Odyssey Hand Dance Academy

For residents across Maryland, especially those in Prince George's County and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the Odyssey Hand Dance Academy in Lanham, MD, offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn and master the captivating American art form known as Hand Dance. More than just a set of steps, Hand Dance, also recognized as D.C. Hand Dance or D.C. Swing, is a unique partner dance characterized by its smooth, gliding footwork, continuous hand connection, and intricate turns, creating a seamless and engaging conversation between partners on the dance floor.

This distinctive dance style boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug of the 1920s, evolving into its unique D.C. style by the 1950s. Its cultural significance was formally recognized when the Smithsonian Institution identified it as an American Art Form in 1993, and it became the official dance of D.C. in 1999. Odyssey Hand Dance Academy, under the expert guidance of Carl and his stellar team of instructors, is dedicated to preserving this legacy while making learning easy and fun for everyone.

Whether you're taking your very first steps in partner dancing or looking to refine advanced techniques, Odyssey Hand Dance Academy provides a welcoming and supportive environment. As satisfied students attest, Carl is often hailed as "the best teacher for DC hand dance," ensuring that every class offers new insights and a sense of accomplishment. Many couples, like one husband and wife who "absolutely LOVE" their experience, find immense joy and confidence in their journey, even enjoying "field trips" to local venues to practice and socialize. If you're a local looking for an engaging, fun, and culturally rich activity, Odyssey Hand Dance Academy truly "rocks!!!"

Odyssey Hand Dance Academy is conveniently located at 9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, USA. This strategic address places it within Lanham, a thriving community in Prince George's County, Maryland. The location offers excellent accessibility for residents across a wide geographic area, including those in College Park, Greenbelt, Bowie, Hyattsville, and other parts of Prince George's County, as well as easy access from Washington D.C. and even parts of Anne Arundel County.

Lanham Severn Road is a well-known artery in the area, making the academy straightforward to find and navigate to. Classes are consistently held on Tuesdays at the Lanham Skating Center, a familiar local landmark, further simplifying directions for new and returning students. The accessibility of the location, coupled with the regular class schedule, is a significant advantage for busy Maryland locals looking to incorporate dance into their routines. While specific parking details are not explicitly mentioned, facilities like the Lanham Skating Center typically provide ample parking, which is a crucial convenience for a dance academy. This central and easily reachable location ensures that the unique art of Hand Dance is within practical reach for a broad segment of the local population, fostering a vibrant and growing dance community in Maryland. The academy's commitment to being situated in an accessible area truly supports its mission of making Hand Dance available to all who wish to learn.

• Hand Dance Classes: The core offering includes comprehensive Hand Dance lessons, structured into 12-class sessions. These classes focus on the unique gliding footwork, continuous hand connection, and intricate steps and turns characteristic of D.C. Style Hand Dance.
• Beginner Level Hand Dance Classes: Specifically designed for students with little or no prior Hand Dance experience, these classes provide foundational steps and techniques to get new dancers comfortable on the floor.
• Intermediate Level Hand Dance Classes: For students who have a solid grasp of beginner skills, intermediate classes introduce more complex dance patterns and refine existing techniques, pushing dancers to their next level.
• Bop Dance Classes: Odyssey Hand Dance Academy also offers Bop Dance, which is described as a slower version of D.C. Style Hand Dance with easier foundation steps, making it accessible for those who prefer a gentler pace while still learning the core elements of Hand Dance. These classes are offered several times a year for both beginner and experienced Bop dancers.
• No Partner Required: Students do not need to bring a partner, as they will dance with other students and staff, fostering a welcoming and social learning environment.
• "Field Trips" and Social Practice: The academy organizes "field trips" to local venues like VFW halls, providing students with valuable opportunities to practice their dance steps in a real social setting and socialize with the Hand Dance community.

• Exceptional Instruction by Carl and Team: Carl is consistently praised as "the best teacher for DC hand dance," supported by a "stellar team of instructors." Their professionalism, knowledge, patience, and fun approach ensure a high-quality learning experience for all students.
• Focus on Authenticity and Learning: It's "obvious that they really want their students to learn the art of hand dancing," indicating a deep commitment to the authenticity and effective transmission of this unique dance form.
• Fun and Engaging Classes: Students consistently describe the classes as "very fun," fostering an enjoyable learning atmosphere that encourages consistent attendance and sustained passion for dance.
• Sense of Accomplishment: The structured learning, where students "learn something new every class," provides a continuous sense of accomplishment and progression, motivating dancers to improve.
• Inclusive Environment: The academy's policy of not requiring a partner, and encouraging dancing with other students and staff, creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and can easily participate.
• Practical "Field Trips": The "field trips" to local VFWs are a unique and highly valued feature, providing real-world practice opportunities and fostering social connections within the broader Hand Dance community.
• Specialization in Hand Dance: As an academy dedicated to Hand Dance, it offers specialized expertise in this unique American art form, distinguishing it from general dance studios.
• Suitable for All Levels: Whether students are "just starting out" or looking to refine intermediate skills, the academy provides tailored instruction that meets them at their current level.

To learn more about class schedules, pricing, and registration for Hand Dance or Bop Dance lessons, or for any other inquiries, please contact Odyssey Hand Dance Academy using the following details:

Address: 9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, USA

Phone: (301) 704-8568

Mobile Phone: +1 301-704-8568

For residents across Maryland, particularly those in Prince George's County and the wider Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Odyssey Hand Dance Academy in Lanham is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local institution. Its suitability stems from its dedicated focus on Hand Dance, a dance form deeply embedded in our regional heritage, and its commitment to providing an accessible, engaging, and highly effective learning environment.

One of the primary reasons Odyssey Hand Dance Academy is perfect for locals is its specialization in Hand Dance, also known as D.C. Hand Dance. This unique American art form is a significant part of our local culture, and having a dedicated academy like Odyssey ensures that residents have a premier resource right in their community to learn and preserve this distinct dance. For those interested in connecting with local history through movement, or simply seeking a unique partner dance, there's no better place to start. The availability of both Hand Dance and Bop Dance (a slower version) ensures that dancers of all paces and preferences can find their rhythm.

Furthermore, the quality of instruction, led by Carl and his "stellar team of instructors," is a consistent highlight. Students rave about the classes being "very fun" and appreciate learning something new every session, fostering a strong sense of accomplishment. This engaging and patient teaching style is crucial for beginners trying partner dancing for the first time, as well as for experienced dancers looking to refine their skills. The welcoming environment, which doesn't require you to bring a partner, makes it easy for individuals to join and immediately feel part of the community.

Perhaps one of the most compelling features for locals is the opportunity to participate in "field trips" to local VFW halls. These outings provide invaluable real-world practice opportunities, allowing students to apply their newly learned steps in a social setting and connect with the broader Hand Dance community. This blend of structured learning and social application makes the experience incredibly well-rounded and practical. Located conveniently in Lanham, the academy is easily accessible for many, reducing commute times and making it simpler to integrate dance into busy lives. In essence, Odyssey Hand Dance Academy is more than just a place to learn to dance; it's a vibrant community hub where Marylanders can embrace a unique cultural art form, build confidence, make new friends, and enjoy a truly fun and rewarding experience right in their own backyard.

Odyssey Hand Dance Academy

9901 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, USA