Log in

English Country Dances


All in-person English country dances beginning with the August 4th dance until further notice are canceled.  Due to concern about the delta variant, the FSGW Board has decided to stop holding in-person events.  The FSGW Board will consider whether to resume holding in-person events at their September 7th meeting.  

In-person dances will resume on July 28th with appropriate COVID-19 precautions (see below)  There is an attendance cap, so we suggest that you register well in advance to be assured of a space.  Registration will open on Thursdays (mid-morning), 6 days before each dance.  Click on the dance for the upcoming week at the bottom of this page under "Upcoming English Country Dances" to start registration.  See "Check-in" below for special check-in procedures that we have implemented to accommodate our COVID-19 precautions.

The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments.  The crowd is friendly; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up.  

We dance in the upstairs community room of the Glen Echo Town Hall, which has a springy wood floor and is air-conditioned for dancing comfort in hot weather.  Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave.

Plus we host an annual ball. Every year in May, usually on the 2nd Saturday, we hold a dress-up ball, the Washington Spring Ball.

Online dancing continues on Zoom:   Beginning August Thursday 12th 2021, we will host online dances via Zoom the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 8 pm to 10 pm.   Interested? See the schedule on the English Country Dance (on-line) . 


In-person ECD dances at Glen Echo Town Hall

 When: Wednesday from 8:00 - 10:30 p.m.
We dance every Wednesday throughout the year, unless that day is a major holiday. However, note we only post our schedule of upcoming dances for the next 1 to 2 months.
 Where: Glen Echo Town Hall.   6106 Harvard Ave, Glen Echo MD  20812   Directions to Glen Echo Town Hall
 Admission:  $12  Members  (FSGW, BFMS, ATDS, CDSS)
 $  7  Students, and those with limited income
 $14  Others

You may pay online when you register or pay at the door.  Glen Echo residents and those wishing to redeem a 2nd time free card should contact ecd@fsgw.org to reserve a space for a given dance.

Safety:        In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are observing the following procedures for the safety of our community.        These procedures are consistent with the FSGW Policy regarding COVID-19 and Participation at In-Person Events.

  • Attendance is capped at 40 attendees (not including performers).
  • All attendees must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination.
  • We will have open windows with fans to improve ventilation whenever the weather permits.
  • We will check temperatures at the door with a forehead scanner thermometer, and verify that attendees are feeling well.
  • We will collect contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) in case it becomes necessary to contact attendees if one of our attendees tests positive for COVID.

  • Given the rapid spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant and evidence that this variant spreads between vaccinated individuals more readily than other variants, we are now requiring that dancers wear level III medical masks, N-95 masks, or other highly effective masks.  Callers and musicians are encouraged, but not required to wear masks.  We will have a supply of level III medical masks at the door for your use.

Check-in: The following procedures will help us start the dance smoothly while our safety procedures are in effect.

  • Please plan on arriving at Town Hall between 7:15-7:30 to allow sufficient time for check-in; there may be a queue. 
  • The first time you attend a dance on or after 7/28/2021, you must show proof of vaccination completed at least 2 weeks before the dance and provide a phone number for contact tracing.
  • We will take forehead temperatures and inquire verbally about wellness.
  • If you paid when registering, it will speed check-in if you have the confirmation email on your phone or printed.
  • If you did not pay when registering, it will speed check-in if you have the invoice email on your phone or printed.

    Questions?  Email English Country Dance  or call Anna Rain at 240-645-8482.    

    Upcoming English Country Dances

    Copyright 2018 The Folklore Society of Greater Washington

    Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software