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Hi Friends!
Welcome to our October Social Dance Newsletter! We can't wait to fill you in on all the wonderful opportunities to dance at Glen Echo Park this month.
Firs off, we hope you'll join us Friday night, for a Partnership-presented Honky Tonk Dance with live music by Rusty Sal. A sure-fire good time for lovers of classic country, Rusty Sal is made up of all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner. Let's two-step the night away in the Bumper Car Pavilion!
We'd like to wish dance presenter Waltz Time a happy 30th Anniversary! Sunday afternoon, Waltz Time will present a "Pay What You Want / Pay What You Can" Anniversary Dance in the Spanish Ballroom with a special band of returning favorite musicians. Here's to 30 years of waltzing at the Park!
This Sunday afternoon also brings a Sarau de Samba to the Ballroom Back Room. Co-presented with EducArte, renowned local Brazilian performers Pablo Regis, André Coelho, and Mariana Triginelli lead this Rio de Janeiro style music and dance event. Each session starts with a beginner dance lesson and is open to people of any skill level, no partner or instruments required.
If you're loving the Samba celebrations. you can also try a new Latin Dance style with a monthly Partnership-presented Back Room Salsa Night or a Bachata y más dance. In October, both dances fall on the same weekend, so we're adding a discounted Latin Dance Weekend ticket that lets you try both Salsa on Friday & Bachata on Saturday. Grab the Latin Dance Weekend Ticket to save, available at checkout for either dance.
It's a square dance party in the Bumper Car Pavilion this fall, with monthly Thursday night Bumper Car Squares! In October, pick from two beginner lessons: Intro to Square Dancing with caller Janine Smith, or Intro to Flatfoot Dancing taught by a member of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. Plus enjoy live music by Critton Hollow String Band, who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary!
In addition to our fabulous social dance program, Glen Echo Park also hosts dance classes in a variety of styles at various levels. Registration for Fall & Winter 2025-2026 Classes is open and ongoing. Browse the Mindful Movement & Dance Technique section of the catalog that introduce you to new styles or improve your dance technique.
DanceFit for Body & Mind classes start your weekends off with mindful movement. In October, Shake Your Soul meets in the Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio. You can drop in to any or all of our Saturday morning dance fitness classes. Sign up the day of the class (online or at the door), or register early for an early bird discount (online only). Or grab a 10 Class Package to save— the deal ends this Saturday, so don't miss your chance!
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Read on to see more Social Dances at the Park this month, including swing, blues, waltz, folk, contra, and lots more! Keep an eye on our Social Dances page to stay up to date with future dances! We can't wait to see you at the Park soon, and as always, we appreciate your support.
Keep on Dancin',
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Emily Crews
Dance and Events Program Director
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Washington Folk Festival
Sunday, October 19 | 12pm- 9pm
Back after a one-year hiatus! Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of music, dancing, and storytelling from around the world. Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free! Donations gratefully accepted.
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Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal
October 3 | 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion
Rusty Sal returns to the Bumper Car Pavilion for a Honky Tonk Dance! Join us for a dance lesson in Two Step followed by an evening of dancing to live music. A sure-fire good time for lovers of classic country, Rusty Sal is made up of an all-star cast of Baltimore Americana musicians, featuring Alex Lacquement (bass), EJ Shaull-Thompson (drums), Lucas Chohany (guitar), and Letitia VanSant (vocals). No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner. Praline Cafe will be open selling beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Purchase Tickets >>
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Sarau de Samba/Brazilian Samba Gathering
October 5 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Ballroom Back Room
Co-presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership and EducArte, Sarau de Samba is an authentic samba de mesa or samba de roda (jam session). The event, led by locally renowned Brazilian master musicians Pablo Regis and André Coelho, features a dynamic ensemble of musicians and dancers, showcasing everything from Golden Age samba classics and choro to modern pagode and high-energy carnival beats. We kick off with a beginner-friendly dance lesson, so everyone can join the fun—no partner nor experience required.
