If you’re looking for the best places to lace up your ballet slippers, the DC metro has an incredible selection of ballet studios, stretching from DC to Virginia to Maryland. The instructors are highly regarded for their experience, knowledge and passion for helping dancers of all skill levels improve. With a wide range of class times available throughout the week, it’s easy to find a high-quality program that fits into your schedule.
Russell School of Ballet
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- Location: 14119 Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly, VA
- Hours: 4-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (703) 803-1055
- Pricing: Pricing varies on class
Russell School of Ballet is a long-standing classical ballet school in Northern Virginia offering technique-based dance training for students of all ages, from young children to adults. With more than five decades of teaching excellence, the school provides classes in ballet, pointe, variations, jazz, tap and modern and emphasizes strong technical foundations alongside artistic growth. Students have opportunities to perform in seasonal productions like “The Nutcracker” and spring ballets with the affiliated Fairfax Ballet Company, and many alumni have gone on to professional careers or advanced training. The welcoming community, experienced instructors and beautiful performances make RSB a cherished center for dance education in the region.
What parents are saying:
“The Russell School of Ballet is more than just a school, it’s a family. From the staff and teachers who know everyone’s name and care about the kids first and foremost, to the dancers themselves who consistently liven up the lobby with conversations, songs, dances and general meeting,” shares Cynthia Helffrich via Google reviews.
“Both my daughter and myself go to ballet classes at RSB and love it! Friendly staff and professional instructors. They offer a variety of classes that fit almost all ages. It is a blessing to have such a great ballet school in our community,” says Mickey M via Google reviews.
Virginia Dance Conservatory
- Location: 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA
- Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Sunday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (571) 375-5065
- Pricing: See website for details
The conservatory is known for its pre-professional ballet program designed for serious students ages 7 to 18. The faculty focuses on teaching students the technical side of ballet in an inspiring space where hard work and professionalism are always celebrated.
What parents are saying:
“All the ladies that work and instruct here are very pleasant, friendly and helpful. They gave my daughter two free trial classes and she loved them both. We signed her up for ballet to start and will probably add another dance class in the future. They even offered and scheduled my daughter to come in and do a fitting with them for her ballet attire-very classy and great customer service! I highly recommend,” says Sara T via Yelp reviews.
“This school stands out with professionalism and dedication to excellence. The teachers are patient and friendly. It is a joy to be a part of this community,” says Maya G via Yelp reviews.
Perfect Pointe Dance Studio
- Location: 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite LL-1, Arlington, VA
- Hours: 1-9 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 1-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday
- Phone: (703) 553-8830
- Pricing: See website for details
A family-friendly studio that believes top-tier dance education can be fun and approachable. They offer diverse styles and a judgment-free teen and adult program that allows flexible attendance to fit busy schedules.
What parents are saying:
“Perfect Pointe has been my daughter’s dance studio for 10 years. The teachers and staff are like family to us. What I love most about the teachers and classes is how inclusive and loving they are. Students feel valued no matter what their skill level is. They are given room to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Also, I love that at recital time, the students are dressed in age-appropriate costumes with minimal makeup encouraged. We plan to continue with Perfect Pointe for many years to come,” says Tracey B via Yelp reviews.
“My daughter has been attending Perfect Pointe since she was 4 and is now in her 11th year taking dance. The studio, teachers and staff are amazing and treat you and your dancer like family. They do everything they can to encourage confidence and community through their classes and teaching styles. Highly highly recommend!” says Jennifer G via Yelp reviews.
Metropolitan School of the Arts
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- Location: 5775 Barclay Drive, Alexandria, VA
- Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (703) 339-0444
- Pricing: See website for details
This school offers a professional training environment that trades the pressure of the competition scene for an emphasis on creativity and personal growth. The curriculum is built on international standards, ensuring every dancer develops a solid technical foundation in a way that feels rewarding and manageable.
What parents are saying:
“We love everything about this place! The early childhood programs focus on movement in a fun and engaging way. As the students grow, the classes become more rigorous but the teachers remain positive, helpful and encouraging. My girls love the opportunities to perform that exist throughout the year,” says Brittanie B via Yelp reviews.
“MSA is like family. My daughter has flourished here over the last 7 years. What I love best is that the amazing teachers take students to their own best potential in a positive way. As a non-profit dance and arts school, the focus is on the technique of dance, not competition The staff puts on amazing professional productions that blow your mind away. They really bring out the best in the kids and showcase their talent. Highly recommend MSA!” says Theresa E via Yelp reviews.
BalletNova Center for Dance
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- Location: 3443 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church, VA
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday; 9:45 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (703) 778-3008
- Pricing: See website for details
One of Northern Virginia’s premier dance studios, BalletNova features professional-grade dance floors and spacious studios. They offer a wide variety of programs for kids of all ages and skill levels.
What parents are saying:
“Great. The place is clean and professional. The instructors were warm and welcoming. They made everyone feel comfortable. Overall, great experience,” says Terry R via Yelp reviews.
“Balletnova is one of the warmest, most nurturing and most supportive studios out there and feels like a home-away-from-home. My daughter has been there for almost 3 years and has loved her teachers. The instructors and staff are knowledgeable, experienced and caring,” via Meital O via Yelp reviews.
Loudon School of Ballet
- Location: 305 E Market St., Leesburg, VA
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
- Phone: (703) 771-3200
- Pricing: See website for details
This school provides a clear and professional path for dancers of all ages and skill levels to improve. Students can branch out to other styles besides ballet, including tap or musical theater, or audition for one of the school’s performance companies. It’s a great choice for families looking for a well-rounded dance education in a supportive environment.
