Swing Dancing at Glen Echo

Picture this: At 8pm, at least, a hundred people, who are mostly strangers to each other, form two lines according to gender. Each gender line faces each other from opposites sides of the room. In front of the stage, the dance instructors motions for each line to walk towards them. As they pass the instructors, they make a sharp turn, moving down the center of the room towards the back with a partner from the other line. Once the couples reach the end of the room they walk to the inner perimeter of the room with their partner. When it has been completed, a circle of couples have been created. The gals are on the outside and the guys are on the inside. The dance instructors breaks up the dance instruction into very short dance modules lasting about two to three minutes. After each instruction module, the guys rotate to the next gal. This continues for about forty-five minutes. By the time it is finished, most people have the rudimentary skills to dance with confidence when the dance session begins at 9pm. It turns a group of strangers into a group of people who have had a chance to interact on the dance floor. In other words, you aren't a stranger anymore to most of the people and this makes it much easier to approach one another to dance. You get a chance to dance with the young and the old alike. It is not unusual to have young teenagers mixed in the crowd. Bring the wife, bring the older obedient kids, bring your nephew, bring a friend, bring a date. This is an experience you don't want to miss.
No alcohol and the canteen closes at 10pm. No drinks are allowed on the dance floor. Water fountains are available. The cost is $15 at the door and everyone can dance to the live band until midnight. You do not have to attend the dance lesson. You can arrive at anytime after 8pm.