Name: Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association
Start: 2026-06-20T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-20T16:00:00-04:00
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Indepen'Dance: National Hand Dance Association

Experience the rhythm, style, and community spirit of DC’s Hand Dance culture with the National Hand Dance Association.
About this Event

Coulter Performance Plaza

Experience the rhythm, style, and community spirit of DC’s Hand Dance culture with the National Hand Dance Association. After a screening of Hand Dance: A Capitol Swing, which traces the history and evolution of Hand Dance, and a Q&A session, the National Hand Dance Association will showcase multiple styles of hand dance spanning generations. Join dancers in celebrating the fun freestyle dances of the ’60s like the Twist, the Jerk, and the Cha-Cha and enjoy contemporary interpretations of Hand Dance uniting youth performers with classic dancers in a celebration of Hand Dance passing from generation to generation. The beginner-friendly lesson invites everyone onto the floor before the evening opens up to a dance party featuring a live DJ.
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This activity is part of Indepen’Dance, our commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. With activities for all ages, Indepen’Dance celebrates the nation’s history and culture through the lens of dance, illuminating the ways dance contributes to individuality, creativity, and our shared identity. Ongoing support of the Museum’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary is made possible by the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., Americana Corner, Julie and Greg Flynn, Enrique and Alejandra Segura, Tom and Karen Rutledge, and the Honorable Barbara H. Franklin, with additional support from many other generous donors. This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s "Our Shared Future: 250."
The program seeks to provide a platform for diverse local voices, strengthen institutional relationships, and expand access to the museum’s public programming. Evening programming will engage teen and adult audiences while maintaining a welcoming environment for younger visitors.
Ongoing support of the Museum’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary is made possible by the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., Americana Corner, Julie and Greg Flynn, Enrique and Alejandra Segura, Tom and Karen Rutledge, and the Honorable Barbara H. Franklin, with additional support from many other generous donors.