These are an amazing group of women who quilt and sew. They are super friendly and knowledgeable…read more It's a community, a culture of individuals of all stages from beginners to people who've had 60+ years of experience who come together to learn and create. The energy is amazing and allows you to flourish as a creative!

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Completely UNPROFESSIONAL and WOULD NOT recommend this place to anyone. I…read moresigned up for the beginners sewing class. The class is not structured for beginners. The pace is too fast, they don't go over the basics, they speak to you as if you should know what you're already doing or should know terminology that a beginner wouldn't know. More than half of the class each week walks out with unfinished projects and during the class you can see on our faces and in our body language that most of us felt stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated by the lack of instruction. On the first class we were told to "go to YouTube to see how to finish" our pillows. The schedule was supposed to be from January 10 - April 18 with 3 dates on which we wouldn't have class (January 17, February 14 and April 4). They refused to cancel the class on January 31st even though driving conditions were terrible because of the ice storm - so those of us who chose to prioritize our safety already missed a class and it was impossible to catch up the next week given the pace. Then on February 13th I receive an email saying we have class tomorrow on the 14th. I emailed back and said no, that is not what the schedule says and I cannot make a class since I had other plans. They then said they have to CHANGE THE SCHEDULE (FOUR WEEKS INTO THE CLASS) due to "instructor availability." I explained that as a busy wife and mom who has a very busy job I cannot continue with the new schedule and try to do make up classes. I explained that after FOUR WEEKS of class I still did not know sewing basics because they were NEVER explained. After FOUR WEEKS I still could not thread my needle or refill my bobbin unassisted because of the lack of instruction and pace of the course. I asked that they refund my money for the rest of the course (I said I was happy to pay the $200 for the 3 classes I attended and the 1 missed due to the inclement weather) but I couldn't continue due to the schedule change. They have refused to refund the $400 for the remaining classes. They tried to point to their no refunds policy - but that is VOID because THEY breached the agreement by unilaterally changing the schedule. So I am now in a battle with them for my money - because THEY changed the schedule because it appears that THEY did not properly plan to ensure they would have coverage for the classes. It's so unprofessional and completely ridiculous. Also their "instructors" may be able to sew...but there is a lacking in the teaching part. Only ONE instructor explained things and that was the only week I came home with a finished project (but I had to stay an extra 30 minutes to be able to complete it). And their "customer care" person Julie is TERRIBLE at her job. Despite the name - they do not seem to actually CARE about their customers. THIS IS NOT HOW YOU RUN A BUSINESS. I really wanted to support this local small business - but they have made that impossible. I was so excited about this class, but they have taken what was supposed an enjoyable experience and ruined it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND that you patronize their business.

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!

I joined this studio in 2021 to support a Black woman-owned business, but I can no longer attend…read moredue to severe safety, hygiene, and management issues. I waited until my membership ended to post this due to a documented pattern of retaliation by the owner. Safety & Environment: * Crime: Multiple cars have been stolen or broken into in the lot. The owner did not warn members and was dismissive when another member and I were personally threatened by a man on-site. * Privacy Violations: Members were filmed without consent for the owner's adult subscription site. It took multiple requests to remove the footage, and one member was temporarily banned for complaining. * Harassment: A member used racial slurs and made death threats toward others. The owner did not cancel their membership until that individual was caught stealing from the studio. Facility Maintenance: * Hygiene: Roaches have been observed on site and the owner failed to notify the community. * Equipment: Poles are poorly maintained--some sway, creak, or have cracks. Chrome-allergy risks are ignored as poles are moved without labels. The bathroom is often inoperable (clogged toilet/shower used for storage). Poor Management: * Communication: Benefits (like unlimited open sessions) were stripped mid-contract without notice, and members were penalized for using them. Different members are provided with different resolutions for the same issue. Many are provided with no resolution at all. She has switched the app used to provide studio updates 3 times within the past year and is adamant about her being the one to disseminate information through it, but not receptive to members trying to communicate with her through it. Despite switching the app 3 times she expects people to inconvenience themselves by downloading the app du jour each time and as an incentive offers benefits to members that use the most recent app, even though we all have the same membership contracts and pricing tiers. * Volatility: The owner frequently engages in disrespectful conflicts with students, staff, prospective staff, and guests. She has threatened to call the police on a member for simply raising a system issue. Supporting Black-owned businesses is important to me, but I cannot ignore the poor treatment Black women specifically have faced here. Many polers around the DMV started their journeys at this studio, because it's one of the oldest in the area. Many in the DMV pole community have left for the reasons I shared and more. Please do your research and ask around before signing a contract. I wish I had this information before starting a membership. I never would've signed up if I had known. The studio owner has publicly claimed that she's always seen as the villain and the only members that complain are those that don't get their way. But I think if she took the time to sit and reflect, listen to the community, and not approach every conversation defensively it would be a valuable experience.

