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Shaken and Stirred: Washington Bars That Offer Dance Lessons

Bars are fun, sure, but what about ones that can teach you how to shake it? That’s what we call a real twist. Here’s a guide to bars in the Washington area where you can get both drink specials and dance lessons.

We call this dance the Hot Mess. Look familiar?

SALSA

Habana Village offers salsa lessons Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday and Saturday nights are targeted at beginners, while Thursday and Friday are advanced. The charge is $10 per person.

Monday is salsa night at Lucky Bar, with monthlong progressive lessons at 8 followed by a dance party. Lessons are free, but a strict dress code excludes sneakers, hats, and baggy pants.

Salsa nights at the Clarendon Grill, every Monday from 7 to 9, are among the more popular in the area. Beginners’ lessons are at 7, intermediate/advanced at 9. Following the lessons, there’s an open dance-floor party with a DJ or musical group. Cover charge $5.

Zanzibar on DC’s Southwest waterfront has free salsa lessons every Thursday from 7 to 8, and there’s a $5 cover charge to enter the club.

Salsa and bachatta lessons take place every Tuesday at 8 at eCitie Cafe & Bar in the Tysons area. A $10 cover charge for the lessons also gets you a free drink at the bar. Beginners start at 8, more advanced dancers at 8:45.

LINE DANCING

The gay country/western bar Remingtons on Capitol Hill holds two-step, waltz, and other partner-dance lessons every Monday night at 8:30. These tend to be progressive lessons that extend over a two-to-four-week period, while Wednesday line-dancing classes are exclusively one night; $5.

Nick’s Restaurant and Nightclub in Alexandria hosts line-dancing lessons in its front dance room every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:45. If you’re more of a partner dancer, country couples lessons are also offered Tuesday and Friday nights at the same time in the back room; $5.

BELLY-DANCING AND OTHER LESSONS

The Adams Morgan restaurant Meze hosts weekly tango and belly-dancing lessons. Tango classes are held every Monday; beginners start at 8, intermediate/advanced at 9. Lessons are $10 per person. Free belly-dancing lessons are every Sunday night after 10.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add your suggestion to our list!

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