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Hi Friends!


Welcome to our September Social Dance Newsletter! We've got some exciting new dances and returning favorite dance programs coming up in September. Whether you're a long-time dancer at the Park or trying your hand at social dance for the first time, we can't wait to dance with you this fall!


First up, we hope you'll join us on Saturday at the Music FREE-for-All! Live music will fill the Bumper Car Pavilion from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025, with performances by Nowhere Men (Beatles acoustic tribute band), Karen Collins & The Backroads Band, Carley Harvey Trio, and The Experience Band & Show. We hope you'll join us for a celebration of great live music! As always, dancing is encouraged.


Come swing dance on a Tuesday night! Weekly Saturday night swing dances are a Glen Echo Park favorite, so we're excited to host a weeknight option. This Tuesday, This Institute of Musical Traditions presents a Swing Dance with Tuba Skinny! Not a dancer? There will be seating options available too.


Square dancing returns to the Bumper Car Pavilion with monthly Thursday night Bumper Car Squares! In September, pick from two beginner lessons: Intro to Square Dancing with caller Katie Stahl, or Intro to Flatfoot Dancing taught by a member of Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. Plus enjoy live music by Bach Bui, Rachel Eddy, Lucas Chohany, and Em Hammond.


Monthly Partnership-presented Latin Dances are bringing a sizzling hot party to the air-conditioned Ballroom Back Room! In September, join us for a Friday evening Back Room Salsa Night followed by a Saturday night Bachata y más. Whether you're a Latin Dance pro or taking your first steps, our vibrant, growing community will welcome you with open arms (and smooth moves).


Speaking of Latin Dance, we're thrilled that Sarau de Samba is back! Co-presented with EducArte, the Partnership presents this once a month Brazilian Samba gathering, featuring a dynamic ensemble of skilled musicians and dancers. In September, join us for a Brazilian Independence Day celebration with a FREE Samba!


DanceFit for Body & Mind is back with classes in the Fall and Winter! Join us for a returning favorite class: Shake Your Soul with instructor Katy Baytosh. Drop into any or all of our Saturday morning dance fitness classes. Register early for an early bird discount, or grab a 10 Class Package to save!


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.

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',

Emily Crews

Dance and Events Program Director



MUSIC FREE-for-All

Saturday, August 30, 2025


The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture is pleased to present a family-friendly Music FREE-for-All over Labor Day Weekend! Join us for FREE live music concerts with music you can dance to—it's like an extended day-long summer concert!

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.

FEATURED DANCES

Swing Dance with Tuba Skinny

September 2 | 7:30pm | Bumper Car Pavilion


The Institute of Musical Traditions presents a swing dance with Tuba Skinny in the Bumper Car Pavilion! For over a decade, jazz and American roots music band Tuba Skinny has grown steadily in popularity, releasing twelve albums and touring all over the world. A beginner swing lesson will be included with the price of admission. Come to dance or listen as there will be some seating provided.

Purchase Tickets >>

Bumper Car Squares

September 4 | 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 Katie Stahl will lead a rousing square dance along with live music by Bach Bui, Rachel Eddy, Lucas Chohany,  and Em Hammond. There won't be a band break so get ready for uninterrupted square dance fun!.

Purchase Tickets >>

Sarau de Samba/Brazilian Samba Gathering 

September 7 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Co-presented with EducArte, the Glen Echo Park Partnership presents Sarau de Samba, featuring a dynamic ensemble of skilled musicians and dancers. In September, come celebrate samba on Brazilian Independence Day—Sunday, September 7! To commemorate this special day, this month’s Sarau de Samba is FREE TO ENTER! No experience needed and no partner necessary to join in the celebration!

Register for Sarua de Samba >>

Back Room Salsa Nights

September 19 | 7:30pm - 11:00pm | Ballroom Back Room


Join us for a sizzling hot night of Salsa in the air-conditioned 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 >>

Bachata y más (Bachata & more)

September 20 | 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. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner. Beer, wine, soft drinks "y más" available onsite at Praline cafe.

