DanceFit: Folk Dances of India

DanceFit: Folk Dances of India is a Saturday morning fitness and dance series led by Smita Khatri at Glen Echo Park. The classes introduce participants to three traditional Indian folk dances—Bhangra, Garba, and Dandiya Raas—while providing an energetic, joyful workout. No partner is required, though participants are welcome to bring a friend.

Bhangra originates in Punjab and is known for its lively, high-energy movement. Garba is a circular dance from Gujarat, while Dandiya Raas, also from Gujarat, traditionally uses sticks. These dances have long been performed communally at festivals and other special celebrations.

When: The page dates the series October 3–31, 2026.

Showtimes: October 10, October 17, October 24, and October 31, 2026, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. each day.

Run time: One hour per class.

Instructor: Smita Khatri.

Tickets: Early-bird registration is $13 per class and ends at 11:59 p.m. the night before each class or when early-bird capacity is reached. General registration is $15 per class and is available at the door by cash, check, or card until the class reaches capacity. A 10-class package costs $120, may be used by one person or shared with a friend, and is valid for all DanceFit classes for six months after purchase.

Ages: Not specified.

Venue: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD 20812.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.

Parking: Free parking is available in a large lot accessed from Oxford Road off MacArthur Boulevard.

Contact: Call (301) 634-2222 or email dance@glenechopark.org.

Presented by: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.