11/9/19 This morning I knew I would be going back to working…read moreout.  Its not an everyday thing as of yet, but it did feel good to break a sweat while dancing and having fun. All of the dance moves have changed in one way or another, but this to be expected. I did not know all the new steps, but it doesn't matter as long as you are still moving to the music. Hell even the instructors get mixed up, but are still smiling and having a great time.  $7 dallors gets you into the groove and into the classes. Robert's twin brother has returned from his country to also teach classes. I really enjoy the snippets of basic merengue steps Robert's brother included in the various dances. Today there were many people here that want to go through the process of being an instructor. Most of the people wanting to be instructors were women, but there was one or two males in the group. I really only remember one of them. His dreadlocks and light skin stood out for me; as well, as looking like force to be reckoned with.  This was a great day to reestablish my return to Chakaboom.  I even saw new merchandise being sold. These lavender t-shirt were for fighting alzheimers disease and they looked to be selling out of them quickly.  I think next time I am there and they have sweaters, I might just buy one.

I finally found exactly what I was looking for. A high energy Zumba class taught by excellent…read moredancers. Members were friendly. Instructor stand on the stage so you can see them from anywhere. Overall and excellent experience.

Amazing camps this summer. My daughter is having the greatest time at Musical Theater Camp. Ms…read more Jenny is amazing. Kids are learning choreography, songs, as well as designing costumes and creating a set. Cannot wait for Their mini performance Friday!

DDC Family: When…read morewe joined the studio 6 years ago, I had no idea that competition dance was in my daughter's future. DDC has been a positive experience for Madison and myself. Madison has learned life skills such as teamwork, time management, and cooperation. But the biggest lesson is that great accomplishments come with practice, more practice, and persistence!! Madison had a huge smile every time she walked proudly into the studio to dance. She found a friendly welcoming place to dance and fond memories during the weekend competitions. Madison has grown to love the art of dance but I have, as her mother, developed a deeper sense of respect for dancers and the sacrifices that families make to support their children. DDC dancers and parents have amazed me every day! I applaud the instructors for their dedication, commitment, and patience that they have shown towards the children and especially towards Madison throughout the years! I know that any dancer who joins DDC's Showgroup will grow to be confident, graceful, poised, and skilled. Wishing you all the best for the future and thank you for enriching Madison's love for DANCE! Madison has been truly blessed.

Ava is fantastic! The sense of community and quality of classes keeps me coming back--it really…read morefeels like the studio owners take joy in seeing us grow as dancers. Most classes are taught at an intermediate level. They're especially great for anyone interested in pro dance/cheer or anyone wanting to perform recreationally as an adult.

I LOVE AVA! When I moved to the DC area and was looking for a dance studio to join, right away I…read morewas impressed with their lineup of professional instructors & I could feel their sense of community before I even stepped into the studio for my first class! The fun & challenging choreography kept me wanting more every week and I love that they rotate the styles of dance they offer because it's gotten me to explore styles outside of my comfort zone and overall I've become a better dancer because of it! This is a judgement free zone and Leah, the director, is so incredibly welcoming! Hands down my favorite place to dance in the DMV!

