38th ANNUAL WASHINGTON SPRING BALL

SILVER SPRING CIVIC building, MD ยท April 27, 2024 


ABOUT WASHINGTON SPRING BALL 

The Washington Spring Ball is a joyful yearly event of English Country Dancing to glorious music. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We have a practice session the day of the ball, where most of the dances will be taught. Attending the practice session is strongly encouraged but not required. In the evening at the ball, all dances will be briefed (talked-through) and then prompted for the first few rounds. Dancers wear what makes them feel happy and festive; some choose attire from the 18th or 19th century.

The Ball will be played by Reelplay (Robbin Marcus on piano, Dave Marcus on concertina), and special guest Paul Oorts on guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, accordion.

Music at the afternoon practice session will be provided by Elke Baker and Liz Donaldson. The session will run from 2:00-5:00 pm at the Civic Center on the day of the ball and is included in the ball admission fee.

The Ball is supported by a generous grant from Montgomery County's Community Access Program.

View the Spring Ball FAQs


Questions? Contact Ball Co-Chairs Joanie Blanton and Nancy English at ball.chair@fsgw.org 


PERFORMING ARTISTS

PRACTICE SESSION 

music, ELKE BAKER

music, LIZ DONALDSON


BALL SESSION








music, REELPLAY


The Ball will be prompted by a selection of our local callers.

Music by Reelplay featuring Robbin Marcus on piano, Dave Marcus on concertina.

Special guest Paul Oorts will join them on guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, and accordion.






music, PAUL OORTS


EVENT DETAILS

 TICKET    PRICE
through April 1      
 General Admission    $45
Members    $40
Student / Limited Income  Admission    $25
  
after April 1 
General Admission   $55
Members   $50
Student / Limited Income Admission   $25

WHERE: Great Hall, Silver Spring Civic Building

801 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD

WHEN: Saturday April 27th, doors open at 7:00 pm and dance starts at 7:30 pm and goes until 11:00 pm. Included is an afternoon practice from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

ACCESSIBILITY: all venues are accessible; there will be changing rooms available this year (2024)

PARKING: Parking is available in the public parking garage across Ellsworth Drive and other nearby garages. Directions to the Silver Spring Civic Building, including parking information and public transportation

PRACTICE: You can join our weekly Wednesday Night English Country dance to practice or attend the Practice Session held from 2:00 - 5:00 pm the afternoon of the event at the Civic Center.

MORE QUESTIONS? You can view the answers to commonly asked event questions at Spring Ball FAQ


This will be an FSGW Tier 2 event, which means:

- Masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94) are suggested but not required.

- Participants are encouraged to be vaccinated with at least one booster.

The Silver Spring Civic Building is a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) Star Accredited facility that was equipped with MERV13 air filters at the beginning of the pandemic. 


    DONATE 


    The Rich Galloway Fund

    The Rich Galloway Fund was created in 2022 to support the participation of students and others with limited income at the FSGW Annual Washington Spring Ball and to help cover the logistical costs of the ball.

    Please donate to this fund: any amount is welcome!

    Richard Michael Galloway (1947 - 2021) was a longtime contributor to the English country dance community in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas.  He was a vibrant dancer, caller, organizer, and teacher.  For many years he designed printed programs that documented ball dances and set an elegant and playful tone for the annual Washington Spring Ball.  He also wrote several English country dances.  The dance Rich Delights was written in his honor by Philippe Callens in 2003.

     DONATE ONLINE

    DONATE BY CHECK: 

    Make check out to Folklore Society of Greater Washington, write “Rich Galloway Fund” in the memo line of the check, and send it to this address: Folklore Society of Greater Washington, P.O. Box 323, Cabin John, MD 20818.

    GET INVOLVED

    VOLUNTEER

    Volunteer! The Spring Ball always needs volunteers to help set up, assist with decorations, greet people, set up the room, and more. Volunteering allows you to be part of the community.

    For more information, contact our Committee Representative. Note: Volunteers do not receive free Ball admission.


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