Purchase Tickets >>

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, with the groove provided by upright bassist Alex Lacquement and drummer EJ Shaull-Thompson, the twang comes from the lead guitar work of Lucas Chohany, and sky high Dolly Parton-esque vocals from singer Letitia VanSant top it all off. No prior experience needed and you don't need to bring a partner.

Purchase Tickets >>

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 >>

SEPTEMBER DANCES AT-A-GLANCE

Tuesday

September 2

Wednesday

September 3

Thursday

September 4

Friday

September 5

Saturday

September 6

Sunday

September 7

The Institute of Musical Traditions presents: Swing Dance with

Tuba Skinny



International Folk Dance*

with

Dancing Planet

Bumper Car Squares Dance*

-------------

Blues Dance*

with

Capital Blues

Contra Dance and Occasional Squares*

with

Friday Night Dancers


Viennese Waltz Workshop

with

Dance Sport Endurance

-------------

ABC's of Ballroom Dancing Workshop

with

Ballroom Time

-------------

DCLXtra Dance*

with

DCLX

Sarau De Samba/Brazilian Samba Gathering

with

Educarte

-------------

Tango/Milonga

Dance*

with

Tango Brillante

-------------

CONTRASTOCK*

with

Folklore Society of Greater Washington

Wednesday

September 10

Thursday

September 11

Friday

September 12

Saturday

September 13

Sunday

September 14

International Folk Dance*

with

Dancing Planet

Blues Dance*

with

Capital Blues

Contra Dance and Occasional Squares*

with

Friday Night Dancers

-------------

Balboa DJ Dance*

with

Gottaswing

DanceFit:

Shake Your Soul

-------------

Zouk Workshop & Social Dance*

with

District Zouk

-------------

Swing Workshops

with

Capital City Shuffle

-------------

Swing Dance*

with

Craig Gildner & Friends

Second Sunday Barn Dance*

with

Folklore Society of Greater Washington

-------------

Contra Dance*

with

Dancing Planet

-------------

Ballroom Dance*

with

Ballroom Time

-------------

Tango/

Milonga

Dance*

with

Tango Brillante

Wednesday

September 17

Thursday

September 18

Friday

September 19

Saturday

September 20

Sunday

September 21

International Folk Dance*

with

Dancing Planet

Blues Dance*

with

Capital Blues

Back Room Salsa Night Dance*

-------------

Contra Dance and Occasional Squares*

with

Friday Night Dancers

DanceFit:

Shake Your Soul

-------------

Modern Dance Performance

"A Bouquet of Summer Dance"

with

Word Dance Theater

-------------

Contra Dance Calling Workshop Series

with

Folklore Society of Greater Washington

-------------

Bachata y más (Bachata & more) Dance*

-------------

Swing Dance*

with

Gottaswing


Waltz Dance*

with

Waltz Time

-------------

Special

Tango/Milonga

Dance*

in the Spanish Ballroom

with

Orquestra Tipica Messiez

and

Tango Brillante

Wednesday

September 24

Thursday

September 25

Friday

September 26

Saturday

September 27

Sunday

September 28

International Folk Dance*

with

Dancing Planet

Blues Dance*

with

Capital Blues

Contra Dance and Occasional Squares*

with

Friday Night Dancers


DanceFit:

Shake Your Soul

-------------

Swing Dance*

with

Gottaswing


West Coast Swing Dance*

with

Late Night Early

-------------

Tango/Milonga

Dance*

with

Tango Brillante

*Includes beginner lesson & social dance

Partnership-presented social dance or class

Dance class (no social dance)

FREE for kids

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:

Bumper Car Squares

September 4 | October 9 November 6 | December 4

Back Room Salsa Nights

September 19 | October 17 | November 21 | December 19

Bachata y más

September 20 | October 18 | November 22 | December 20

Honky Tonk Dance with Rusty Sal | October 3


To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@glenechopark.org.

glenechopark.org | 301.634.2222

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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.