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 vaccinations are encouraged, but not required. There will be a mixture of mask-wearers and individuals with no masks at each dance. Respecting each other's choice is a required attitude.
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)
See all- Let's Contra Dance on May 16, 2025!!! Greg Frock calls to Frog Hammer!!Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY MAY 16, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of Frog Hammer (Jim Besser (Anglo concertina), Dave Casserly (saxophone), Bob Collins (drums), Glyn Collinson (bouzouki, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals), Michael Ferguson (harpejji), Andrew Marcus (piano accordion)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance.
Our caller, Greg Frock, whose discovery of contra dance was pure accident, fell in love with this beloved community at first dance. Greg began calling in 1992 after only 2 years of dancing, and quickly became a highly sought-after caller. Through his 30-year career, Greg has remained relevant by adapting to the changing culture of the contra community, and constantly seeking new, interesting, and accessible dances. Over the changing times, two elements of Greg’s approach has remained constant: keeping dances enjoyable for groups of dancers of varied size and skill levels, while teaching figures efficiently and intuitively. His calling talents have been appreciated by dancers throughout North America..
Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night Dance!
All dances called gender-free.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812.
Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at here or pay at the door.
The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.
The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!!
All Friday Night Dances are hosted in a mask-optional ballroom. While masks are not required, we continue to encourage them. We ask that you please be sensitive to those who have made the decision to continue to wear masks.
Though COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, we encourage individuals to obtain them.
UPCOMING FND DANCES
May 23 - Contranella (Megan Wobus, fiddle, Charley Beller, guitar/percussion, and John Wobus, piano plus guest Rebekah Geller)) with Kim Forry calling - in the
May 30 - Rhythmajigs (Jack Maus (piano) Patti Reum (flute/whistles) and Michael Giordano ( fiddle/mandolin)) with Warren Doyle calling - in the SBR
June 6 - Kelsey & Helen (Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), Helen Kuhar (guitar)) with Penelope Weinberger calling - in the SBR
June 13 - Backstep Cindy (Sandy Hofferth (fiddle), Fred Cherney (banjo), Joe Langley (guitar), and Shirley Echols (bass)) with Caroline Barnes calling - in the SBR
- Let's Contra Dance on May 23, 2025!!! Kim Forry calls to Contranella!Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY MAY 23, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of Contranella (Megan Wobus (fiddle), Charley Beller (percussion), and John Wobus (piano)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance.
Our caller, Kim Forry, is an experienced Square and Contra dance caller and calls for regularly scheduled dances in the Mid- Atlantic region. She enjoys the frivolity of teaching beginning dancers at Barn Dances, fund raising community events, as well as private parties. She instructs dances for school events with grades K-12 as well as Senior Centers. She loves to introduce or further your knowledge of this type of American Traditional dancing
Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night Dance!!
All dances called gender-free.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812.
Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at here or pay at the door.
The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.
The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!!
All Friday Night Dances are hosted in a mask-optional ballroom. While masks are not required, we continue to encourage them. We ask that you please be sensitive to those who have made the decision to continue to wear masks.
Though COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, we encourage individuals to obtain them.
UPCOMING FND DANCES
May 30 - Rhythmajigs (Jack Maus (piano) Patti Reum (flute/whistles) and Michael Giordano ( fiddle/mandolin)) with Warren Doyle calling - in the SBR
June 6 - Kelsey & Helen (Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), Helen Kuhar (guitar)) with Penelope Weinberger calling - in the SBR
June 13 - Backstep Cindy (Sandy Hofferth (fiddle), Fred Cherney (banjo), Joe Langley (guitar), and Shirley Echols (bass)) with Caroline Barnes calling - in the SBR
June 20 - Torrent (Nadia Gaya (accordion), Sarah Parker (fiddle) and Ross Parker (piano)) with Colette Mrozek calling - in the SBR
- Let's Contra Dance on May 30, 2025!!! Warren Doyle calls to The Rythmajigs!Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY MAY 30, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of Rhythmajigs (Jack Maus (piano), Patti Reum (flute, whistles), and Michael Giordano (fiddle, mandolin)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance.
Our caller, Warren Doyle, has been an active contra dancer (50 years), dance event organizer (25 years), and dance caller (20 years), calling at local dances and regional dance events.
Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the F
All dances called gender-free.Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812.
Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at here or pay at the door.
The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.
The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!!
All Friday Night Dances are hosted in a mask-optional ballroom. While masks are not required, we continue to encourage them. We ask that you please be sensitive to those who have made the decision to continue to wear masks.
Though COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, we encourage individuals to obtain them.
UPCOMING FND DANCES
June 6 - Kelsey & Helen (Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), Helen Kuhar (guitar)) with Penelope Weinberger calling - in the SBR
June 13 - Backstep Cindy (Sandy Hofferth (fiddle), Fred Cherney (banjo), Joe Langley (guitar), and Shirley Echols (bass)) with Caroline Barnes calling - in the SBR
June 20 - Torrent (Nadia Gaya (accordion), Sarah Parker (fiddle) and Ross Parker (piano)) with Colette Mrozek calling - in the SBR
June 27 - Triple Helix (Colleen Reed (sax and flute) Alexander Mitchell (fiddle and mandolin) Keith Gillis (guitar)) with Perry Shafran calling - in the SBR
- Contra Dance on June 6, 2025!!! Penelope Weinberger calls to Kelsey & Helen!Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY JUNE 6, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of Kelsey & Helen (Kelsey Wells (fiddle, banjo), Helen Kuhar (guitar)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance.
Our caller, Penelope Weinberger, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Penelope has been calling and organizing dances for over 20 years and is welcomed and beloved around the country. Hailing from right here in the DC area, she has called all kinds of scenes, from traditional to techno. Don't miss this fun-filled evening!
Come on out and join us for an amazing evening at the Friday Night D
All dances called gender-free.
Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, MD 20812.
Tickets are $15. Purchase tickets at here or pay at the door.
The admission price includes the lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Dance from 8 to 11 p.m.
You can register and pay online in advance, which is faster. You may also pay at the door with cash and credit cards. You have the ability to cancel registrations prior to the event, and any payment will be refunded as a credit for future use. No refunds will be available after the event has started.
The Friday Night Dancers are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization, welcoming all of our neighbors to join us in this energetic and delightful evening of fun each week. Be sure to invite your friends, family and colleagues to join us each Friday evening at the Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park!!
All Friday Night Dances are hosted in a mask-optional ballroom. While masks are not required, we continue to encourage them. We ask that you please be sensitive to those who have made the decision to continue to wear masks.
Though COVID-19 vaccinations are not required, we encourage individuals to obtain them.
UPCOMING FND DANCES
June 13 - Backstep Cindy (Sandy Hofferth (fiddle), Fred Cherney (banjo), Joe Langley (guitar), and Shirley Echols (bass)) with Caroline Barnes calling - in the SBR
June 20 - Torrent (Nadia Gaya (accordion), Sarah Parker (fiddle) and Ross Parker (piano)) with Colette Mrozek calling - in the SBR
June 27 - Triple Helix (Colleen Reed (sax and flute) Alexander Mitchell (fiddle and mandolin) Keith Gillis (guitar)) with Perry Shafran calling - in the SBR
July 4 - PLEASE NOTE: NO FRIDAY NIGHT CONTRA DANCE ON JULY 4, 2025!!
