Glen Echo Park will open at 10am on Monday, January 20. The Partnership Office will be closed.  More >>

 

  • dancers

    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!

    💃🏽 NEW! BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly | Upcoming: Jan. 17)

    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. We'll start at 7:30pm with a one-hour beginner lesson (free with the price of admission) followed by dancing with a DJ from 8:30-11pm. No need to bring a partner. All levels welcome, ages 18+!

    Our first Back Room Salsa Night is Friday, January 17th!
    Instructors James Robertson and Tracy Perez
    DJ Chapibol

     

    Purchase Tickets
     

    Back Room Salsa Nights red graphic with dancers

    Tickets $12 in advance until 11:59pm on 1/16/25, $15 at the door (Cash and credit accepted).

    Save these dates for amazing Salsa dancing!

    January 17 | February 21 | March 21 | April 18 | May 16 | June 20 | July 18 | August 15 | September 19 | October 17 | November 21 | December 19

    Stay tuned-we may feature other hot Latin styles on the above dates!

     

    BUMPER CAR SQUARES (Monthly | Upcoming: Feb. 8)

    Join us on February 8, 2025, 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 Furnace Mountain, calling by Megan Downes!

    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.

    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!

    February 8 | March 8 | April 3 | May 1 | June 5 | September 4 | October 9 | November 6 | December 4

    HONKY TONK DANCE WITH RUSTY SAL (Feb. 15)

    Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture presents a Honky Tonk dance in our charming Bumper Car Pavilion! Dance to live music from Rusty Sal from 8:30pm–11:30pm. Includes a free two stepping lesson.

     

    Purchase Tickets


    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.

    Tickets $15 in advance until 11:59pm on 2/14; On the day of, buy your ticket for $20 at the door (cash, credit card, check accepted at the door)
     

    Rusty Sal holds their instruments in front of a yellow brick wall.

     

     

    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 the Ballroom Back Room.

    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