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
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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
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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 View the Monthly Dance Newsletter
Special Partnership Dances!
- BUMPER CAR SQUARES (Monthly | Upcoming: Thursday, October 9)
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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 Janine Smith will lead a rousing square dance along with live music by Critton Hollow String Band!
Discounted Advance Tickets: $12/adults (available online only, until 11:59pm 10/8/2025)
Same-Day Tickets: $15/adult (available online and at the door), $5/teen, FREE for ages 12 and under (available at the door only, cash, check, or credit card accepted)
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!
October 9 | November 6 | December 4
- BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly | Upcoming: Friday, October 17)
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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.
- BACHATA Y MÁS (Monthly | Upcoming: Saturday, October 18)
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Come experience the magic of Bachata! On Saturday, October 18, join us for an evening of Bachata— and more!—in the Ballroom Back Room.
Tickets $15 in advance until 11:59pm Friday, September 19, $18 at the door (Cash and credit accepted).
- CAJUN DANCE WITH DENNIS STROUGHMATT ET L'ESPRIT CREOLE | Sunday, November 16
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In collaboration with Dancing by the Bayou, the Partnership presents a Cajun dance to live music from Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole. Led by it's ambassador Dennis Stroughmatt, L'Esprit Creole brings you the sights, stories and sounds of French Creole music from The Illinois Country. A 30-minute Cajun dance lesson (included with the price of admission) with Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou will start at 1pm, followed by dancing with the band!
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 same-day sales (cash, credit card, check accepted at the door)
Discounted Advance Tickets ($20) || Online Only || Advance sales end at 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 15
Same-Day Tickets ($25) || Online or at the door (Cash, Check, or Credit Card) || Doors open at 12:30pm on Sunday, November 16
- SARAU DE SAMBA (Monthly | Upcoming: Saturday, November 22)
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“Vem Pra Perto da Gente Sambar!” (Come Samba With Us!) — Luiz Carlos Da Vila
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Experience the exuberant and community-centered tradition of samba at EducArte’s Sarau de Samba, a monthly celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture in the heart of the DMV. Renowned local Brazilian performers Pablo Regis, André Coelho, and Mariana Triginelli lead the Rio de Janeiro style music and dance event. Samba is an interactive experience and we invite you to join the Sarau de Samba.
Set in the historic Glen Echo Park, Sarau de Samba features 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. Each session starts with a beginner dance lesson. The event is open to people of any skill level, no partner or instruments required.
Sarau de Samba is presented by the region’s premier Brazilian performing arts presenter EducArte in partnership with Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture. Glen Echo Park is a family friendly venue and park that offers free parking and is easily accessible by public transportation. Food and drink are for sale. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space for all ages and backgrounds to come together.
Join us monthly for an afternoon of rhythm, dance, and community. Sarau de Samba isn’t just an event; it’s a living, breathing celebration of Brazilian identity and the unifying power of music. Don’t miss this chance to experience the authentic spirit of Brazil right here in Maryland!
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“Vem Pra Perto da Gente Sambar!” — Luiz Carlos Da Vila
A EducArte lhe convida para nosso Sarau de Samba, uma roda de samba mensal que celebra a rica tradição do samba que acontece no coração da região do DMV. A roda é comandada pelos músicos Pablo Regis e André Coelho e dançarina Mariana Triginelli. O samba é uma mágica manifestação popular e contamos com você.
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.
Sarau de Samba é apresentado pela produtora EducArte em parceria com o Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture. O Glen Echo Park é um parque histórico e um ambiente excelente para famílias. Glen Echo Park oferece estacionamento gratuito e é de fácil acesso por transporte público. Comidas e bebidas estão à venda.
Junte-se a nós mensalmente para uma tarde de música, dança e comunidade que celebra nossas tradições e o poder da música em nos unir.
Partnership Dance/Fitness Series:
- DANCEFIT FOR BODY & MIND
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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
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Watch this short video to learn about the history of the Spanish Ballroom!
- Learn more about the ballroom and the history of the Park
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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!
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
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