Second Thursday Silver Spring Dance

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The Second Thursday Silver Spring Dance is an innovative partnership between the Department of Recreation and the non-profit Carpe Diem Arts organization that combines recreation and the arts to deliver an experience that attracts people from all religions, cultures and socio-economic levels. Every second Thursday of the month a community dance is held at the Silver Spring Civic Building featuring live folk music and a professional caller announcing dance steps. The dance is welcoming of all ages and abilities, which distinguishes it from other community dances. Montgomery County Recreation embraced the dance program because an important component in the Be Active Montgomery initiative which encourages people to find new ways to keep moving. The dance not only gets people moving, it brings culture and music to people who might never have had the opportunity to experience it. Because the dances include contras, squares, circle and line dances, you’ll find a variety of people from different ages, nationalities and religions, dancing together as the caller tells you when to switch partners or change direction. The first 30 minutes of the program is for beginners to learn the dance steps. Tables are set up so attendees can learn more about music, dance, fitness and arts programs offered through Montgomery County Recreation and other sponsors. The community of dancers comes together to provide a potluck offering of food and refreshments.