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Greater Washington Dance Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Ballet school in Reston, Virginia
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 2–12 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 571-332-3177
- Website & schedule gwdancecenter.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–9 pm |
| Thursday | 3–9 pm |
| Friday | 3–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The studio offers classes from “First Steps” and Pre-ballet, all the way up to the Professional Division for seriously dance-focused teens, and also adult classes in the evenings.”
“My daughter has been dancing here for several years and couldn't be happier.”
“The studio offers classes from “First Steps” and Pre-ballet, all the way up to the Professional Division for seriously dance-focused teens, and also adult classes in the evenings.”
“The studio offers classes from “First Steps” and Pre-ballet, all the way up to the Professional Division for seriously dance-focused teens, and also adult classes in the evenings.”
“GWDC values all of their dancers, but the male dancers here are not just an afterthought.”
“And, the studio offers adaptive classes for children with special needs.”
What families & students say
“Thank you, Gretchen Vogelzang, and the Greater Washington Dance Center & Academy team, for providing my daughter with the ability and the confidence to succeed.”
“Thank you, Gretchen Vogelzang, and the Greater Washington Dance Center & Academy team, for providing my daughter with the ability and the confidence to succeed.”
“GWDC is attached to the Festival Ballet Virginia, which offers 2-3 shows a year, including a Nutcracker, to provide your dancer with performance experience.”
“The studio offers classes from “First Steps” and Pre-ballet, all the way up to the Professional Division for seriously dance-focused teens, and also adult classes in the evenings.”
“The owner and teachers are professional and work with children no matter the goals.”
From the reviews
GWDC is a wonderful dance home for any family. Our daughter loves her teachers and classes and they always challenge her to grow. We are thankful for the healthy attitudes about body image, strength and diversity that are present at the studio. Our daughter looks up to the older dancers who are great role models.
My daughter Caitlin is a 2022 graduate of the Greater Washington Academy, recent professional division dancer with the Greater Washington Dance Center and a former member of the Festival Ballet Virginia Company.
I cannot say enough good things about this studio and Gretchen’s leadership. She is a former professional ballerina with a Masters in Fine Arts in Dance Education and degrees in Theatre and Kinesiology so she both knows a lot about the dance world and about bodies.
GWDC is an absolute haven for my sparkly, ballet-loving son. GWDC is an inclusive, welcoming, HEALTHY dance studio that offers all dancers a place to grow and flourish on their dance journey. If you have a son who is interested in dance, THIS is the place to be.
Adult ballet at Greater Washington Dance Center
Greater Washington Dance Center runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Greater Washington Dance Center
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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