Home Calendar Classes, Camps & WorkshopsKids and the ParkDanceAbout Glen Echo Park
Saturday, April 28
Come celebrate the 87th season and annual opening of the carousel at Glen Echo Park's Family Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can enjoy entertainment in the Park and learn more about the carousel through tours conducted by the National Park Service. There are many free activities for families, including magic shows, face painting, balloon animals, art projects, roving costumed characters, outdoor activities with Discovery Creek, artist demonstrations and family dances in the Spanish Ballroom. You can also enjoy a performance at the Puppet Co.($8). The carousel will operate from noon to 6 p.m., and will re-open that night for the Strauss Ball. You can view the entire day's activities by downloading this flier. For questions, please call 301.634.2222.
March 31 - April 29
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents the exhibit Adorn Yourself: Jewelry and Wearable Art featuring resident artists, instructors and invited guests. Works on display will include fine jewelry, textiles and wearable art creations. The exhibit will be located in the Popcorn Gallery on the first floor of the North Arcade building and is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. An Opening Reception will be held on March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m.
April 4 -20
Two local photographers, Michael Borek and Michael Lang, will kick-off our documentary month of viewing and conversation.
From the Czech Republic to Mississippi these unique photographers will tell stories and open our eyes to the uniqueness that lies in front of our eyes every day. Opening reception with the artists available for conversation about their images and methods of working. March 10 is a Documentary Workshop day at Photoworks, look for details on our website. The exhibit runs through April 20. Photoworks is a traditional and digital photography studio located in the Arcade building. Gallery hours are Sundays and Wednesdays, 1 to 8 p.m. and at all times during day and evening classes. For an appointment call Karen Keating 301.229.7930 or 301.229.4313. Visit www.glenechophotoworks.org.
Saturdays and Sundays, April 7 - 22
Free exhibits of emerging artist work and art sales. April 7 and 8 feature Kay Lane, April 14 and 15 feature Betsy Cooley, and April 21 and 22 feature Justin Pyles. The Yellow Barn Studio and Gallery is on the 3rd floor of the Arcade building.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
Call 1 301.371.5593 or visit www.yellowbarnstudio.com www.yellowbarnstudio.com.
Sunday, April 15
A photo jam session at Photoworks. Bring photos to a morning critique led by a Photoworks faculty member. Enjoy comradery of your peers along with coffee and bagels and a lively discussion of your images, photo interests and questions. Led by Photoworks staff, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Arcade Building.
Call 301.229.7930 or visit www.glenechophotoworks.org.
April 22 - 29
Third annual exhibit of local area young photographers images. Public and private school photo students are invited to submit work by April 1 for consideration for this exhibition. Opening reception and awards presentation to be announced.
Exhibit runs through May 14. Photoworks is a traditional and digital photography studio located in the Arcade building.
Gallery hours are Sundays and Wednesdays, 1 to 8 p.m. and at all times during day and evening classes.
For an appointment call Karen Keating 301.229.7930 or 301.229.4313.
Visit www.glenechophotoworks.org.
Saturdays and Sundays, April 1 - 29
A 60-minute film documentary is shown at 4 p.m. and highlights the Park's 115-year history from a National Chautauqua Assembly to a premiere amusement park.
Carousel tours start at noon and give visitors a closer look at the beautiful 1921 Dentzel carousel. Find out how it was made, how it works, and about the rest of the amusement park attractions that were built around it. Hear about the civil rights protests and the inspiring story of how the town rallied together to save the carousel. Park tours begin at 2 p.m. and lead visitors through a walking tour of the Park to learn about its fascinating history and the current programs in arts, dance and children's activities. Admission is free for both and all tours are also offered by appointment at 301.320.1400. Films are shown at and tours begin at the visitor's desk in the Arcade Building Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.nps.gov/glec.
Saturdays and Sundays, April 1 - 29
Come visit Discovery Creek Children's Museum Forest Tales exhibition! Spend quality time with the entire family while participating in engaging science and nature activities, encounter live animals, play in an oversized sandpit, take an interpretive hike, create crafts, and more! April is Earth Appreciation month, come and give Mother Nature a hug. We're celebrating Earth Day all month as we learn about recycling and protecting the only planet we've got! At the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members and children under 2: free, nonmembers: $5. Teachers bring your class in from Tuesday through Friday call 202.337.5111 to make arrangements or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
Saturdays and Sundays, April 1 - 22
Adventure Theatre presents "Alexander Who is Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move." Alexander has another very bad, no good day -- this time when he learns that his family is moving. Alexander doesn't want to go but, through laughter and song, we join him as he finds his way home. Performances on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through April 22. $8 for children and adults. Playing time is approximately 1 hour.
