Are you searching for “Social Dancing Near Me”? Look no further! Glen Echo Park, a historic gem on the National Register of Historic Places, has been a vibrant hub for social dancing for 90 years! With three unique dance venues – the iconic Spanish Ballroom, the playful Bumper Car Pavilion, and the intimate Ballroom Back Room – Glen Echo Park offers a diverse range of social dance experiences year-round.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, our welcoming and affordable social dances are perfect for everyone. No partner or prior experience is needed! We begin each session with a beginner-friendly introductory lesson, ensuring you feel comfortable and ready to join the fun. Plus, most of our dances feature live music from fantastic local and national bands, making it a truly special night out.
Glen Echo Park hosts social dances throughout the week, from Wednesdays to Sundays, offering a wide variety of styles to explore. On many evenings, you’ll find multiple dance events happening simultaneously across our venues, giving you even more choices to suit your taste.
Currently, Glen Echo Park proudly presents social dances in a multitude of styles, including:
- Blues
- Contra & Square
- Swing
- Folk
- Waltz
- Tango & Milonga
- Ballroom
- Zouk
- Barn Dances
- Balboa
- Other Latin Dances
Explore new rhythms and find your favorite dance style with us! Check out our Dance Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and plan your next social dance adventure.
Special Social Dance Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
BUMPER CAR SQUARES (Monthly)
Get ready for a unique social dance experience at Bumper Car Squares! Held monthly in the Bumper Car Pavilion, these lively square dances are perfect for all skill levels. Join us for an upcoming event on March 8, 2025, from 7:00pm to 10:30pm, featuring the fantastic live music of The Horsenecks and calling by LP Kelly!
New to square dancing? No problem! Come at 7:00pm sharp for a fun and easy introductory session, and you’ll be do-si-doing and swinging in no time. The Bumper Car Pavilion offers a wonderful wooden dance floor and cozy heaters to keep you comfortable throughout the evening. No partner or special attire is needed – just bring your enthusiasm!
Tickets are available at the door (cash, credit card, and check accepted): $15 for adults, $5 for teens, and FREE for children 12 and under!
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Bumper Car Squares dates: March 8, April 3, May 1, June 5, September 4, October 9, November 6, and December 4.
💃🏽 BACK ROOM SALSA NIGHTS (Monthly)
Spice up your social dance life with our monthly Back Room Salsa Nights! Every third Friday in the Ballroom Back Room, Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture presents a sizzling evening of salsa dancing.
Learn More about Salsa Nights and Purchase Tickets for our next event on March 21st.
Enhance Your Well-being with Social Dance Fitness
DANCEFIT FOR BODY & MIND
Looking for a fun way to stay active and uplift your spirits? Join our DanceFit series! Held in the Ballroom Back Room, this series introduces new dance styles each month, providing a fantastic workout for both your body and mind.
Find More DanceFit Information and discover the joy of dance fitness.
Discover the Rich History of the Spanish Ballroom
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of our iconic Spanish Ballroom, celebrating its 90th anniversary!
Watch a short video to learn about the Spanish Ballroom’s captivating past.
Click here to explore our Park History page >> and delve deeper into the legacy of Glen Echo Park.
Be Part of the Dance Community: Volunteer!
Want to get even more involved in the social dance scene at Glen Echo Park? Volunteer for just one hour to help with dance setup or breakdown and receive free admission to the dance or event!
Learn More About Volunteering and join our passionate dance community.
Even when we couldn’t gather in person, Glen Echo Park continued to bring the joy of dance to you with our Live from the Spanish Ballroom virtual music series. These performances are available on YouTube, so you can watch, dance along, and experience the magic of Glen Echo Park from anywhere!
Watch & Learn More on YouTube and keep the spirit of social dancing alive!
Glen Echo Park is your destination for “social dancing near me,” offering a welcoming atmosphere, diverse dance styles, and a rich history. Come join us and dance into the future!
