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Beginner and Intermediate
what is hand dancing
Hand dancing, also known as D.C. Hand Dancing or D.C. Swing, is a form of swing dance traced back to the 1920s with roots in the Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug. The term "Hand Dance" in its simplistic form means partners dance together holding hands.
This full-contact dance incorporates delicate hand and smooth footwork movements with close-in intricate steps and turns.
Hand Dancing faded a bit during the disco era. However, it resurfaced in the 1980s in the D.C. community as they developed their unique dance style.
In 1993, the Smithsonian Institution recognized Hand Dance as an American Art Form, and the D.C. Council recognized Hand Dance as the Official Dance of the District of Columbia.
Check out our Hand Dance videos.
This full-contact dance incorporates delicate hand and smooth footwork movements with close-in intricate steps and turns.
Hand Dancing faded a bit during the disco era. However, it resurfaced in the 1980s in the D.C. community as they developed their unique dance style.
In 1993, the Smithsonian Institution recognized Hand Dance as an American Art Form, and the D.C. Council recognized Hand Dance as the Official Dance of the District of Columbia.
Check out our Hand Dance videos.
classes
Chat with the Odyssey AI Agent for information
Hand Dance Classes
Hand Dance Lessons are grouped into 12-class sessions.
*We accept Beginner Students up to Class 3.
*Click our calendar to see where we are now.
Beginner Level Hand Dance Classes are 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm for students with little or no Hand Dance experience.
Intermediate Level Hand Dance Classes are 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm for students with solid Beginner Level Hand Dance skills who are ready for more complex dance.
You don't have to bring a partner. You'll dance with other students and staff.
Click here to register:
*We accept Beginner Students up to Class 3.
*Click our calendar to see where we are now.
Beginner Level Hand Dance Classes are 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm for students with little or no Hand Dance experience.
Intermediate Level Hand Dance Classes are 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm for students with solid Beginner Level Hand Dance skills who are ready for more complex dance.
You don't have to bring a partner. You'll dance with other students and staff.
Click here to register:
Bop Dance Classes
Bop Dance is the slower version of D.C. Style Hand Dance. The foundation steps are easier to learn and include most of the same steps as Hand Dance.
Lessons are offered several times each year for beginner and experienced dancers.
*Click here to view our calendar to find the next scheduled Bop Class.
Classes are on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM at a cost of $15 per class.
You may bring your partner, but expect to dance with other students and staff.
Click here to register:
Lessons are offered several times each year for beginner and experienced dancers.
*Click here to view our calendar to find the next scheduled Bop Class.
Classes are on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM at a cost of $15 per class.
You may bring your partner, but expect to dance with other students and staff.
Click here to register:
Pricing
The full 12-class Hand Dance Session is $165.
New students are charged a one-time membership fee of $5.
Individual, drop-in classes are $15.
*All payments are made during registration and are final. Refunds are not offered for missed classes.
Click here to register:
New students are charged a one-time membership fee of $5.
Individual, drop-in classes are $15.
*All payments are made during registration and are final. Refunds are not offered for missed classes.
Click here to register:
Location
All classes are held on Tuesdays at the Lanham Skating Center, 9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD.
Directions:
Directions:
Dance Shoes
Dance shoes are not required but are recommended.
*Shoes worn from outside are not allowed on the dance floor. You must carry in the shoes you intend to dance in.
Heavy cotton socks or slip-over shoe covers are a suitable alternative and are available for sale in class.
Dance Shoe Suggestions:
*Shoes worn from outside are not allowed on the dance floor. You must carry in the shoes you intend to dance in.
Heavy cotton socks or slip-over shoe covers are a suitable alternative and are available for sale in class.
Dance Shoe Suggestions:
contact
- 9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD, USA
- +1-301-704-8568 - Carl Davis
- Carl.Davis@Odyssey-hda.com
- Tuesday evenings - 7:30 - 9:30
calendars
about
Odyssey Customer Agent
Get live answers to your questions
Hand Dance Classes
Beginner and Intermediate Classes
Team Odyssey
Our team of instructors has a combined total of over 30 years of teaching experience.
Our Students
Our students come from all walks of life, all looking to learn to Hand Dance.
Class Structure
12-Class Hand Dance Sessions Beginner and Intermediate Starting at 7:30 PM
Field Trips
Social dance events to practice your new skills
reviews
Search Odyssey Hand Dance Academy on Google for a full list of reviews
dance shoes
Dance shoes improve your ability to spin and turn as you dance.
*Outside shoes are not allowed on the dance floor. You must carry in the shoes you intend to dance in.
Heavy cotton socks or slip-over shoe covers are a suitable alternative and are available for sale in class.
Ballroom shoes with a suede or felt sole are the best option for Hand Dancing. Leather-soled shoes grip the floor and don't allow for smooth Hand Dancing.
A standard ladies' dance shoe featuring a 1 to 1.5-inch Cuban heel is a popular choice. Any heel higher than 1.5 inches could be challenging for beginners. Those who prefer a flat shoe with no heel might consider a slip-on jazz shoe.
Amazon offers a wide variety of shoes for ladies and shoes for men.
Another shoe to consider is a Women/Men Standard Practice Social Dance Sneaker Beginner Ballroom Dancing Shoes.
If you're not quite ready to buy dance shoes, you can buy suede stick-on sheets to attach to a pair of shoes you already have.
*Outside shoes are not allowed on the dance floor. You must carry in the shoes you intend to dance in.
Heavy cotton socks or slip-over shoe covers are a suitable alternative and are available for sale in class.
Ballroom shoes with a suede or felt sole are the best option for Hand Dancing. Leather-soled shoes grip the floor and don't allow for smooth Hand Dancing.
A standard ladies' dance shoe featuring a 1 to 1.5-inch Cuban heel is a popular choice. Any heel higher than 1.5 inches could be challenging for beginners. Those who prefer a flat shoe with no heel might consider a slip-on jazz shoe.
Amazon offers a wide variety of shoes for ladies and shoes for men.
Another shoe to consider is a Women/Men Standard Practice Social Dance Sneaker Beginner Ballroom Dancing Shoes.
If you're not quite ready to buy dance shoes, you can buy suede stick-on sheets to attach to a pair of shoes you already have.
