DC Square Dance Collective
Live square dances with callers and bands, no experience needed, all ages wel…
The DC Square Dance Collective hosts rockin' square dances across the DMV, with the primary venue at Saint Stephens Church in DC's Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights neighborhood.
Before your first class
Completely beginner-friendly; no prior dance experience, lessons or special outfits needed.
Wear comfortable clothes; no special outfit needed.
Comfortable clothes and a friend if you'd like (no partner required).
$10 cash or Venmo at the door for St.
About this studio
The DC Square Dance Collective hosts rockin' square dances across the DMV, with the primary venue at Saint Stephens Church in DC's Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights neighborhood. Every dance features a live caller and live music. The Collective is a volunteer group of music and dance lovers who organise these events because square dancing — once found in almost any American city or town — is making a comeback as people rediscover the joy of a foot-stomping, rollicking, barn-shaking dance party.
No prior dance experience, lessons or special outfits are needed. You don't need to bring a partner; the live caller walks everyone through the dances. Dances are open to all ages and experience levels. The Collective emphasises a safe, welcoming space for all dancers, with a clear policy that disruptive, aggressive, threatening, harassing, dangerous, or inappropriate behaviour has no place at their events. They encourage a culture of proactive consent and have volunteers positioned throughout the venue to address any concerns.
Upcoming dances include an outdoor event at Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park on August 29 (free, with a rain date of Sunday, August 30), a dance at St. Stephens on October 24 featuring caller Beth Molaro from Asheville NC and the band Laura and the Lava Lamps, and another at St. Stephens on November 14 with callers Audra Scott and Becky Hill and live music from the Green Mountain Hot Club. The November 14 dance grew out of the African American Dance Caller Pathways Project.
The Collective consists of volunteers including Janine Smith, Bradley Kennedy, Stan Fowler, Michael Lyons, Brent Feito, Andie Hunt, Dave Hauver, Anna Purinton, Joel Bluestein, Don Fahey, Jim Serfass, and Lucia Schaefer. They are actively seeking new members and welcome inquiries about joining or bringing a square dance to other venues. In 2025, GW students voted them the best place to go dancing in Best of Northwest.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive ready to dance in any comfortable clothes — no special outfit needed and no partner required. A live caller will teach you the moves, and a live band will provide the music. Come with friends or meet other dancers; the atmosphere is welcoming to all ages and experience levels.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The Collective is run by volunteers including Janine Smith, Bradley Kennedy, Stan Fowler, Michael Lyons, Brent Feito, Andie Hunt, Dave Hauver, Anna Purinton, Joel Bluestein, Don Fahey, Jim Serfass, and Lucia Schaefer. Guest callers have included Beth Molaro from Asheville NC and Audra Scott and Becky Hill.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Completely beginner-friendly; no prior dance experience, lessons or special outfits needed.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear comfortable clothes; no special outfit needed.
What to bring
Comfortable clothes and a friend if you'd like (no partner required).
Styles offered
2 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
DC Square Dance Collectivehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own DC Square Dance Collective, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about DC Square Dance Collective
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does DC Square Dance Collective teach?
DC Square Dance Collective teaches General, Square dancing. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is DC Square Dance Collective located?
DC Square Dance Collective is located in Washington, DC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does DC Square Dance Collective offer private lessons?
Contact DC Square Dance Collective directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does DC Square Dance Collective teach kids and adults?
DC Square Dance Collective welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at DC Square Dance Collective?
The fastest path is to visit DC Square Dance Collective via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.