Beginner Classes

Taught by Lily Matini and David Lee
Contact [email protected] and [email protected]
Monday nights, April 27-June 1 (5 weeks)
NOTE: No class on Monday, May 25
7:30-8:30pm
$120
Registration through GlenEchoPark.org

Boogie Woogie is an offshoot of Lindy Hop that developed with the change in musical styles from Big Band to early Rock & Roll and Boogie Woogie piano.  The dance typically involves quick footwork, playful turns, and creative patterns that reflect the improvisational spirit of Boogie Woogie music. Lily and David (see them in action in this dance jam clip) will teach you how to transform your swing dancing into this beautiful style. Suitable for intermediate-level students.

Ballroom Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

Taught by Lily Matini and David Lee
Contact [email protected] and [email protected]
Monday nights, April 27-June 1 (5 weeks)
NOTE: No class on Monday, May 25
7:30-8:30pm
$120
Registration through GlenEchoPark.org

Boogie Woogie is an offshoot of Lindy Hop that developed with the change in musical styles from Big Band to early Rock & Roll and Boogie Woogie piano.  The dance typically involves quick footwork, playful turns, and creative patterns that reflect the improvisational spirit of Boogie Woogie music. Lily and David (see them in action in this dance jam clip) will teach you how to transform your swing dancing into this beautiful style. Suitable for intermediate-level students.

Ballroom Back Room at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
Contact [email protected]
Saturday, July 25
1:15-2:15pm
$20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
$30/door

Carla and Rye look at some interesting ways to combine transitions and keep the flow going in the world of Charleston. Intermediate-level dancers.

Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
Contact [email protected]
Saturday, July 25
1:15-2:15pm
$20/person advance registration (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
$30/door

Carla and Rye look at some interesting ways to combine transitions and keep the flow going in the world of Charleston.

Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
Contact [email protected]
Saturday, July 25
2:30-4pm
$25/person advance registration; YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
$35/door

Carla and Rye teach a short, dynamic and fun routine built on social dance ideas with a bit of sparkle. You’ll perform that evening at the dance with GRACE STREET SEVEN in the Spanish Ballroom during the band break—fun!!! (Yes, you have to pay admission to the dance.) YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS. Intermediate-level dancers.

Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812

Taught by Carla and Rye Crowen
Contact [email protected]
Saturday, July 25
2:30-4pm
$25/person advance registration; YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS (advance registration closes Friday, July 24 at 11:30pm)
$35/door

Carla and Rye teach a short, dynamic and fun routine built on social dance ideas with a bit of sparkle. You’ll perform that evening at the dance with GRACE STREET SEVEN in the Spanish Ballroom during the band break—fun!!! (Yes, you have to pay admission to the dance.) YOU MUST HAVE A PARTNER FOR THIS CLASS. Intermediate-level dancers.

Carla Crowen (formerly Carla Heiney) is a celebrated Lindy Hop and vintage swing dance instructor known around the world. Formerly based in the DC metro area and later in San Francisco, she now resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Carla is a US Open Swing Dance Champion and holds some of the most prestigious titles in the swing dance world. She has choreographed and served as creative director for national television productions, including So You Think You Can Dance, has appeared in films, and is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Rye Crowen is a seasoned swing dancer, instructor, and pillar of the dance community. Over the years, he has been a member of several prestigious dance groups, including the renowned Lindy Hop performance team The 3 Minute Maniacs in San Francisco, the hip hop group Loose Change in San Francisco, JT Swings in the DC area, and many more. Along with Carla, Rye co-leads The Rhythm Lounge in Central Pennsylvania. Together, this energetic and enthusiastic couple brings decades of experience, joy, creativity, and inspiration to the dance floor. Outside of dance, Carla and Rye are avid book lovers, devoted cat parents, and a homeschooling family who deeply appreciate a delicious pour-over coffee and the simple joys of connection and community. We are delighted to share them once again with DC dancers as they invite you to KICK IT UP A NOTCH!

Ballroom Back Room at the Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812