National Hand Dance Association

05/28/2026

The National Hand Dance Association will present a 3 hour hand dance presentation at the National Museum of American History Smithsonian as part of the "Indepen' Dance" Smithsonian Solstice Weekend.

Hand Dance presentation and social dance with the National Hand Dance Association
Saturday June 20
1:00–4:00 p.m.
National Museum of American History Smithsonian
1300 Constitution Avenue, NW
Walter Coulter Performance Plaza
Washington, DC

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.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Don't miss this great event celebrating Hand Dance, the "Official Dance of the District of Columbia" BE THERE!

Join us to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States at Indepen’Dance! 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....

05/28/2026

The National Hand Dance Association had the pleasure of presenting a hand dance program for the staff of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities on May 18 and May 26. We were thrilled because they have awarded NHDA numerous grants over the years.

Thanks for participating - Maxine Grant, Joe Yates, JoJo Nelson, Bea Nelson, Renita Smith, Novella Campbell, Jacque Ballard and Hawk, and Beverly Lindsay-Johnson. Here are pictures from the May 26 session.

05/20/2026

More Videos from the NHDA presentation at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE.

05/20/2026

Videos from the NHDA presentation at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE.

05/20/2026

The National Hand Dance Association was invited to present a showcase and a brief hand dance lesson for the staff at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

The 2 hour program included the Film screening of Hand Dance: A Capitol Swing, showcases from the NHDA Classic Hand Dancers, with contemporary hand dance showcase by NHDA President Jacque Ballard and partner Hawk. Hand Dance instruction by Jacque and Hawk.

It was a fun program and the Commission will have NHDA presenting for their staff again next week.

04/13/2026

More pics from the NHDA presentation on April 12.

04/13/2026

The National Hand Dance Association had a great DC Hand Dance presentation at the Cherry Blossom Festal “Jazz and Blossom Festival” on Sunday April 12 at Franklin Park in Washington DC. Our presenters were Kevin Fitzhugh and Sheila Parker. Special hand dance showcase by the Roots Public Charter School youth hand dance affiliate members. They were awesome! Thanks to Kevin and Sheila,the youth hand dancers and Kim Frazier who stepped in as MC.

MUSIC COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT NOT INTENDED M

04/08/2026

On Behalf of the National Hand Dance Association, we congratulate all the reciepents of the 2nd Annual Black Hand Dance Excellence Awards on Saturday April 4, 2026. This Black Tie Affair is one that recognizes the individuals in the Hand Dance Community that vow to “Keep The Legacy of Hand Dance Alive”. Cudos to Mr Charles Matthews who had the vision to celebrate individuals in the community who share the passion of “Hand Dancing” as a basic ingredient of the Black Culture, Black Traditions and Black Experiences of the Native Blacks in the Washington DC area. Hand Dancing is a true expression of love of music that moves the body, keeps the mind ready, and is a social means of entertainment. Of all the awardees, I especially congratulate Beverly Lindsay Johnson (Historian Award) and Maxine Grant (Legend Award); also as members and Officers of the National Hand Dance Association whose mission is to “Preserve, Promote and Educate the Artform of Hand Dance”. Again, congratulations to all the recipients and Mr Charles Matthews for providing the venue for Celebrating Legends and Supporters for continuing the Legacy of Hand Dance.

Jacque Ballard
President
National Hand Dance Association