Home › District of Columbia › Washington › The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet
4.5 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Ballet school in Washington, District of Columbia
Dance company known for performances, including "The Nutcracker", and offering classes.
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- 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 +1 202-362-3606
- Website & schedule washingtonballet.org — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“The Washington Ballet dance studios offer the highest level of pre-professional and (like me) non-professional classes for adults and young adults.”
“I'm no ballerina but I came here looking for adult beginner ballet classes and was not disappointed.”
“She is absolutely fantastic with the young children and I see her commitment to the program and dance education.”
“The Washington Ballet dance studios offer the highest level of pre-professional and (like me) non-professional classes for adults and young adults.”
“Hopefully, with the new managers of the summer intensive, this will be emphasized.”
What families & students say
“I'm no ballerina but I came here looking for adult beginner ballet classes and was not disappointed.”
“Royce Zackery is bar none one of the kindest, most compassionate, and supportive teachers I’ve ever met.”
“TWSB is an excellent ballet school with expert instruction, opportunities to perform throughout the year, and a great atmosphere for the students.”
“The Washington Ballet dance studios offer the highest level of pre-professional and (like me) non-professional classes for adults and young adults.”
“I'm no ballerina but I came here looking for adult beginner ballet classes and was not disappointed.”
From the reviews
I started ballet for the first time 5 years ago and have never stopped. My wonderful teachers, Steve and Bahare, are not only excellent former professional dancers who performed leading roles with major international ballet companies, but they are incredibly fun to work with and are patient in their teaching with…
The Washington Ballet dance studios offer the highest level of pre-professional and (like me) non-professional classes for adults and young adults. You can sense the passion for ballet when speaking to faculty and the experience is immediately noticable.
Our son is in Pre-Ballet Level 2. I was able to attend the parent viewing session two Sundays ago and wanted to share my perspective as a parent and also an elementary school teacher. I am so impressed by Ms. Kathryn Monroe in the dance classroom!
I'm no ballerina but I came here looking for adult beginner ballet classes and was not disappointed. I was allowed to first observe a class. I was a little intimidated as the dancers did not appear to be beginner as I would be among them. They did drills for the most part.
Adult ballet at The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet 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 The Washington Ballet
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.
More ballet studios near Washington
The Washington Ballet
4 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews
