I need a workout that is so much fun that I forget I'm working out - that's exactly what I found in…read moreDance Trance (DT). I joined a class through Class Pass two years ago, and quickly decided that this studio was the right fit for me. The instructors are warm and friendly, the environment is judgment-free and unpretentious, and the dances range from simple to complex. Two years of dance later and I'm now a regular. I'm so much more coordinated than when I began, and I know most of the choreography (although I keep coming back because there are always new dances to learn!). Like any workout, you get out what you put in. Commit to moving and having a good time and you'll sweat through your clothes and feel it in your legs. Like any class, it can be overwhelming at first. Come to three classes (at least a Tuesday and Saturday breakdown) and you'll feel like a regular in no time. After 90 minutes of energetic, sassy, high cardio dancing, I leave every class with a rush of confidence and endorphins. DT has become a regular part of my routine and I would be lost without it!

You know who I've never seen smiling while they work out? Runners. People on the elliptical…read more Competitive cyclists. Or anyone else "getting the heart rate up" just because it's good for them. You know who smiles while they work out? People at Dance Trance. Every last student in that class, including the new girl: Me. I found Dance Trance on a bit of a whim, looking to get back into dancing and also to incorporate more cardio into my pilates/yoga/barre routine. My boyfriend's refusal to join me at the Old School/New School Hip Hop Dance Party on a Friday night was the push I needed to venture to Dance Trance-- located at the Balance Gym-- to get my booty shakin' on on a Saturday morning. I went to one of the "breakdown" classes, thinking it was only an hour long. Wrong- it was two (which I learned when I arrived from my awesome instructor Lauren who made me feel totally welcome and at ease). Breakdown class is actually a half hour breakdown (learning a new routine) and then ninety minutes of dancing to a playlist. I didn't think it was possible for 120 minutes to go by so quickly, especially while exercising. To my delight, I spent the morning rocking out to awesome music. (Honestly, Lauren had me at Usher). Popping. Locking. Dropping it like it's hot. *Positive* reinforcement from a high energy and kind instructor and encouraging fellow students. This, people, is my cardio mecca and I WILL be purchasing a monthly class pass. If you used to dance once upon a time, you will love this class. If you like to dance around your apartment, you will love this class. If you're just looking for a FUN way to get some exercise that does not involve a boring gym membership or running on a treadmill like a hamster, you will love this class. If you like nice, upbeat, high-energy people you will love this class. With the $20 one week pass you have nothing to lose-- except maybe a few pounds and any inhibitions you have about shaking your booty in a room full of strangers. Some suggestions- bring water and maybe a towel. You will sweat. Bring supportive shoes. I wore dance sneakers but regular running shoes are fine. Be patient and have a sense of humor- even with movement experience, you'll be facing the wrong way or on the wrong foot until you get the hang of the routine. Nobody cares. Have fun. It's dancing. The "workout" piece is just an added bonus.

Where do I start? KanKouran is legendary in its own right as a world renowned dance company for…read moreover 25 years. Founder & master teacher Assane is well respected in the dance community, providing a platform for the best dance conference and West African dance classes in the DMV area, bar none. Great environment in which to connect and get energized with some of the best drummers and instructors around. Beg African, Sabar, & other styles offered. All levels, all welcome. Highly recommend. Located at Dance Exchange in Takoma MD

From the owner: For over 30 years, KanKouran has been providing a wide range of services to the greater Washington,…read moreDC community through the following major programs: 1) Teacher guides, performances and workshops for elementary through high school students to introduce African culture, music and dance; 2) Customized workshops for all ages in the authentic dance and drumming styles of select West African groups; 3) Guided, educational tours to West Africa for students, performers, and community members; 4) Annual Conference and Concert - KanKouran hosts the largest African dance and drumming conference in the US. It consists of three days of dance and drum workshops, serving more than 3,000 participants annually; 5) Specialized training with the touring "Ballet KanKouran" professional dancers and drummers; and 6) Staged performances at local, national, and international venues. In addition, we offer weekly adult community dance classes on Wednesdays at 730pm. On Saturdays we have children's class at 12pm and adult dance at 1pm.

Went there last Sunday to see an incredible performance about the life of Lady Day…read more Entry was well organized. Seating spacious. Performance was exceptional. No wonder they extended the run.

Spent my night at the theater and left with a full heart…read more Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest highlights the journey, passion, and purpose of John Lewis in such a powerful and creative way. The live music, the storytelling, the energy... everything just works. Showing now through May 3, 2026 at Mosaic Theater Company in Washington, D.C. Definitely one of those experiences that stays with you after the curtain closes.

