We host rockin’ square dances at Saint Stephens Church in DC’s Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights neighborhood. Every dance has a live caller and live music.

Our dances are open to all ages and experience levels. No prior dance experience, lessons or special getups needed. Just come out and dance!

Upcoming Dances

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    Safe space policy

    The DC Square Dance is intended to be a safe, welcoming space for all dancers. Disruptive, aggressive, threatening, harassing, dangerous, or inappropriate behavior has no place here and will not be tolerated. We encourage a culture of proactive consent: If you are unsure whether a particular dancer wants to interact with you in a particular way, ask.

    If anybody is behaving in a way that makes the dance less safe for you or for another dancer, please speak with one of the volunteers who help run the dance so that we can address the issue. Volunteers can be found at the front entrance table and throughout the hall. If you wish to make a report after the dance is over, please email dcsquaredance@gmail.com

    About the DC Square Dance

    Used to be that square dancing could be found in almost any American city or town, danced by young and old, black and white, urban and rural folks alike. Today, it’s making a comeback as people re-discover the joy of a foot-stomping, rollicking, barn-shaking dance party.

    Never been square dancing before? Don’t worry! It’s easy to learn and requires no previous experience. You don’t need to bring a partner or wear any special outfit. We always have live music and a caller to walk you through the dances. Check out this video for a glimpse of what the dance is like.


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    Who are we?

    The DC Square Dance Collective is a group of music and dance lovers who volunteer their time to make the dance happen. We are, in no particular order: Janine Smith, Bradley Kennedy, Gabe Popkin, Kaythi Han, Stan Fowler, Michael Lyons, Brent Feito, Andrew Hunt, Dave Hauver, Anna Purinton, Joel Bluestein, Don Fahey, and Lucia Schaefer. Past members include Paul Brown, Julia Feder, Rose Mohan, Brandt Ryder, Kaitlin Rienzo-Stack, Scott Prouty and Cynthia Connolly.

    We’re looking for new Collective members! Email dcsquaredance@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining or to learn more.

    Booking

    Please email dcsquaredance@gmail.com if you are interested in calling or playing our dance.

    Partners

    We are a part of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. And we couldn’t do it without the help of the wonderful folks at Saint Stephens Church.