What parents are saying:
“Both of my girls love coming here. Great instructors. Great space. Reasonable prices,” says Timothy M via Yelp reviews.
“We have been at this studio for 11 years and couldn’t have found a better place for my granddaughter to fulfill her dream of becoming a ballerina. The teachers and staff are wonderful! We have recommended this studio to many dance hopefuls with excellent results,” says Geri M via Yelp reviews.
The Washington School of Ballet
- Location: 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: Check specific programs for hours
- Phone: (202) 362-3606
- Pricing: See website for details
This institution is recognized internationally for its dedication to classical training and excellence. It offers a comprehensive curriculum ranging from creative recreational movement to rigorous professional tracks for students pursuing dance careers.
What students are saying:
“I love the ballet studio! I’ve been taking classes for a year now and all the teachers I’ve had are wonderful! They are really knowledgeable and want to teach and make you better! The studio itself is really clean and I’m going to continue to go!” says Elaine L via Yelp reviews.
“I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the WSB!!! It is my ‘Happy Place’; I began learning at ground zero almost 6 years ago and have been coming religiously ever since; each instructor is gifted in their own way, and they all have so much to offer and they are more than willing to help you learn:) I love how supportive and encouraging everyone at the WSB family is and I am a student for life:)” says Robin N via Yelp reviews.
Dance Institute of Washington
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- Location: 3400 14th St., Washington, DC
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Phone: (202) 371-9656
- Pricing: See website for details
Dance Institute of Washington provides high-quality training in a diverse and inclusive environment. Their youth programs, ranging from 2.5 years old to 22, emphasize intellectual and social growth alongside improving ballet skills. A significant number of students attend via scholarship.
What parents are saying:
“My daughter danced here today with her dance ensemble. It was a wonderful change of scenery and a very beautiful facility filled with so much history. Today was Day 5 of the Dancing in the DMV. This institute also shares their lovely space as a daycare/summer camp for the neighborhood children. The institute has been home of some of DC’s elite dancers who gone on to train at Alvin Ailey American Dance Center,” says Sonya D. via Yelp reviews.
“I have been to beginning ballet classes across DC, and the Dance Institute of Washington is one of my favorites. I attend the beginner ballet class taught by Miss Barbra. She provides constructive criticism and actively pushes every dancer to work on technique and improve in class. I really enjoy her consistent, supportive, and effective teaching. She teaches to a wide audience of levels, but I have never left class feeling like I didn’t learn anything. The class is smaller, which allows everyone to get individualized attention,” says Victoria C via Yelp reviews.
City Dance Studios
- Location: 5207 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 9 a.m.-noon, 3-9 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m.-noon, 3-9:30 p.m. Thursday; 3-8:30 p.m. Friday
- Phone: (202) 545-7207
- Pricing: See website for details
Located in Friendship Heights, CityDance Studios features a high-energy environment for dancers of all levels. As a non-profit center, it is committed to lowering barriers to dance through open registration for classes in multiple styles.
What parents are saying:
“CityDance POP is a gem. My daughter did a summer camp here and took ballet one. The instructors are incredibly kind yet teach a rigorous program. I was amazed by how much my daughter learned in just one dance class. The staff is wonderful, too,” says Julia E via Yelp reviews.
“Fantastic dance studio with amazing teachers. My daughter has danced there for 2 years and loves it!” says Rebecca U via Yelp reviews.
Maryland Youth Ballet
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- Location: 926 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD
- Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Phone: (301) 608-2232
- Pricing: See website for details
Maryland Youth Ballet is celebrated for its rigorous training. It has a long-standing reputation for preparing young dancers for elite professional companies and college dance programs. While they’re famous for training world-class professionals, they’re just as welcoming to beginners and adults.
What parents are saying:
“Our daughter has been attending classes at MYB for over 6 years and has loved it. We are impressed with what she has learned and with the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the teachers. I highly recommend MYB. They accept students of all abilities, shapes and sizes. It isn’t until age 10 and higher that students may have difficulty because of their feet or weight. Even if they do, they can repeat a class and continue on until they try for pointe,” says Sig C via Yelp reviews.
“Beautiful studios, ideally located. Highly qualified and wonderful teachers who offer challenging classes for adult students. The desk staff is also great and the environment is very supportive. Love dancing here!” says Katie M via Yelp reviews.
Rock Creek Dance Academy
- Location: 5209 Alta Vista Road, Bethesda, MD
- Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
- Phone: (301) 200-8585
- Pricing: See website for details
Rock Creek Dance Conservatory is a favorite for families looking for high-quality training in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. Their ballet program follows a highly respected curriculum, but the real focus is on helping every student feel confident. With annual recitals and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for dancers who want to grow their skills while having fun.
What parents are saying:
“I’ve been meaning to send you a note for some time to thank you for all of the attention, care and energy you are putting into the weekly Pre-Ballet dance classes. Every time I pop in to watch for a bit, I’m so impressed by the quality of the program. The kids are really learning how to dance and you keep their attention using such creative methods. My daughter is so proud of herself and her progress,” says Kate F via Rock Creek testimonials.
“My family applauds YOU for all the effort, patience and expertise you put into pulling off a wonderful virtual recital this year. Thank you for rising to the occasion. And thank you most of all for providing Eliza with such a warm, wonderful dance experience. You’ve been a consistent, positive part of her life ever since we moved here almost ten years ago — and you will be missed,” says Emma S via Rock Creek testimonials.
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