Glen Echo Dance Night

Swing ‘em round partner! Glen Echo Dance Night is the place to be on Friday nights! We have never had so much fun. Ever. When we arrived at the Spanish Ballroom, where the dance was held, the doorman warned us that we would be hooked to Dance Night for life – and boy, was he right! Natalie and Mishta headed to the dance floor, and the 45-minute beginner’s lesson started.

Beginner's Lesson

There were a lot of beginners there, so we didn’t feel left out! The contra dance moves were pretty simple, and before we knew it, it was time for the real dance! We actually got really nervous, but two experienced contra dancers came over and finally convinced Natalie and Mishta to dance with them. Haley couldn’t dance because of her knee surgery, but she got asked to dance seven times while we were out on the floor! The atmosphere was so friendly, and everyone in the Glen Echo community was so warm and outgoing. Everyone wanted to make sure that all participants were having a good time. Natalie and Mishta had the time of their lives on the dance floor. We quickly got the hang of line dancing, with the help of experienced partners, who didn’t hesitate to twirl us as if we had been contra dancing for our entire lives! By the end of the first dance, we were so proud of ourselves, and not to mention extremely dizzy! The night was filled with laughter and fun and we can’t wait to go back and take our friends there!

Natalie and her dance partner

Contra dancing is so much fun. It’s a little awkward at first since it’s good dance etiquette to stare into your partner’s eyes. It is surprisingly fun to dance with random men! They are all really nice and help guide you in the right direction. It’s a great way to meet new people, and it’s totally worth the $9. I highly recommend the beginner’s lesson so you don’t look like a total noob.

- Natalie

 I had a really fun time at Glen Echo Dance Night even though I couldn’t do the contra dancing. The people were so friendly, and you could tell they were having a genuinely good time. When my knee is fully healed, I definitely want to go back and try the dance!

- Haley

 Everyone needs to experience Glen Echo Dance Night. It was classic fun. My favorite part about the night was when I danced with a teacher from Whitman who told me he met his wife while contra dancing! I got the hang of contra dancing really quickly because my partners were so helpful! I without doubt recommend everyone attends this event – it was so worth it!

- Mishta


Admission Price: $9
Time: 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm (beginner's lesson: 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm)
Location: Glen Echo Park
Transportation: Montgomery County Ride-On bus #29 (operates daily from Friendship Heights and Bethesda metro stations)
Our Rating: ★★★★★