I wasn't sure what to expect when my 5 y.o. son asked to try breakdancing, but from our first visit teacher/owner Antonio was friendly, fun, and really teaches the kids how to breakdance. We have been going here for about a year and as my son has grown into a serious dancer I have also grown very impressed with the dedicated and creative ways Antonio is building his studio into a school that is truly like no other. The other teachers we have had classes with are also very good. My son has learned many complex moves but at the same time been encouraged to develop his own style. This is a unique feature in breakdancing that I think makes it especially good for kids. Also I like that it is a communal activity where you are usually competing against your own limits, rather than each other, similar to karate. The only drawback I can think of is that sometimes groups of kids can get unruly in class--if you have kids this age, you know that happens--but the teachers do a good job of getting them back in the flow. The classes are small, which is great. The kids get a lot of exercise and have fun. Try it! read more

My son has been taking lessons at The Lab for years now and adores it. Tony, Julie, Jon, Alex, DQ, Kevin and I'm sure I'm missing one, are ALL wonderful. Each has a different style and strength but what they all share is their love of this dance form and its culture and history and a passion for passing that along to a new generation. They are patient and kind and diverse and have somehow created a community of acceptance and warmth and support in a dance form that is historically competitive. I am constantly amazed to see children of all ages and experience levels happily getting out and dancing in front of everyone with joy. It's also great physical exercise and a much less constraining form of dance than ballet. And conversely to a ballet school, The Lab is majority male (both students and faculty) but particularly encouraging and supportive of girls. The Lab is tied into the larger breaking community and its students, if they so choose, can compete at the highest levels within their age groups. I highly recommend The Lab to anyone with a child who likes to move!! read more

We have been taking our 3 year old to The Lab for breakdancing for about a year and a half now. It's been amazing to see the studio grow. At first, our little one would just watch and dance along in the adult class and now there are a number of kids classes each week for her to attend! The classes are thoughtful and designed especially for kids. With a balance of pushing kids to try their hardest and letting kids be kids, the classes are so fun for her (and for us!). Breakdancing has become part of our life. Often when our little one is asked to dance, she throws down to do a six step or a freeze. But, more than that, The Lab has become a place where she looks forward to going - a place to be free, to play, and to learn. She has had both Tazk and LazyRock as teachers and both are creative, positive, and realllllly skilled. Classes are affordable and flexible. We feel so lucky to be part of The Lab's community! Really can't recommend The Lab and it's instructors highly enough! Just the best. read more

The Lab DC Breakin' school is an awesome dance school for kids as young as 4 years old to adolescence. The staff is very helpful: Erika who manages most administrative duties is very easy to work with and would always find a way to accommodate your needs. The teachers pay a lot of attention to getting the kids in mastering their moves while being fun and caring! You would be impressed by how much kids can break just after a year of classes, with freezes, power moves etc. Also, classes seem to move up as a cohort making shier kids more comfortable as they go. This year, the Lab DC added hosting birthday parties, which we did and it was AWESOME! There is a workshop introducing basic moves, followed by pizza while you provide the birthday cake. All kids, regardless of previous breaking experience or not, had so much fun! In short, we highly recommend the Lab DC! read more

Dope jam off the Red Line! I first came here not knowing how to do any bboy moves. It's easy to find, just a five minute walk from Takoma Metro Station Red Line. WIth all the graffitti murals on the Red LIne and in the studio, I feel like I'm in Paris, and the student and teachers are totally laid back like in LA or SF, to some total sick teachers from NYC. After three months, I went to NYC on a Saturday night and I was able to do bboy moves on the sidewalks with the NYC bgirls and bboys and no problems, it was all dope jam! I take a bus and two trains to get to The Lab, but I do it because there's no other place like it in the DMV. I feel confident in going to any bboy battle in DC NY or Paris. Bboy is more than dance; it's a feeling, it's a way to stay fit and active, it's a way of life. .. read more

The Lab DC is more than a school. Its a place where the future of this living art form is being shaped, and where its positive traditions -- self-expression, inclusiveness, solidarity, respect, the amazing things that can be achieved through focus and work, and having fun -- are passed down to the next generations. In the short time its been open, the school and its teachers have become important parts of our community. The teachers are the real deal, yet this is a caring and open place. BBoy Tzak sets the tone in his quiet, intuitive approach to interacting with all kinds of kids from all kinds of backgrounds. My niece recently started classes there, and she is hooked! The feats some of the tiny tykes who break here accomplish are amazing, and so fun to watch, as are their huge proud smiles! read more

We love The Lab! Our son had his birthday party at The Lab over the weekend. He had the most amazing party ever (in his words), and we can't say enough good things about the studio. Antonio was wonderful to work with and responded very quickly to all of my emails. He is a natural with kids and gets them to feel comfortable expressing themselves through dance. The lesson was perfect and appropriate for my son's age and novice level. The games and music were spot on, and the kids loved to see Antonio breakdance. My son would love to take lessons at The Lab now (and I overheard several other kids ask their parents if they can take lesson now too). Help support our local businesses and people who are passionate about their art! Take lessons there or have a birthday party at The Lab!! read more

