This is a word-class studio without peer and unquestionably the best place you can go for dance lessons of any kind and at any level. DCDA is a new ballroom dance studio in Fairfax that's the home of the best dance coaches in the D.C. area. As a new facility, DCDA is incredibly bright, clean, and inviting. DCDA has a huge schedule packed with group classes for beginners through high-level competitive dancers in virtually every style under the sun - Standard (e.g. Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep), Latin (e.g. Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba), social dancing (e.g. Salsa), and even exercise dances like Zumba. Wedding dance lessons are also offered. Prices here are always extremely reasonable across the board, particularly given the quality of dance instruction and the reasonable size of the group classes. Unlike many other dance studios, DCDA makes dance fun and accessible. The classes here are detailed without being overwhelming and invigorating without being exhausting. As such, beginners can learn a lot without being intimidated, and experienced dancers can be challenged without becoming bored. Because everyone here is - without exception - friendly and talented, there are no awkward moments. Rather, there's a sort of intoxicating accessibility to classes here that I've never seen at any other studio: even the most relatively complicated topics are made understandable, fun, and useful. As amazing as the group classes here are, the private lessons are also amazing. The current instructors at DCDA - Lydia Petrigova and Anna Mikhed - are world-renowned competitors with a keen eye in virtually every aspect of ballroom dancing, which has led them to coach some truly amazing competitive couples. Bluntly put, their insight is worth its weight in gold. I've been working with Lydia for years now, and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to my dance career. If you have even a scintilla of interest in dance, you owe it to yourself to go to DCDA! read more

DC DanceSport Academy - Dance Studios Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

I stumbled on DC dance sport while looking for someone to help my 9 year old with arm styling for a tango ice skating routine. we signed up for a trial private lesson and it went well, so we did a few packages of private lessons, and then started with group lessons for my 6 year old too. they both loved the teachers, who are just amazing. I was fearful that sometimes good dancers don't always make good teachers, especially for kids, who have unique needs. but Nikita and Vlad have both been amazing, and it's really always a pleasure dealing with Travis who runs the business/front desk side of things, and the director lydia is also so kind and helpful. now I've started taking group class too and it's a blast. not only are the teachers good at dancing and teaching, they make the entire process enjoyable. no matter what kind of mood we enter this place with, we always leave happy and energized. read more

My child has been attending this studio for several years until the day when all of the parents and 20+ kids, including my child, left the studio in 2019. The whole junior program of 20+ kids left because Lydia's philosophy and coaching did not benefit any of our children. Lydia is completely focused on her personal success and does not care about the success of other people. I have heard it from so many other people and other professional dancers in the area. After all, ballroom dance sport consists of a very small circle of people and they all know each other. She does presents a beautiful studio where you pay a lot of money for private classes, but at the end of the day, you want your child to be coached by a person who truly cares about your child and his development. I have been to so many clubs and studios, and this one has the least amount of connection to your child and hold no personal interest in their development. In one day she can completely turn away from your child if you ever expenses any criticism. Sometimes we meet Lydia at other competitions, but she pretends she does not know us. She completely suppresses her emotions inside her and have very poor conflict resolution skills. Watch her closely! I recommend exploring other dance places and it does not have to be a ballroom studio. There are not many options around for kids ballroom, but you do want you child to have a great positive coach who will take your child on a great journey with constant support and positive initiatives. You want your child to thrive and move on the next level! DCDA studio is Lydia's personal extension sponsored by her husband and if she does not like something, you are on her black list. She will do a lot of mean things straight smiling in your face. I have heard that she tried to rebuild her junior program but it was not successful because of Covid-19. As of now, it is a pretty boring place for kids. read more

We love this place! My 4 year old loves coming every Saturday. She was very shy when she started, but now enjoys going to class. The instructor Vlad at the fairfax location is very patient. He is great over all. My only complaint is that the parents have to purchase their tickets to watch their own kids dance at the show cases. $20 per ticket. Over all we have had a great experience here. read more

