THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into the spirited world of swing and slow dance this fall at Houmas House Plantation in Darrow, Louisiana. Join expert instructor Beverly Cook for five vibrant, midweek sessions that bring rhythm to this historic setting.
Step into the spirited world of swing and slow dance this fall at Houmas House Plantation in Darrow, Louisiana. Join expert instructor Beverly Cook for five vibrant, midweek sessions that bring rhythm to this historic setting.
Book with Houmas House Plantation
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Houmas House Plantation · Darrow, Louisiana
In the heart of Darrow, Louisiana, Houmas House Plantation opens its doors to an energizing blend of history and rhythm with its Jitterbug (East Coast Swing) and Slow Dance Class series. Beginning each Wednesday evening starting September 3rd, dance enthusiasts and novices alike can gather in this stately Southern setting to engage in five dynamic sessions led by Beverly Cook, a seasoned instructor who promises to revive the lively spirit of swing and slow dance traditions.
Houmas House is more than just a historic plantation; it's a cultural backdrop steeped in 19th-century architecture and sprawling grounds alongside the mighty Mississippi River’s nearby expanse. This venue’s authentic charm provides an intimate atmosphere where each dance step feels connected to a rich Louisiana heritage shaped by French Creole influences and antebellum history.
The Jitterbug class taps into the high-energy dance style that traces its roots back to the swing era, combining fast footwork and smooth partner dynamics, making it an exhilarating cardiovascular workout as much as a step back into a joyful social dance era. Meanwhile, the slow dance sessions offer a counterbalance, inviting participants to hone connection, timing, and grace on the polished floors of one of Louisiana’s most picturesque historic sites.
These five-week evening courses, $75 plus tax, are designed for those craving movement and music in a welcoming environment, ideal for both locals seeking a new pastime and visitors eager to add a cultural twist to their Louisiana experience. With a limited group size, every dancer receives personalized attention to grow skills quickly while surrounded by the plantation’s stately columns, live oak-shaded gardens, and evocative charm.
Whether you’re rekindling a passion for swing or stepping onto a dance floor for the first time, Houmas House Plantation’s dance classes offer more than just movement—they offer an immersive Southern evening full of camaraderie, music, and timeless fun.
easy.
1 hour 15 minutes per session.
Suitable for beginners and those with moderate fitness; no advanced physical conditioning required.
No prior experience is needed; classes are designed for beginners and those with some dance background alike.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement and shoes suitable for dancing, preferably with smooth soles.
You can attend solo or with a partner; classes accommodate individuals of all configurations.
Each package includes five sessions, held weekly on Wednesday evenings.
Yes, ample parking is available on site for participants attending the classes.
Classes are best experienced in sequence, but talk to organizers for possible make-up options.
Houmas House Plantation dates back to the early 1800s and showcases French Creole architecture blended with Southern charm, a vivid reminder of Louisiana’s complex past.
The plantation works to maintain its historic gardens and grounds by using sustainable landscaping practices that respect local ecosystems.
Houmas House Plantation, located in Darrow, Louisiana, is a historic estate known for its restored mansion, extensive formal gardens, and curated visitor experiences. The property sits along the Mississippi River and comprises 38 acres of landscaped grounds featuring tropical flowers, paved walkways, and roaming peacocks. Houmas House offers guided mansion and garden tours, combo tickets that pair the estate with the Great River Road Steamboat Museum or other nearby plantations, and seasonal events such as holiday buffets, Halloween walks, and dance classes. Visitors can choose guided tours of the mansion to view period antiques and learn stories of 19th-century plantation life, or opt for a self-guided garden tour to explore at their own pace. On-site amenities include a gift shop and dining options such as Dixie Café, which supports special event programming. The Great River Road Steamboat Museum is adjacent to the area and can be combined with Houmas House visits to extend the experience with regional history, river views, and museum exhibits. Houmas House Plantation promotes accessible outdoor paths and comfortable sitting areas across the gardens, making the site suitable for families and guests seeking a leisurely cultural outing. Tour reservations, combo tickets, and event bookings are handled through the estate’s visitor services and Gift Shop. As a preserved historic site with documented tours and public programming, Houmas House Plantation provides verifiable educational and cultural experiences rooted in Louisiana history. Accessible parking and clear visitor information help guests plan visits, and the Gift Shop accepts reservations directly by phone.
Book with Houmas House Plantation