The National Children's Museum has hosted workshops by The Lab DC twice now and we couldn't be more thrilled. They always do such great work and connect with the kids so well. They are not only stellar performers, but excellent educators. There are so many wonderful skills and lessons to be learned through breaking and the teachers communicate with the children with such ease. The kids are entranced and emboldened by their work in a way that is truly rare. Their endless effort and brimming self-confidence is enough to excite any parent or educator. Not only that, but the studio is incredibly professional and always pleasant to work with. The National Children's Museum will always welcome The Lab DC and we look forward to continuing to work with them! read more

I always wanted to learn breakdancing. I heard about the Lab dance studio and signed up for friday adult breakdance classes. Ever since my first class in the lab, I was hooked on breakdancing. I have learned so much different top tocks, footwork, freezes, spins, and power moves. Actually, I never would of thought I can do these moves since I would see so many guys break and a few girls. You will be surprised when you try it out. This place you can learn so much then watching it on youtube or dvds. You will have fun! The instructors are awesome! Tons of workshops from other pro dancers so you can up your skills. Also, there is other classes. This is great for the youth to express themselves and be active! read more

You can not get the history, understanding, the positive reinforcement of encouragement, nor the creativity of street dance [namely break dancing] anywhere else! Bboy Task have so much knowledge to share and pass down to the current and next generations. There is nothing like bringing up the community by knocking down the negative view of break dancing and he does it with The Lab DC. There are quite a few Hip Hop teachers/dancers/choreographers that have been making it by faking it or stealing-not-giving-props and you will not find that here. He is the REAL DEAL! PERIOD!!!! Try it out once and you will feel a new self-esteem and more respect for this street art form.... -"Miss Z" read more

The Lab is a positive learning environment for all levels of dancers. Whether you're a beginner or experienced trying to clean up on some moves, you will feel at home and walk out feeling better about yourself. During my private lessons with bboy "Tazk" (Antonio Castillo), I always felt encouraged by him regardless of where I was in dance. He will break down the movements so you can understand at your learning pace in a very encouraging manner. You will walk out feeling encouraged and a better dancer. Go to the Lab and learn breakdance foundation by veteran experienced dancers. Have fun while staying in shape! read more

Bboying the way it should be. As the art form known as Bboyng (or break dancing) resurfaces in the mainstream it will inevitably be tested by those who wish to preserve its true nature and also by those who wish to bastardize it for solely for monetary gain. As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of their life to this dance style, I am glad to say that the lab subscribes entirely to the former. Tazk and his instructors are all veterans to the scene and understand the importance of teaching more than just moves. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in bboying read more

I was blown away to see something like this in the DC area. I had a chance to check out their student BBoy tournament and it was hot. The DMV needs alternative movements like this for the youth. Not to mention it can open the eye of adults who may have dismissed this art form in the past. During the tournament i saw kids and audits getting their grove on in a fun family friendly atmosphere. If you get a moment I highly recommend that you check out what Tazk and the crew of The Lab DC are doing in the community. Be careful... you just might catch the beat. read more

What a great resource in the Takoma Park area! My 15 y.o. son has become devoted to Antonio and all the teaching staff at The Lab. The teaching is very positive and structured, building on a multi-level system of skill development, with testing at intervals like martial arts, though instead of belts you get colored laces that identify your level of proficiency. All the staff interact with their students in a positive and personal way, which builds confidence and a willingness to work hard on challenging moves. Can't say enough good things about this place! read more

Highly recommend! I have a 3 y/o son who really enjoys going to The Lab, for breakdancing/ creative movements class. Antonio and his instructors are top notch, excellent with children, patient and fun. I have seen the children make so much progress from one week to the next. Not only are students learning dance moves, they are gaining self-confidence, increasing strength and cardio endurance, expressing themselves through dance, while be being motivated and encouraged, experiencing various types of music, and most importantly, having fun. read more

Antonio is WONDERFUL with kids and an experienced breakdancer and teacher! My son and his friend started taking classes 4 months ago and LOVE it! Antonio is so patient with all the kids and wants to make sure they all figure things out. My son wanted his birthday party at the studio to show more of his friends how much fun it is to do! Antonio provided a wonderful lesson as well as made my son feel super special for his birthday! This is a great way to have fun and get some exercise too! I highly recommend The Lab Dance Studio! read more

The Lab DC came to my school and taught a class to my kindergarteners. My students had so much fun, learned a lot about the art of breaking, and immediately found role models in their teachers. I would have loved to have them come more often or for my students to be able to take more classes. Tazk understood the children, what they could do/would want to do, and how to adapt to the natural ebb and flow of a classroom. It was evident that he is not only a talented dancer, but also a talented educator. read more

Our son is now 8 and has been taking classes at the Lab for nearly 4 years. I am pretty certain he will be taking classes there for many years to come. The teachers are truly incredible.They found a way to make what look like really complicated moves--easy for kids to understand and pick up. It is such a welcoming place and a great community. My son and all of us absolutely love it there and couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

I initially went to the Lab because I heard that bboys from all over the area sessioned there, and I wasn't interested in taking class. However, I gave the class a try and have been going back ever since. I've learned a lot of new moves and cleaned up my footwork and freezes. Tazk the instructor has also been helping me with my power. The Lab is a great place for both beginners and experienced dancers of all ages. read more