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 (2)
See all- Contra Dance on July 11, 2025!!! Ben Allbrandt calls to the Glen Echo Open BandGlen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of The Fabulous Glen Echo Open Band (led by Bobby LaRose (mandolin)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance. Our caller, Ben Allbrandt, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Don't miss this fun-filled evening!
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
July 18 - Sugar Beat (Susan Brandt (flute), Elke Baker (fiddle), and Marc Glickman (piano, bodhran)) with Penelope Weinberger calling - in the SBR
July 25 - Oliver Scanlon and Friends (Alex Fortier (piano), Zachary Mills (fiddle), Oliver Scanlon (fiddle, mandolin, viola, foot percussion)) with Kappy Laning calling - in the SBR
August 1 - Some Assembly (Mary Flora (woodwinds), Donna Boylan (keyboards), Adam Lee (guitar), Joe Klausner (fiddle/mandolin), Iain Sturrock (cajon)) with April Blum calling - in the SBR
August 8 - Unbowed (Henry Koretzky (guitar, mandolin), Aaron Blouin (bass), Mike Henry (guitar), Special guest Todd Clewell (fiddle)) with Michael Karcher calling - in the SBR
- Contra Dance on July 18, 2025!!! Penelope Weinberger calls to Sugar Beat!!Glen Echo Park - Spanish Ballroom , Glen Echo , MD$15.00
JOIN US FOR THE CONTRA DANCE ON FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025!!
Join us for the wonderful sounds of Sugar Beat (Susan Brandt (flute), Elke Baker (fiddle), and Marc Glickman (piano, bodhran)) who will bring their exciting, engergetic dancing tunes to the Spanish Ballroom for the Friday Night Dance. Our caller, local favorite, Penelope Weinberger, will bring us an evening of delightful dancing fun. Don't miss this fun-filled evening!
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
July 25 - Oliver Scanlon and Friends (Alex Fortier (piano), Zachary Mills (fiddle), Oliver Scanlon (fiddle, mandolin, viola, foot percussion)) with Kappy Laning calling - in the SBR
August 1 - Some Assembly (Mary Flora (woodwinds), Donna Boylan (keyboards), Adam Lee (guitar), Joe Klausner (fiddle/mandolin), Iain Sturrock (cajon)) with April Blum calling - in the SBR
August 8 - Unbowed (Henry Koretzky (guitar, mandolin), Aaron Blouin (bass), Mike Henry (guitar), Special guest Todd Clewell (fiddle)) with Michael Karcher calling - in the SBR
August 15 - Gyrations (David Knight (fiddle), Carrie Rose (flute) and Liz Donaldson (piano)) with Greg Frock calling - in the SBR
