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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
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
About the owner
Carl Davis - Dance instructor
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
Ballroom shoes with a suede or felt sole are the best option for Hand Dancing. Leather-soled shoes grip the floor, hindering smooth movement.
Slip-over shoe covers or heavy cotton socks are suitable alternatives. Both are available for purchase in class.
*Shoes that have been worn outside are not allowed on the dance floor. You must carry in the shoes you intend to dance in.
A standard women’s dance shoe with a 1- to 1.5-inch Cuban heel is a popular choice. Heels higher than 1.5 inches can 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 women and men.
Another option 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.