Purchase Tickets >>
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Waltz Time 30th Anniversary Dance
October 5 | 2:45pm - 6:00pm | Spanish Ballroom
Waltz Time celebrates their 30th Anniversary with a special waltz dance with live music by: Elke Baker, Susan Brandt, Tina Chancey, Karen Collins, David Courret-Knight, Liz Donaldson, Nissa Maria Flanders, Mary Flora, Ira Gitlin, Marc Glickman, James Key, Bobby LaRose, Paul Oorts, Pat Puglisi, and Bernie Solnik. Special "Pay What You Want / Pay What You Can" Anniversary Dance! All tickets purchased at the door, cash and checks accepted (no credit cards). Admission includes the 45-minute lesson from 2:45pm - 3:30pm. The dance to live music goes from 3:30pm - 6pm.
Learn More >>
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Bumper Car Squares
October 9 | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilion
Join us for square dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion! Choose from two lessons offered free with the price of admission: Intro to Square Dancing with the evening's caller, or Intro to Flatfoot Dancing taught by a member of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. After the lesson, caller Janine Smith will lead a rousing square dance along with live music by Critton Hollow String Band, who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary! There will be only a short band break so get ready for uninterrupted square dance fun!
Purchase Tickets >>
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Back Room Salsa Nights
October 17 | 7:30pm - 11:00pm | Ballroom Back Room
Join us for a sizzling hot night of Salsa in the Ballroom Back Room! We'll start at 7:30pm with a one-hour beginner lesson (free with the price of admission) followed by dancing with a DJ from 8:30-11pm. No need to bring a partner. All levels welcome, ages 18+! Save the date: Back Room Salsa Nights are always on the third Friday of the month!
Purchase Tickets >>
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Bachata y más (Bachata & more)
October 18 | 7:30pm - midnight | Ballroom Back Room
Come experience the magic of Bachata and discover why it's the dance that's sweeping the world. Bachata, a playful Latin dance originating from the Dominican Republic, is known for its hip movements, footwork, and close partner interaction.
Beer, wine, soft drinks "y más" available onsite at Praline cafe.
Purchase Tickets >>
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Cajun Dance with Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole
November 16 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Bumper Car Pavilio
In collaboration with Dancing by the Bayou, the Partnership presents a Cajun dance to live music from Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole. Led by Dennis Stroughmatt, L'Esprit Creole brings you the sights, stories and sounds of French Creole music from The Illinois Country. A 30-minute Cajun dance lesson (included with the price of admission) with Sharon Schiliro and Michael Hart of Dancing by the Bayou will start at 1pm, followed by dancing with the band!
Purchase Tickets >>
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Social Dance Classes
Have you ever wanted to attend one of our social dances but don’t feel comfortable enough with the style? Or are you looking to hone your skills and show off to the crowd? While our dances are beginner-friendly, we are proud to offer dance classes in a variety of styles at various levels.
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DanceFit for Body & Mind
Shake Your Soul
Experience the JOY of dance through Shake Your Soul, a dynamic movement practice that energizes your body, relaxes your nervous system, and awakens your soul. This class is appropriate for all levels and welcomes all movers and music lovers. Learn More >>
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*Includes beginner lesson & social dance
Partnership-presented social dance or class
Dance class (no social dance)
FREE for kids
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VOLUNTEER FOR PARTNERSHIP DANCES
We need volunteers at many of our dances! Volunteer for one hour, to either help set up or break down for a dance or event, and gain free admission to the dance or event!
Upcoming dances in need of volunteers:
Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal:
October 3
Sarau de Samba:
October 5 | November 22
Bumper Car Squares:
October 9 | November 6 | December 4
Back Room Salsa Nights:
October 17 | November 21 | December 19
Bachata y más:
October 18 | November 22 | December 20
Cajun Dance with Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole: November 16
To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@glenechopark.org.
| | | | The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and also by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (creativemoco.com). All programs are produced in cooperation with the National Park Service and Montgomery County, Maryland. | | | | |