ASL interpretation Sunday, April 22,
1:30 p.m. Call 301.320.5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Tuesdays, April 3 - 24
Adventure Theatre and the Clara Barton House present "Clara Barton: The Courage Within." As founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton was one of the most esteemed leaders of her time.
From a challenging childhood to her Civil War work, Clara's amazing life is portrayed on stage at Adventure Theatre, followed by a National Park Service tour of her historic home. Performances on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. $8 for children and adults, grade three through six.
Call 301.320.5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
April 4 - 8
Puppet Co. presents its most elaborate full marionette production "Mozart's
- The Magic Flute." Christopher Piper's adaptation of Mozart's fantasy opera is a clear, understandable hour of beautiful music, dazzling special effects, and exquisite marionettes in fantastic animal shapes. Sung on tape in English by a talented local group of professional singers, this is the perfect introduction for children to great music.
Weekend performances only, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. through April 8. Recommended for grade 1 through adult. $8 for adults and children. Playing time 50 minutes. ASL interpretation Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m. Call
301.320.6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Thursdays, April 5 - 26
Adventure Theatre presents "Radish Rabbit and the Dangerous Mugwump (and Chicken Little Too!)." Two well-known tales come together in a feel-good musical comedy about celebrating who we are.
Performances on Thursdays at 10 a.m. through May 2007. $5 for children and adults, recommended for pre-K through second grade. Playing time is approximately 1 hour.
Call 301.320.5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Saturday and Sunday, April 7 - 8
Step into your harness, stretch out your limbs and get ready to climb at Discovery Creek Children's Museum! Put your skills to the test as you scale the Museum's Climb Wall. View the Forest Tales exhibit, explore the trails that lead to the creek, and get crafty with arts and crafts. Climb Wall activities are included with the price of admission to Discovery Creek.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ages 4-9). Members and children under 2 are free, $5 for nonmembers.
In the event of inclement weather, the Climb Wall will be closed. At the Stable at Glen Echo Park, located near the park entrance. Call 202.337.5111 or visit www.discoverycreek.org.
April 11 - 18
Puppet Co. presents "Jack and the Beanstalk." Fe-fi-fo-fum. A timely version of the classic children's tale about the young lad that doesn't know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. Jack finds that happiness lies in helping others rather than mere personal gain. Told with rod puppets and some surprising twists, Jack has long been a favorite of our audiences. Performances Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.
and 1 p.m. through May 31. Recommended for grade K through grade 6. $8 for adults and children. Playing time 50 minutes. ASL interpretation Sunday, May 6, 1 p.m.
Call 301.320.6668 or visit www.thepuppetco.org.
Ongoing
Adventure Theatre introduces a new Book Club for kids featuring best-selling children's books from its 2007 Season of weekend performances. Kids will experience the journey of reading the books at home to seeing the plays unfold before their eyes on stage at Adventure Theatre. Call 301.320.5331 or visit www.adventuretheatre.org.
Saturday, April 28 - 29
One of the Washington area's local treasures--the historic Glen Echo Park Dentzel Carousel--will open for its 86th season on April 28 through September 30. Hours for April 28 through June 30 are Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $1. Call 301.634.2222.
Dances at Glen Echo Park are presented by a variety of dance presenters. If you have a question about a dance, or if you want to volunteer for a dance, please contact the dance presenter directly. Here is a list of the presenters and their contact information:
Sunday, April 1
Waltz Time presents a beginning Waltz lesson from 3 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes by Blue Bamboo, a fabulous waltz ensemble with musicians Barbara Heitz, Ralph Gordon, Elke Baker, Marc Glickman, and John Devine. This band will offer a mix of waltzes and other couple dances that are sure to please everyone. The dancing runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
and cost for lesson and dance is only $8. Everything happens in the Spanish Ballroom, no partner required.
For more information, visit www.waltztimedances.org, call 202.238.0230, or email
info@waltztimedances.org.
Sunday, April 1
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
$10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom. Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Sunday, April 1
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a mostly Blues Dance with Clarence "The Bluesman" Turner Band. Clarence Turner joins forces with the talented musicians from ACME Blues Company to create a high-energy electric blues band that plays original material and a mix of traditional and contemporary blues music, including classic cover tunes going back through the history of blues music. If you like Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King, Tommy Castro, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, then you'll love this band! For dancers who want to learn more about slow blues dancing, Mike Marcotte and Donna Barker will offer a blues lesson from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This extended, 1-1/2 hour workshop offers footwork, moves and lead/follow techniques for dancing to slow, blues tunes. No partner required. Cost for the lesson and dance is $17, or attend just the dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. for $12, in the Bumper Car Pavilion.
