In 1933, the mission-style Spanish Ballroom was built over the 7,500 square-foot floor of the previous Crystal Ballroom. Many big name bands - Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Lawrence Welk, Bill Haley and the Comets, and others - played to capacity crowds of up to 1,800 dancers. In the 1960s, the ballroom was used briefly as a Jungleland ride. In the 1970s, the National Park Service restored it to ballroom use.
In 2003, the ballroom was completely renovated, including placing windows in the open arches and restoring the tile foyer, Art Deco mirrors and lights, and painted columns. Today the Spanish Ballroom is one of the best dance halls on the East Coast. The Glen Echo Park Partnership co-produces a year-round schedule of events in the ballroom, including social dances in various styles such as contra, swing, waltz, tango and salsa, as well as classes and special events.
Glen Echo Park
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service