In my quest to find fun cardio dance classes, I found my way to Work It! Armed with a 7-day free…read moretrial, I signed up for 4 Zumba classes throughout the week to see if they fit with my schedule and if I liked the instructors and the studio. Here's what I found: --The Zumba instructors are great. I took classes with Margo and Tonya, and I really liked both of them. I signed up for a class with Petra, but they cancelled the class because they were having some event. I took a class with her at a different studio, though, and she is also great. Lots of energy and fun dance moves that make you forget that you're getting a workout. --The studio itself is wonderful. Located just a block from the Metro and a couple of bus stops, it is just upstairs from Lee's Flower Shop. The layout is perfect, although it is narrower at one end than the other. Tons of windows for light and fresh air, a nice waiting area and the nicest staff. They also have a water cooler so you can fill up your water bottle. The only thing I would add is a changing room. There are two bathrooms, but no space just for changing. --The price for a membership is probably the best deal in DC. About $40/month for an annual membership (and if you sign up by the end of May, they will waive the $40 enrollment fee) or about $50/month for a 6-month membership, and you can take unlimited classes. If you don't want the commitment, a 10-class pass is $130. But the membership is a total steal. I felt like I found the perfect place in DC, but there is one problem that I can't get over that is the only thing stopping me from becoming a member - the timing of their classes. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, their first evening class (the one I want to take) starts at 6pm. That is usually the time I leave the office, but sometimes I have to leave later than that. I wish their classes started just 30 minutes later. It would make it easier to actually make it to class. In all, Work it! is a great place to get your groove on and get a workout if you can make it to class on time. It's a little gem on U Street.

I'm interning in DC for the summer and was looking for a fun way to get fit and stay healthy. I…read morebought the Groupon with 10 classes for $29 and figured "why not"? I've taken six classes and now I wish the summer wouldn't end! I've tried WandaWoman dance (twice), tai chi, the weekend bootcamp, bollywood dance fitness, and pilates mat fusion. The WandaWoman dance class is my favorite, with its hip-hop dance party vibe. There is always a diverse crowd -- you can even find a fly 60+ year old (or three) giving the younger participants a run for their money! Overall I have really enjoyed my time at Work It! Studio. If I'm back in town next summer I will definitely buy another 10-class pass.

Fun fact-- as a kid, I was a technically trained dancer. From 5th grade through 10th grade, I was a…read morestudent of modern, jazz, African, and ballet. Fast forward to 2023, I'm a 34-year-old 240lb MAN, and I decided to tap back into myself by spontaneously enrolling into a drop-in ballet class on a random cold Tuesday night, and I'm glad i did! The venue is clean and the staff is friendly and inclusive. The instructor, Rachel, was great. The class was packed and for all levels, but Rachel created an environment that made me feel comfortable and took all my nervousness (and low key embarrassment) away. i enjoyed it so much that i took my (clearly out of shape) behind to her Modern Dance class immediately after. And I paid for it... i was sore for days. It felt GREAT! :) Although both classes were for All Levels, I would've appreciated if the instructor showed movements full out instead of marking the steps and throwing us newbies to the wolves. Also I would love for Joy of Motion in general to host more adult beginning-level ballet classes or a flexibility, conditioning, and strengthening class using ballet techniques. Joy of Motion is a beautiful venue conveniently located in the up-and-coming H Street corridor. Overall, I had an amazing first-time experience and i will certainly return.

Had a really great time in Tyrone's Afro Jazz class. The stretching and conditioning portion was…read moreintense for sure, but I felt great afterwards. The choreography was just challenging enough to give me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, but still have something to work on at home. I was lucky to be able to take Afro Jazz that day because the class had been cancelled online (I just saw it listed on the paper schedule and decided to drop in). Fortunately, two other ladies missed the memo as well, and we ended up having a wonderful class experience. I had to ding the studio a star both because it was freezing cold in the studio and because it smelled awful when I entered. I understand that many classes share these spaces, but a hit of Febreeze air freshener before and after classes would work wonders!

Tried this boutique studio on classpass! Took both the barre burner and b.fit barre classes and…read morethey were great! Both are more intermediate level but barre burner is tailored towards intermediate/advanced students. Definitely had the shakes and found the classes challenging. Instructors are motivating and helpful in correcting form. Classes are worth a try! You have to call the studio through the callbox to get in. Studio is on the 3rd floor. You check in on one side of the studio and take the barre class on the other side. Studio is clean and small.

Absolutely loved going to a few classes with ClassPass! On my first time here I walked right by it,…read morebut it's the building that is right next to Slipstream. You have to use the call box and walk up three floors of stairs (a warm up!) then check in to the right and class is on the left. The studio itself looks so pretty and I love how they have small class sizes. Grippy socks are also required. I've been to barre burner and b.fit barre. Both I feel like were more intermediate level but it's a very welcoming environment and the instructors were so helpful in correcting form and providing tips and modifications. I found the classes to be upbeat and challenging and the teachers are motivating. All in all It BURNS but you work your whole body and it feels so good!

