What we're about
Anyone who loves to dance or wants to learn to dance should be Contra dancing at Glen Echo. There's always a live band with excellent music, free dance lessons, and a very friendly dance crowd. Contra dancing is a cross between square dancing, English country dancing and line dancing. It's easy to learn and amazing fun.
The lesson starts at 7:30 and the dances are from 8:00–11:00. Dances may be either be in the Bumper Car Pavilion, a covered, open-air venue, or the Spanish Ballroom, a huge space with great ventilation. There's a ride board for folks who need a ride to Metro after the dance.
You do not need to bring a partner. Contra dancers change partners with every new song, so you'll meet lots of people and learn lots of moves. The dance is gender-free and folks dance with partners dancing any role. Wear comfortable clothes and flowing skirts that fan out when you turn, and comfortable shoes that do not fall off your feet while dancing. Most dancers prefer shoes with leather soles or something that is a bit slippery vs a gripping sole. Bring a water bottle and a towel if it's warm weather.
Cost is $15 and preregistration is recommended (see the website). Covid-19 vaccination with at least one booster is required. You will be asked to show proof of vaccination and a government ID. Masks, either a N95/KN95 or a surgical mask covered by a tightly-fitted cloth mask, are required.
Plan to have fun! Dancing and listening to Contra music will make you happy!
Visit http://www.fridaynightdance.org/ or Folklore Society of Greater Washington for more info and the schedule.
Upcoming events (4+)
Charlie Pilzer, Rebecca Weiss, and Rose Jackson will be playing and Caroline Barnes will be calling. All dances called gender-free. This dance will be on Friday, March 31.
There's a lesson at 7:30 pm, with the dance proper starting at 8 pm.
Preregister at Friday Night Dance or register at the door. Admission is $15. (Preregistration saves time and you avoid the line!)
Covid-19 vaccination with at least one booster is required. Please bring a photo ID and your vaccination card showing your vaccination series, including the booster (a copy on your phone is fine). Masks are required (N95, KN95, or KF94 only; surgical masks are NOT accepted).
- Dana B.
- 1 attendee
The Dead Sea Squirrels will be playing and Perry Shafran will be calling. All dances called gender-free. This dance will be on Friday, April 7.
There's a lesson at 7:30 pm, with the dance proper starting at 8 pm.
Preregister at Friday Night Dance or register at the door. Admission is $15. (Preregistration saves time and you avoid the line!)
Covid-19 vaccination with at least one booster is required. Please bring a photo ID and your vaccination card showing your vaccination series, including the booster (a copy on your phone is fine). Masks are required (N95, KN95, or KF94 only; surgical masks are NOT accepted).
- Dana B.
- Jane
- 2 attendees
The Jumping Sharks will be playing and David Giusti will be calling. All dances called gender-free. This dance will be on Friday, April 14.
There's a lesson at 7:30 pm, with the dance proper starting at 8 pm.
Preregister at Friday Night Dance or register at the door. Admission is $15. (Preregistration saves time and you avoid the line!)
Covid-19 vaccination with at least one booster is required. Please bring a photo ID and your vaccination card showing your vaccination series, including the booster (a copy on your phone is fine). Masks are required (N95, KN95, or KF94 only; surgical masks are NOT accepted).
- Dana B.
- 1 attendee
The Faux Paws will be playing and Janine Smith will be calling. All dances called gender-free. This dance will be on Friday, April 21.
There's a lesson at 7:30 pm, with the dance proper starting at 8 pm.
Preregister at Friday Night Dance or register at the door. Admission is $15. (Preregistration saves time and you avoid the line!)
Covid-19 vaccination with at least one booster is required. Please bring a photo ID and your vaccination card showing your vaccination series, including the booster (a copy on your phone is fine). Masks are required (N95, KN95, or KF94 only; surgical masks are NOT accepted).
- Dana B.
- 1 attendee
Past events (136)
- Dana B.
- Jane
- 2 attendees
