Spring Ball - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Period dress is not required for Ball attendees. Dancers at past Balls have worn formal modern wear, as well as period dress. If you feel comfortable and festive, you'll feel appropriately dressed.

Shoes: Dancers should wear comfortable shoes with soft non- marking soles to help protect the wooden dance floor.

The Spring Ball is a fun and welcoming event with a line-up of dances to appeal to most dancers and is not a "for those who know" event.

For the enjoyment of all, we suggest that dancers avail themselves of opportunities to practice ball dances before the day of the Ball.

Instructions, videos, and sheet music for dances will be made available on our event homepage after the program has been decided under the Tab PROGRAM. Instructions for Ball dances will also be available at the practice session and available at the ball for those who do not attend the practice.

Ball dances will be taught during FSGW's weekly Wednesday night ECD at Glen Echo Town Hall. Dancers are encouraged to attend these events to learn basic figures and Ball dances.

A practice review session will be held from 2-5 pm on the afternoon of the ball. See "Where can dancers obtain instructions for the dances?" for more info.

During the Ball, prior to each dance, talk through instructions will be given. There will be prompting (calling) as each dance begins for a couple of rounds. Additional prompting will be given as necessary.

There is a two (2) hour break between the practice dance session and the beginning of the Ball. You may wish to find dinner and/or change clothing during this time.

There are nearby restaurants within walking distance.

During the Ball, we will pause midway for light refreshments and drinks that will be provided.

Water will be available during the event.

The Ballroom at the Silver Spring Civic Building is air conditioned with a wooden floor well suited for dancing. It is a GBAC Star Accredited facility equipped with MERV13 air filters.

The Civic Building is located on a plaza with nearby restaurants, shops, and hotels. A list of restaurants will be available at the registration desk.

Yes, there will be changing rooms available.

Paid parking is available on street and in a large county garage across Ellsworth Street from the Ballroom. Free parking on weekends is no longer available.

The METRO Red Line runs to Silver Spring and from the station there is about 1/2 mile walk to the Civic Building at 1 Veterans Plaza.

Limited housing, provided by local, volunteer dancers, will be available on a first- come-first-served basis. Apply for hospitality on registration forms.

Early requests are encouraged to provide time for organizers to make arrangements.

There are several hotels near the dance venue, some within walking distance. Search Google for "hotels near Veterans Plaza PlacePlaza, Silver Spring." Hotels near and to the north of the Ball venue have the best ambience.

Work scholarships are available to those who need assistance paying for admission. Contact the Ball Chair or Registrar for information about availability.

Discounted admission prices for students apply to full-time students up to age 25. Attendees applying for a student discount may be asked to show proof of student status and age. Discounts on admission are intended to provide students, who may have limited means, the opportunity to participate in English Country Dance activities.

Note that there are also discounts for early registration.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed. Opportunities include:

Contact the Ball Chair or Registrar to volunteer

Masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94) and vaccinations are suggested but not required.

Consult the main Washington Spring Ball page for more information (e.g., to view the program of dances, to register, etc.).

Consult the main Washington Spring Ball page for more information as it becomes available (e.g., to view the program of dances, to register, etc.). If your questions are still unanswered, send an email to Linda Marshal or Nancy English at ECD.Ball.Chair@fsgw.org (or ecd.registrar@fsgw.org for registration specific questions).