Small hole in the wall dance studio on the back alley of a shopping center, and ironically a former Weight Watchers. Lydia is a pro in the Dancing with the Stars-type dances, aka rumba, chacha, waltz et al, and she is the best coach in the area for competitive dancesport. I have taken ballroom Latin classes from Lydia for several years. This is NOT your typical Arthur Murray or Fred Astaire ballroom dance studio where the instructors have only had 6 weeks of ballroom dance training and always go in for the hard sell for private lesson packages at exorbitant prices. The instructors at this studio have had training from a young age, and the focus is actually on learning how to dance. They also have a lot of other dance styles like salsa, swing, bachata et al for all different levels of dancers. I have also seen wedding couples taking classes here, and they have a lot of kids classes. Make sure to sign up in advance for classes, as the beginner level classes are poorly attended and sometimes get canceled. read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this studio!! Lydia Petrigova and her staff of amazing teachers are the REAL DEAL. Whether you are looking for simple and traditional social dance skills (couples, singles, and youth), to achieve your competitive dance dreams, or to just get healthier and feel happier in your life, this is THE PLACE TO BE! I have been a dancer my whole life and have studied from many different Ballroom & Latin instructors...I also live a few hours away in Virginia Beach, yet I make the drive to DC Dancesport Academy to learn from Lydia and take her classes because, yes, she is THAT good!! Lydia shares her unique approach and wealth of knowledge enthusiastically with everyone. Her students of all ages feel progress quickly and effectively as she is able to make seemingly difficult techniques accessible and simple for both lifelong dancers and newbies. You WILL grow into the dancer you have envisioned for yourself within her studio. The professionalism, quality, and passion of Lydia, the AMAZING Anna Mikhed (another champion whose down to earth approach will have you coming back) and her ever-growing team of teachers & competitors, sets her studio apart and high above others in the area. Typically this standard of high-level instruction is what you find only in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, but fortunately we have access here in the DC, NoVa area! Do yourself a favor and go check out this beautiful learning facility and studio. After learning from Lydia and her team, you will be so proud of yourself and your abilities that you will want to "Dance Like Everyone's Watching!" With its great energy, warm, welcoming environment and focus on helping others you will quickly see why DC Dancesport Academy is you new dance home! read more

I had to leave this studio after two years of trying to build relationship with Lydia. She is quite a reserved person. Most importantly, per her philosophy, whatever is available to one person in her studio is not available to another. This is how she interprets exclusive training. Her direct words with no exaggeration. Not type of a coach who should train my child and help shape a good human. In fact, she was the least interested coach out of dozens that has been training my daughter for the past three years. My rec, do your research on the ethical environment in the studio before you decide to join. read more

Nice studio with well kept wooden floors, excellent surface for dancing. Excellent teachers and a variety of dance styles are taught at all levels. Lydia is especially accomplished and very good at instruction, something important is always learned. During group classes, she does make individual suggestions, which are really helpful. This is the best dance studio in the area. read more

Lydia is awesome. Great approach to teaching kids. I see a lot of progress since we started. Please send your kids here - they can compete for titles in no time. read more

Looking for a rigorous consistent dance curriculum? This is the right school to join! My family and I have known Lydia for more than 10 years. Lydia is our two children's (now both adults) coach, choreographer, instructor, adviser and friend. Our son started Ballroom dancing back in Europe and, when we relocated to the US (Washington DC area), Lydia was the ONLY coach who had children's classes at that time.Our son was thrilled that we could finally find a competitive dance class for him after 1 year of intense search. He has danced with Lydia ever since. Our daughter was introduced to Ballroom dancing by Lydia when she was six and has developed into a gracious dancer THANK to Lydia's guidance. As a parent with high expectations, I was impressed with the depth of curriculum and quality of instruction Lydia has provided throughout years. In addition, Lydia has masterfully passed her knowledge and passion for dancing onto our two children. After years of consistent and dedicated work, Lydia has made it possible for us to admire our children competing in many state and national competitions. Moreover, we have been thrilled to see our kids being well respected in the dance world, receiving multiple trophies and titles, including US National Champions. Dancing has become a significant part of our children's lives; it defines who they have become. Throughout years I have seen Lydia's school grow and thrive; from a small class of students (various age and proficiency) to a school with multiple youth and adult classes each with its own curriculum and rigors; from group lessons scattered around DC metropolitan area always subject to studios availability to concentrated numerous classes at her own dance studio. Lydia's school for children is now the biggest school for children in our area- a school that provides dance instruction to youth year around offering group and private instruction to various age and proficiency levels. One thing that never changed- Lydia's dedication and passion for dancing and teaching- moreover, with years Lydia grew and developed into a well sought and highly desired master and coach. She is always striving to provide the best instruction in the area, seeks opportunities for her personal development,and organizes workshops with the highest ranked professionals in the field of dancing, always caring about the advancement of her disciples. Lydia taught our children to DREAM BIG and how to ACHIEVE the DREAMS! Don't delay yours! Join DC DanceSport Academy! read more

