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

 

Why should you have to pick one dance when there are three great dances to try? This Friday, April 18, we're offering a special deal with a TRIPLE DANCE DISCOUNT NIGHT. Participating dances are: Zydeco Dance with Ruben Moreno and the Zydeco Re-Evolution, Back Room Salsa Night, and Contra Dance with Friday Night Dancers. Grab tickets to one of these wonderful Friday night dances (online or at the door) and add another dance ticket at the door for $10 off the day-of price. Or go for the triple treat and add two more dances at the door, taking $10 off each additional dance, and rotate between all three styles!

Zydeco Tickets        Salsa Tickets       Contra Tickets

Special Partnership Dances!

ZYDECO DANCE WITH RUBEN MORENO AND THE ZYDECO RE-EVOLUTION (April 18)

In collaboration with Dancing by the Bayou, the Partnership presents a Zydeco dance to live music from Ruben Moreno and the Zydeco Re-Evolution. Come join us in our wonderful open-air covered Bumper Car Pavilion for a night of great music and dancing!

Tickets $20 in advance online until 11:59pm Thursday April 17th 2025. We cover the ticket fees!

$25 at the door (cash, credit card, check accepted at the door)

 

Purchase Tickets

 

Free Zydeco dance lesson included with admission, taught by Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou.

7:00pm-7:30pm Lesson

7:30pm-10:30pm Dancing with live music

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
 

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 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!

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

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
 

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 | 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