Two Left Feet in Gaithersburg, Md. offers group, couples and individual dance lessons. On Feb. 15, the dance spot holds its annual Valentine’s dance and cocktail hour for $20 per person — that is if you RSVP in advance. Otherwise it costs $25. Chevy Chase Ballroom in D.C. also offers dance lessons and a Valentine’s-themed dance on Feb. 15.
Surprise your sweetheart with a Groupon for dance lessons from the Arthur Murray studio. Locations in Virginia, Maryland and the District offer a $49 deal, including two private dance lessons, two group classes and two open parties. The deal remains for a limited time only and has a value of $338, according to the company.
The Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo in Glen Echo, Md. and the Capital Blues dance company will play host to a dance party for blues lovers on Feb. 14. The event costs $8 and occurs 8:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. A beginner workshop will be held 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. and offers important partnering basics for new dancers. The class is included with admission and no partner is necessary.
If you have a family and plan to spend the evening at home, why not have your own dance party? It’s easy to do, definitely inexpensive and I find kids to be the best dancers with their generally no holds barred mentalities.
Ice skating
If skating around while holding mitten-clad hands sounds romantic to you, then check out the Washington area’s many ice skating rinks and skate times on Feb. 14. Ice skating can be both a singles and family-friendly fitness activity. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink in D.C. is a beautiful backdrop and it has DJs in the Garden: Spin, Cut, & Groove events with a different guest DJ spinning as skaters whizz by the booth on most Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. DJ Stylus is scheduled to perform 80s R&B, boogie and Valentine’s Day slow jams this Valentine’s Day, according to the rink’s website .
Yoga
Stretching together and doing partner yoga exercises is a healthy way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or the week leading up to it. The Down Dog yoga studios is offering “Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga” on Feb. 9 at the company’s Herndon, Va. location. “Bring your sweetie, your friend, a sister or brother — or bring no one at all and we’ll hook you up,” the Down Dog website says. The cost is $35 for the event.
Cardio
Start the day and heart off right with a burst of cardio while going for a run or walk with your partner, family or a group of friends. Many local area gyms and fitness studios also offer partner-themed workouts. If you have a membership, check out your local facility as Feb. 14 nears.
A slightly healthy recipe
Why not try a recipe idea for a fondue-style Valentine’s Day date snack? At least, you can get a healthy dose of fruit with your chocolate. Here is what you will need.
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Bananas
- Chocolate dip
- Fondue-type pot and spears for dipping
Directions:
- Buy candy for melting or prepared chocolate dip. Melt chocolate discs or heat up the prepared chocolate dip on a stove top or in a microwave.
- Slice tops off strawberries and cut pineapple and bananas into cubes.
- Prepare a fondue dipping setting if you have a fondue set. If not, no problem. Simply pour the melted chocolate in a bowl and use your own dipping or kabob spears.
Editor’s Note: WTOP’s Katie Howard is a mom on the go. With two children under age 5, she’s always looking for ways to provide her family fast and healthy snacks, meals and activities. Katie shares her go-to food and family fitness tips every Tuesday on her blog “Good to Go.”
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