Great place to learn how to dance! I love the staff and the instructors, as well as the variety of classes. There's literally a program or a class for everyone - from beginners, social dancers, to professional dancers, kids, and wedding couples. And if you are not so much into dance, they even offer zumba and yoga. Definitely worth to stop by and try out a class. I used the beginner offer, and I have to admit, these past 2 months have been amazing!!! Every time I am at this studio, I leave rejuvenated, happy, and feel like I have gotten quite the workout without being in a boring gym. Highly recommend! read more

DC Dancesport Academy is a small dance studio in Fairfax, Virginia behind a shopping center, the kind of place that could be hard to find if you don't know to look for it. Once you find it, you'll quickly realize that it's the best competitive Latin dance studio in Northern Virginia. Lydia, the main Latin instructor, in addition to being a fantastic dancer and instructor, is one of the sweetest and kindest people you will ever meet. She goes out of her way to give attention to all of her students, no matter what your skill level is. Some classes are taught by other staff at the studio, often some of Lydia's best students. They are also kind, helpful, and fantastic dancers. I've been dancing for almost three years for a college dance team, but this is the first studio that I've regularly attended. I started attending the DC Dancesport Academy during while interning over the summer of 2015, and the time of this review I've been attending for two months. I found it because one of my college's instructors, Ana-Maria Cernev, is one of Lydia's best pupils and is the summer receptionist for the studio. The studio seemed intimidating at first, since you're attending the same classes as some of Lydia's other extraordinary students, but you learn quickly that there's lessons for everyone, and nearly all of the students are as welcoming and friendly as Lydia. I've attended lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, a guest workshop, and have gotten a private lesson from Lydia. From my experience, Mondays are the most helpful for basic choreography and technique, perfect for fairly new dancers or veterans who would like to work on Fundamentals. Wednesdays are more technique oriented for intermediate dancers, and Thursdays focus on specific topics for intermediate to advanced level dancers. Saturdays are the master classes, and they difficulty of these varies from week to week. My advice is to go to the master classes for the dances you're most comfortable with. The schedule of what dances get taught which days rotates monthly. Prices may be on the higher end compared to some dance studios, but they're definitely worth it. The studio also offers fantastic introductory offers to let people see what the studio is like, from your first lesson being free to getting over 1/2 off the cost of a monthly membership. Most people pay by class, and at the time of this review classes cost $20 a piece, or $180 for a 10-class card. If you're a student (high school, college, etc), you only have to pay $150 for a ten-class card. Lessons are available for nearly any level, from beginner lessons to master classes that are even attended by some of the studio's staff. Paying $99 dollars a month allows you to use the floor for practice space, which is a bonus in the NoVa area where dancing spaces are in low supply. There are also standard classes available on Tuesdays, but I have not attended these and therefore can't comment on them. However, if they're anything like the other classes, they're definitely worth coming to! The same goes for the Zumba classes; I've never been but am sure they're a ton of fun! So, if you're reading this review you're probably considering if you should give the studio a shot. Yes, you definitely should. Take advantage of at least the free first lesson; I recommend going to one of the classes on Monday if you don't have a ton of dance experience. Even try the discounted weekly pass for new members (I don't remember what this is off the top of my head, but I believe it's sub-$50), which lets you attend whatever lessons you'd like for a flat, cheap rate. It's a great way to figure out which lessons are appropriate for your skill level without having to shell out $100+ dollars paying for the lessons individually. read more