Contact
dbarker@glenechopark.org or call 301.634.2231 for more information. You can also visit www.dancedc.com for more information.
Friday, April 6
The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes.
Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. to Taylor Among the Devils with Marty Taylor on recorders and concertina, Steve Hickman on fiddle, and Jonathan Jensen on piano. Cost $8, in the Spanish Ballroom.
Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Friday, April 6
Crawfish Productions presents the first Zydeco dance of the 2007 season!
It's a Good time Friday, when Dikki Du and the Zydeco Crew perform at the Park. Come hear the youngest son of the legendary Roy Carrier belt out the traditional tunes and push the frontiers of zydeco music. Beginning zydeco lesson at 8pm is followed by dancing from
9 p.m. midnight. Admission $15, in the Bumper Car Pavilion.
Call (301) 309-0895 for more information.
Saturday, April 7
The Washington Swing Dance Committee is pleased to present a WSDC Band Jam!
We have invited a dozen of our favorite and extremely talented musicians to share the stage for a very special night of continuous live music. Come experience the magic that happens when musicians' improvisational energy inspires the dancer, and the dancer inspires the musician!
Currently our musician line-up includes: Big Joe Maher and Barry Hart on drums; Steve Wolf and John Previti on bass; Robert Redd and John Cocuzzi on piano; Chuck Redd and John Cocuzzi on vibes; Bruce Swaim on Sax; John Jensen on Trombone; Vince McCool on Trumpet; Billy Hancock and Marianna Previti guest vocalists.
Beginner Swing dance lesson 8 to 9 p.m., dance 9 p.m. to midnight, in the Spanish Ballroom. $15 or volunteer for one hour and get in free. Email Derek at wsdcvolunteer@hotmail.com.
Dress is casual and no partner or dance experience is necessary. All ages are welcome. Call 301.340.9732 or visit www.wsdc.org
Sunday, April 8
The family dance program is a wonderful addition to the other family-oriented programs at Glen Echo Park. Spend the afternoon dancing with your children. Each of the family dances features live music and dance calling from 3-5 p.m. in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Bring your entire family, neighbors, church or synagogue group, birthday party, and girl or boy scout troop.
General admission, $5. Produced by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington.
Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Sunday, April 8
The La Salle Dance Orchestra invites you to enjoy an afternoon dancing to the popular music of the 1920's and 30's.
Whether it's a fabulous foxtrot, a lovey waltz, a tantalizing tango, a romantic rhumba, or a bit of early Swing, you're guaranteed a pleasurable afternoon in the beautiful Spanish Ballroom.
Marc and Ellen are always on hand to teach a class at 3 p.m. and downbeat for the orchestra is 3:30 p.m. We play three sets of great music until 6 p.m. so come out and join in the fun. The cost is only $8 including the lesson.
Call 703.425.7926 or visit www.lasalledanceorchestra.com.
Sunday, April 8
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
$10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom.
Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Friday, April 13
The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes.
Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. to the Glen Echo Open Band. Cost $8, in the Spanish Ballroom.
Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Friday, April 13
The Washington DC Lindy Exchange (DCLX) kicks off its sixth annual lindy exchange with New York City's Dreamland Dance Orchestra! The band is well loved in its native city, and DCLX is thrilled to be bringing them down to show off their hard-swinging, hot jazz on the crowd. Come join dancers from the Washington, DC area and around the country as we start one of the best weekends of dancing in DC! Beginner swing lesson 8 - 9 p.m., dancing 9 p.m. - 12 midnight. $15, in the Bumper Car Pavilion. For more information about this night and the other incredible events this weekend, visit www.dclx.org.
Sunday, April 15
Waltz Time presents a beginning Waltz lesson from 3 to 3:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon of waltzes by Cabaret Sauvignon with musicians Paul Oorts, Karen Ashbrook, Andrea Hoag, and Dave Wiesler.
This band will charm you with their vibrant and imaginative musical interpretations of different waltzes. The dancing runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and admission for the whole afternoon is only $8. Lesson and dancing in the Spanish Ballroom, no partner required. For more information, visit www.waltztimedances.org, call 202.238.0230, or email
info@waltztimedances.org.