It takes a special set of individuals and a good reason to get me out on a rainy 34 degree day. My…read moresweet goddaughter's performance satisfied those requirements. So glad because RISE delivered story-telling flair. It was a provocative and simply an outstanding production! We enjoyed classical and contemporary ballet sets that were perfectly executed by powerful dancers. The Collage Dance Collective showcased Company dancers, the Jones Haywood dance school, and the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. This was my first time visiting the Shakespeare/Lansburgh Theatre and I found it charming. The theater is 2 short blocks from the Gallery place metro and looks to accommodate less than 500 people. The seats are moderately sized and center orchestra ticket prices were extremely reasonable, which are 2 things that separate it from larger venues like the National Theatre. There were not a lot of restrooms so the ladies room line was long during intermission, but what's new. They sold snacks, adult beverages, etc. that could be taken inside the theater. Great experience. I'm looking forward to the next event.

This has to be my favorite theatre spaces in DC. it's a smaller, more intimate space having just 19…read morerows and a small ring of balcony seats, so even if you're seated at the back of the hall, you're not too far away from the action on-stage. The theatre is laid out much better than any Broadway theatre I've been to, with pretty much everything on one floor - you enter, pass the ticket booths, and make your way to a huge lobby (which has both a bar and a seating area) and restrooms right off the lobby. From there, you just go through the doors and the theatre is right there. Can't make it much easier than that! The theatre's got an old-school charm to it, with both traditional and modern accents making for a smart looking hall. Also unlike Broadway, there's actually legroom here, so you don't have to fold yourself into your seat if you're tall. At 6'1", I appreciate that! This particular night, we saw one of my favorite entertainers, Sandra Bernhard, and she put on one heck of a one-woman show - definitely 'next level', being part cabaret, part stand-up comedy, and part raconteur, with that New York sensibility and brash humor that had us in stitches all night. I've seen her perform before, but this was by far the best show I've ever seen her give, and I think it was due in large part to being in a venue where she could really shine. I've seen several shows here over the years, and it's always a great night when you're in a really nice venue like the Lansburgh. If you have the opportunity to go see a performance here, definitely do it!

I visited the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall this past Sunday for a performance of…read moreParanormal Activity (their seasons include non-Shakespeare works), and I was really impressed by the production and the building itself. (FYI: STC has productions in two separate theaters - Harman Hall and Klein Theatre, so make sure you know which location is the location for your production). Harman Hall is beautiful - modern, bright, large. We sat in the front row of the mezzanine, and the seats were great but I think most of their seats would be great. Unlike the prices are outrageous, I often like to sit in the front row of the mezzanine when I attend the theater, because I'm short and often find my view obstructed by people in front of me in theaters. Because Harman Hall is modern and newer than historic theaters (on Broadway in NYC, for example), the incline of seats in the theater is much more pronounced than in other theaters. I didn't need to sit in that front row, because I probably could have seen from anywhere. Our performance wasn't sold out, and the theater was not packed or crowded - short lines for the bar (especially on the top floor where we were sitting anyway), short lines for the bathroom. The location is convenient, near a couple of Metro stations, lots of restaurants and bars, and a few museums. We parked in a garage I reserved a spot in on SpotHero, which was less than $15 for the day, too. Although I tend to focus my reviews of theaters on the theater itself (you could see a good production at a theater and then a production you don't like as much - but you can still appreciate the theater - its comfort, its location, its amenities), I will say that the production we saw was interesting and thought-provoking. I'd say I'm likely to return, but I have tickets for a production in April, so I know I will be.

My first time at the Harman Hall theatre to see Paranormal Activity. I was so blown away by this…read moreshow! I'm still in awe of the robe scene IYKYK. The actors were so good in their respective roles and I was completely immersed in the story. It came together at the end really well and the practical effects were incredible. I loved the staging with the 2 floors and getting to see everything all at once. The theatre itself was very nice. The bathrooms were spacious and clean, the ushers were kind and helpful, and the seats were relatively comfortable. Pro tip, choose row E if you want extra legroom!

I had a great time at Bouldering Project! I'm not a climber by any means (it's been years) but I…read morefelt safe and supported all throughout the gym. Other climbers were respectful and nicely cheered me on. So I popped in on a Wednesday afternoon and it was busyyyyy! There were people everywhere and because it was 80 degrees outside it was pretty warm and stuffy inside. They have everything here at Bouldering Project so that you can actually spend your whole day here. A day pass includes assess to the climbing, their gym, group fitness classes and coworking spaces. And then there's a couple of restaurants right across the alley. I really appreciate that there's so many activities that you can do. I'm looking forward to going back and getting better at the climbing part.

Really great fun climbing gym with really friendly staff and community. Everyone is really…read morerespectful of space and encouraging. I like that there are a couple areas to climb that helps with spacing out people. At my beginner level of V0-3, there were plenty of options to attempt which is really nice but there were plenty of challenging ones too, from what I observed. 5/5 for climbing. 3/5 for the gym. The gym is decent sized with a few squatting and benching areas. A couple negative aspects to the gym though--it's usually pretty packed. Also, the furthest squat/bench has water dripping down from pipes above which was an unpleasant surprise when I lied on the bench for bench press and pipe water dripped right next to my mouth.