This was such a loaded experience. As someone who frequents many small studios like this in various…read moreparts of the DMV, especially the V, I definitely have my likes and dislikes. Likes: Anna-Maria, the instructor, was very sweet. She was warm and welcoming, very encouraging throughout the workout, and had an interesting playlist. It was also a pretty good workout with the core/upper body sections being better than others. Format: Surge Strength. It was very much a "lift to the music" while bringing in cardio elements workout. I like having music blaring but being on beat (or striving to be) annoys me because you're pressured to break form and not move meaningfully. I probably looked crazy, but I was seconds behind the other people in class because I wanted to actually lift, not swing my arms around. Also, some of the moves (mostly lower body), when moving that quickly, just don't target the areas I want to strengthen meaningfully. For some moves, I'd opt for slower, more controlled, classic moves so I could get it right. We were using "light to heavy" dumbbells - I think the highest is 15 pounds. Also, the "stop, grab your mat, unfold, and do floor work for a couple minutes" thing was kind of disorienting at times. Facilities/equipment: this is my second biggest gripe. While it looked mostly visibly clean, the floors were dirty AF, covered in stringy hairs. Ew. During the floor sections, I could see hair and other debris on the floor and it would even get on me if any part of me even slightly came off the mat, or hairs would be hanging from my weights when I picked them up.yuckkk. Also, the mats were funky. Very clear that they rely on folks doing the one-wipe swipe after sweaty workouts for cleaning and that's gross. They don't have a water cooler or even a cool Flow Water station or anything - they have two water fountains that are relatively low pressure. And they're connected, so only one works at a time. And they looked a little dusty. Vibe: It's a no for me, dawg. Outside of Anna-Maria, there was like NO diversity in the room (maybe one Asian woman in the front) which feels VERY WEIRD when the playlist is VERY Black with a little Brown sprinkled in. On top of that, the women in there were stuck up and some were, frankly, obnoxious. I got multiple stares (Yes, I'm Black! OMG lol) and when I was attempting to fill my water at the ratchet fountain, before I knew they were connected, this one white studio member, in such a condescending way, was like, "hi, yeah, they're actually connected, so..." Girl, bye. Oh, that brings me to another point: It was my first time at that location. I checked in and received no orientation/guidance from the girl at the front desk. I ended up entering the studio room and, thankfully, Anna-Maria was able to help me get set up. I think the girl at the front desk heard me receiving instructions and ran in just as the workout was about to start and apologized for not introducing me to things. But it was very much an afterthought and if I was someone who was super anxious or thrown off by stuff like that, I would've left. Oh, and it's def the type of place where the same people show up for the same classes (or multiple) regularly. To be honest, I disliked the vibe so much initially, I considered leaving like five minutes into the workout. But a player has goals, so I stayed. It seemed pretty clear who this space is intended for. And I've pretty much NEVER felt that way before, even when working out in tiny studios in places like Del Ray and Loudoun. I was less uncomfy towards the end, but initial impression plus hair: ew. You'll get a cute workout in but this vibe? Not for me.

Was recommended this studio by a friend who lives locally and dropped into MVMNT for a quick early…read moremorning class while in town. We stayed in Downtown Alexandria and the gym was around 15 mins away (walking). Such a great cute little women's studio. We did the Bosu class and it kicked our butts. The instructor made sure we had the right form and led a fast paced high intensity class. Would definitely recommend! Please note - there's only one bathroom for the studio which includes a shower.

Not a dancer, but I attended the Ordway's Conservatory of Classical Ballet annual Nutcracker show…read moreat Colgan High School and was absolutely blown away by the production value this little studio puts out. The costumes, dances, performances, and little thoughtful touches such as Nutcracker step-and-repeats, themed snacks and merch, free visits with Santa during intermission really made me think that this was a special school. I've been to several other Nutcracker shows in the area and this one truly blows all other dance schools in the area. I love how they allow small children in the crowd to be part of the party dance scene. It was a LONG show but my five year old and her younger cousins were absolutely entranced the entire time. I can only think of the time, preparation, and dedication it took to put on a show of this caliber. If we lived closer, I would one hundred twenty percent enroll my daughter here for classes.

