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" indicates the communication method between partners.
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, in the 1980s, hand dance resurfaced in the D.C. dance 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, in the 1980s, hand dance resurfaced in the D.C. dance 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
Hand Dance Classes
Classes are grouped into 12-week sessions.
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:
Click here for the calendar of events:
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:
Click here for the calendar of events:
Location
All classes are held on Tuesdays at the Lanham Skating Center, 9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD.
Directions:
Directions:
Pricing
The full 12-week Hand Dance Session is $165 if paid by class 2 and includes one free class.
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:
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
After studying hand dance for more than 10 years, from some of the best hand dance instructors in the DC area, I founded the Odyssey Hand Dance Academy. My goal is to share what I have learned while making learning hand dancing easy and fun. You need no prior dance experience for the beginner level. Learning hand dancing with the Odyssey Hand Dance Academy is a journey of exploration. I invite you to join the ‘Odyssey’ and take your first steps or your next steps with me!
- Carl Davis -
- Carl Davis -
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 inches 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.
The Ballroom Latin Salsa Sneaker Dance Shoes SERO106BBX is a particular favorite practice shoe.
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 inches 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.
The Ballroom Latin Salsa Sneaker Dance Shoes SERO106BBX is a particular favorite practice shoe.
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.
