates for more amazing Bachata y más !

    May 31 | June 28

     

    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

     

    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
     


    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