My child attended Ordway for over a year without any issues, and we truly appreciated her teacher…read more Because of that positive experience, we paid to enroll her in the Nutcracker recital. Unfortunately, during a long rehearsal, my 7-year-old came to me very upset after the director yelled in front of the full cast and stated that she could be removed if she didn't learn the steps. Since parents are not allowed in the facility during rehearsals, I cannot confirm the exact wording or whether it was directed specifically at her, but the emotional impact was devastating. Prior to this, we had no interactions with the director. This experience made my daughter feel singled out and ashamed in front of her peers and friends. We emailed the director with an official withdrawal notice and explained our concerns. While the director apologized and offered to apologize to my daughter, we declined. We are raising our children to understand that words have power, and we hold ourselves and others accountable for the impact words can have. Because of that, we expect instructors and educators to maintain the highest professional standards. Fear, threats, public criticism, or shaming have no place in teaching any child, and there is absolutely nothing to be gained or learned from this kind of belittling behavior. The only appropriate response is to remove ourselves from any environment where such conduct is considered acceptable. We allowed our daughter to finish the paid recital because she wanted to participate, but ultimately withdrew both of our children (ages 7 and 4). The environment no longer aligned with the values of encouragement, respect, and emotional safety that we expect. As a parent, this was a very difficult conversation to have with my child. We cannot control other people's attitudes or demeanor, but we can control our environment and actions--and we should never be in a place where a child feels that their best isn't good enough, especially for a paid service. This situation should have been handled professionally, with an email or a quick conversation with the parent, which I would expect from someone with "over 20 years" of experience. In today's world, where apologies are often quick and reactive, we aim to raise children who spread kindness, compassion, and bravery. I am very proud of my daughter for feeling safe enough to speak up to me and for continuing to attend rehearsals even though she was nervous and scared. The recital itself was very nice, and it is a shame that we had to withdraw them--but our child's emotional well-being will always be our priority. For these reasons, I will not recommend this studio to family or friends.

This performing arts school is amazing from the owner, administrative staff, and instructors. The…read moredecor of the school is beautiful nice, clean and bright very welcoming. They have provided excellent services to the youth and adults. The instructors are very talented and provide classes such as Ballet and hip hop, private lessons :Voice, drums, clarinet, saxophone etc. The students are very well versed in a variety of areas. It is located on the first floor of the mall near zales it has brought a new environment and opportunity for those who love the arts a chance to rekindle their passion. They offer multiple events throughout the year even summer camp for the youth. They have provided opportunities for young adults to establish themselves by creating internships, job opportunities, and volunteer services for those in the community. So if you need to learn how to two step, enhance your voice, or even continue your love with an instrument. This is the place for you !!!!

I attended the free Zumba class with Taylor. OMG! She is fantastic! Today's class theme was "The…read moreBooster!" It was definitely what I needed; a boost of energy, my second wind. I will definitely sign up for the membership that allows me to attend any dance class for a low monthly fee. I am so excited. Can't wait until next week. I highly recommend Performing Arts Preparatory School!

My boyfriend and I took a dance class here from an offer we found on Groupon. The class was 45…read moreminutes. We learned the basic steps of a waltz and swing. The class could be customized to a specific song or a dance style. I would say 5/5 experience for a date night, but the lessons are very expensive.

Rebecca is a miracle worker! I have absolutely no beat or rhythm and she has been able to coach me…read morethrough my first dance with my fiancée. We originally purchased a Groupon and then ended up paying for 8 sessions. She is so patient, funny, and an incredible teacher. Side note: the parking and convenience of the location is great. I highly recommend making a little date night out of it and going into old town after for dinner. If you are in need of dance lessons before your wedding, you need to book RJ Dance Studio!

I had a wonderful experience at my first aerial dance class here. The registration process was done…read moreonline and was super quick and convenient. We just had to sign waivers when we arrived. The studio was a little hard to find since it's so new but it's a strip mall BEHIND the sub stop. It's easy to miss but they have a sign out. We learned so much in our first class and the teacher was super fun and engaging and really encouraged us. I also loved how clean the studio was. A few tips. I didn't research this properly before the class but wear tight fitting clothes. Cover your arms and legs because fabric burn is a thing. Remove jewelry, smart watches and so forth. Socks make it harder, but since the gym is so clean it's fine! I will definitely be back!

The instructors here are talented and encouraging. Really fun, unique classes! I always have so…read moremuch fun here!