West Coast Swing
Social Dancing
Casual Drop-in Lessons
Hollywood Ballroom – Silver Spring, MD
EVERY FRIDAY
First, Friday, Free! November 1st is the start of our next beginner class series. New students should join on a first Friday. Experienced students may drop in anytime. The first 50, New, 1st Time students registered for the the start of this series may get a free admission. Here’s how:
- Pre-register before noon Friday
- Arrive before the start of the class at 7:30pm.
- Free admission is only offered first Fridays and limited to the first 50 new students that pre-register.
- If the $0 item is not shown in the registration menu, it has sold out.
How to register, Admissions are sold online. There are no at the door cash sales. Everyone must create an account using the SWING DANCER portal, agree to follow the safety rules and code of conduct. It’s easy! You can use a smartphone to purchase online anytime. Just give your name to our greeter when you arrive!
NEW! “Teacher Tune-Ups” A great way to get personal, individual help with your dance goals. $15 buys you 10 minutes (1 session) with an expert West Coast Swing instructor. They will identify things to help you right away, diagnose problems and give you a customized plan for success. (6) spots are available 9:30-10:30pm in the studio at Hollywood. Pre- register when you buy a Friday admission.
October 18, Kay Newhouse OR Rachel Phelps
- 7pm Doors open & warm up music
- 7:30pm Progressive Basic Beginner Class series (starts on 1st Fridays, runs monthly)
- 7:30pm Drop in Beginner2 Class (for those who have functional basics)
- 8:15pm Intermediate Class – Drop in anytime
- 9pm – 1am Social dance party!
- 9:30 – 10:30pm Teacher Tune Ups
- DJs: Dave Moldover, Rachel, Ian, John, Casey, Stef, Geoff and more!
- Buffet style fruit, snacks, desserts and soft drinks.
- Alcohol beverages for sale (No outside Alcohol)
ABOUT DANCE JAM PRODUCTIONS
WEEKLY LESSONS & Dances
Dave Moldover’s Dance Jam Productions team has sponsored weekly West Coast Swing lessons and social dance parties in the DC area for over 20 years. Friday nights have been the area’s largest for many years. Hollywood Ballroom is the perfect venue for all this fun with a giant 7,200 SF floating hardwood dance floor. We also offer smaller groups lessons, private lessons and open practice sessions at our home studio.
WHAT?
West Coast Swing is one of today’s most fun, exciting, casual and versatile, contemporary social dances. The experience is something anyone can enjoy. The crowd is very diverse, friendly and inclusive. Our goal is to help everyone feel safe and welcome. No partner or experience is required. Every evening begins with group lessons. The party that follows has become legendary for attracting over 200 friendly dancers from near and far. There is a well stocked snack bar with fresh fruit, veggies, desserts and more. Soft drinks and ice water are included. Alcohol beverages are for sale at the bar. There are tables and social spaces off the dance floor for taking a break or mingling. Many dancers are long time regulars who have been dancing with us for decades others are new to this group. We have a Code of Conduct to help everyone understand some ways we can all help to keep our social dance community fun and safe for everyone to enjoy.
WHEN?
Dances are held EVERY Friday except for an occasional holiday or when we close in support of 3 annual all weekend events. Scheduled closings will be listed here. If bad weather is forecast, please check this page for last minute information. Join our email list at the bottom of this page to receive weekly updates.
WHERE?
Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center (301) 326-1181 2126 Industrial Parkway Silver Spring, MD 20904 Located a block off Rt. 29 in Montgomery County between Randolph Road and New Hampshire Ave. Across from DMV. Minutes from the ICC, I-95, I-495. 20 minutes south of Columbia. Parking is free, easy, well lit and abundant in the surrounding lot. Map
ABOUT THE VENUE
Hollywood Ballroom has decades of history of hosting social dance groups and private events. It features an impressive, 7200 square foot, floating maple dance floor in a decorated, air conditioned, ballroom. County law prohibits outside alcohol beverages. The ballroom is non-smoking.
Many familiar restaurants are a short 1 block walk from the ballroom. It’s easy to plan a dinner meetup or a late night stop – TGI Fridays(2am), IHOP(24hrs). There is a Hilton Garden Inn next door if overnight accommodation is needed. Googlemap
BEGINNER CLASS SERIES
New students should start on week 1 of this 4 week series. This is the very best way to help a friend, family member or co-worker get started. Classes run as a monthly series, beginning each first Friday of the month. Dave Moldover and the Dance Jam teaching team will help everyone learn the foundation patterns and fundaments in a friendly, supportive and inclusive group class. Partners not required. No experience is necessary. All you need is a desire to meet people and learn a new social skill. We will switch partners frequently in class. Experienced dancers are encouraged to participate. It’s great practice for all levels.
BEGINNER 2 (drop in format)
For students who can reliably lead or follow the foundation patterns. Social dance experience is required. You'll learn common variations and the technique that makes them fun. The content and teachers will rotate weekly. Experienced dancers are encouraged to participate. It’s great practice and warm up for all levels. - Starter step - Closed to open basics - Passing Tucks - Free Spin - Reverse Whip - Inside Roll - Outside Turn - Right side hip catch cut off - Turns on second half of the whip - Open whip (aka Hustle Whip) - Sugar push variations - Roll in, roll out - Rock n go
Instructional Videos Brian B. OR Kyle & Sarah