Sunday, April 15
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
$10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom. Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Friday, April 20
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents a double-band Swing Dance with the Blue Crescent Quintette and the Red Hot Rhythm Chiefs! Don't miss this debut evening featuring the "new" with the "familiar" and enjoy the incredible versatility of our talented local musicians. First, warm up to the incredible Blue Crescent Quintette, a project of Craig Gildner, David Sager, Pete Ostle, Howard Kadison, and Gary Gregg. "Music on the spot... No net... No rehearsal... Make it sound wonderful" - Blue Crescent is an extension of that concept - no complex arrangements, no painstaking rehearsals - just five guys with an extensive knowledge of classic jazz and their own unique musical fingerprint. Swing in the raw. Then, follow that with the NEW Red Hot Rhythm Chiefs, brainchild of guitarists Craig Gildner and Jeff Reynolds. They are an acoustic string quartet, blending upright bass, two or three guitars, and fiddle for a sound evoking the late 1920's early 30's style of Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang groups. The five together equal energy, excitement and spontaneity. This is going to be a HOT dance!
Introductory Swing lesson with Donna Barker from 8 - 9 p.m. is followed by dancing until midnight. Admission is $13, in the Spanish Ballroom. All proceeds benefit Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc.
Contact dbarker@glenechopark.org or call
301.634.2231 for more information.
The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes. Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. to the band Old 78s with musicians Curly Miller and Carole Anne Rose. Cost $8, in the Bumper Car Pavilion. Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Saturday, April 21
High Energy Productions presents the 2nd Annual DC SALSA RUEDA FIESTA featuring Salsa and Rueda lessons from guest instructors, music and dancing until 1 a.m., and Salsa performances. Help us break last year's Big Rueda record at Glen Echo Park's Spanish Ballroom! Come early for Rueda and Salsa classes, followed by dancing to Sin Miedo, and performances by the best DC Rueda groups and salsa couples. Activities include:
7:00 p.m. - Salsa & Rueda Lessons (all levels)
8:00 p.m. - Salsa & Rueda Lessons (all levels)
9:30 p.m. - Performances by Latin Motion, RuedaUSA, SAOCO & DC Casineros
10:00 p.m. - The Big Rueda
11:00 p.m. - Performances by Clave Kazi, Azucar, Dance in Time & SonMas
Admission is $15 for the entire evening from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. Visit www.oohsalsa.com for more information.
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. $10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom. Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.
Friday, April 27
The Glen Echo Park Partnership presents "Swingin' the Blues" with BG & the Blues Boys, a dynamic, Washington, DC based band that performs a variety of styles including down home Delta Blues, Swing, traditional Chicago Blues, Jump Blues, and Texas Boogie. Band leader Brian Gross and his crew of talented musicians distinguish their sound from other blues bands by playing with feeling, and that's what blues music is all about! This night offers dancers the choice of TWO different pre-dance workshops. Choose either an introductory West Coast Swing lesson with Helen Tocco, or a slow Blues lesson with Mike and Donna, from 8 - 9 p.m. Then follow that with great live music and dancing until Midnight. Admission is $13, in the Bumper Car Pavilion and includes the lesson of your choice! All proceeds benefit Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture Inc. Contact dbarker@glenechopark.org or call 301.634.2231 for more information.
Friday, April 27
The Friday Night Dancers presents traditional American dancing including contra dances, square dances, and several waltzes.
Contra dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. to Bill Olson calling to Ti Acadie with Pam Weeks (fiddle and mountain dulcimer); Jim Joseph (button accordion, banjo, mandolin, & feet); and Bill Olson (guitar & bass).
Cost $9, in the Spanish Ballroom.
Contact info@fridaynightdance.org, or visit www.fridaynightdance.org.
Saturday, April 28
Waltz Time presents the 24th Annual "Evening With Strauss Waltz Ball" - an evening of Viennese Waltz in the beautiful Spanish Ballroom. This special benefit dance for Glen Echo Park includes a Viennese Waltz lesson from 8 - 9 p.m., followed by a superbly prepared program of classical waltzes from 9 p.m. - midnight in the style of "Old Vienna"
with musicians Dave Wiesler, Alexander Mitchell, Ralph Gordon, and Barbara Heitz. Dancers are encouraged to wear formal attire. In keeping with this 24-year tradition, the wonderfully restored Dentzel Carousel will be open for dancers to enjoy rides until 11 p.m. No partner required, Cost $15, all net proceeds benefit the Glen Echo Park Partnership.
For more information, visit www.waltztimedances.org, call 202.238.0230, or email
info@waltztimedances.org.
Sunday, April 29
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington presents traditional American dancing with a focus on New England style contra dances, and including square dances, country mixers, waltzes and other couple dances. All dances are taught, and no partner is necessary. The newcomers' welcome lesson is at 7 p.m., followed by called dances from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
$10 nonmembers/$8 FSGW members, in the Spanish Ballroom. Call 202.518.1299 or visit www.fsgw.org.