Been coming to My Body Shop for almost a year now, and it's been great! I joined the studio for…read moretheir Lyra classes and their open practice schedule. For a while Colleen was the only Lyra instructor, but now they have Elixir and Lyra Bae as well. Each instructor's style varies and so do their difficulty level. With interest in Lyra still building up in the area, I think they'll have distinguished levels soon. I like to alternate between the Lyra instructors. What I love most about the studio is that it's very client/instructor centered. Schedules and class offerings are adjusted based on student interest and what the instructors want to teach. It really makes for a fun learning environment. Since joining I've gotten the opportunity to try many of their other classes, like Floor F@$?ery, Pole 1, Chair Playtime, etc. All the instructors are great at what they do and offer their own flair to each class. I have thoroughly enjoyed every instructor I've encountered. They really have me considering starting my pole journey! But I will say this: I hate their website but love the mobile app! Once you start at the studio, please download it bc it will make your life so much easier. There is also an online members only chat available. Their memberships are affordable and they constantly share specials and events on their IG.

I've taken the Wednesday ballet class For beginner adults…read moreand have enjoyed it. The instructor is very nice and knowledgeable. The group size is usually 10-14 people. Everyone seems nice and pleasant to each other. Overall I've enjoyed attending the classes

Love this studio!!! I've been taking adult drop in classes here several times a week for years now…read more The instructors and accompanists are fantastic

I have been taking classes here for over 12 years. Sahara has classes from beginner all the way to…read moreadvanced, with wonderful dance companies you can join if you are interested in performing, as well as weekend workshops and special events. Classes are available in person and some are also available online if you're unable to travel to the studio. The teachers are very knowledgeable about Middle Eastern dance, with a focus on Egyptian raqs sharqi, as well as Lebanese dance, and American fusion styles. Students of all ages, body types, with or without prior dance experience are welcome. This is a very supportive community and I have made many friends here! Highly recommend!

I've been a student here for about five years now. The Sahara Dance community is so inclusive,…read moresupportive, and joyful! I've made lifelong friends here from all walks of life. All (and I mean ALL backgrounds, body types, gender identities, even disabled dancers like myself are accommodated here) are welcome to join and learn not only bellydance technique and choreography, but also important cultural context, music, and even occasional other styles of dance here--not just Egyptian raqs sharqi but other North African/Central Asian styles, Latin fusion, even Bollywood style! There are classes available in person, online, and hybrid for all levels from "never moved my hips in my life" all the way to budding professional dancer, and every teacher I've had over the years has demonstrated their expertise and knowledge, and been very attentive to each student every week, giving individual feedback and getting to know us and our unique styles--even the ones joining in over Zoom. There are endless performance opportunities for all levels as well, from large-scale productions like the annual Under a Desert Moon show to smaller haflas held in the studio, as well as chances to perform at community events in the DC area such as Tenley Art All Night and other cultural festivals. If you've ever been even a little bit interested in bellydance, come check it out!

This is the best school in the DMV for authentic Capoiera Angola taught in a warm atmosphere that…read moreis welcoming and of high quality. The instruction is top-notch across all areas of the art, including music and movements. Also, the founder and director, Dale Marcellin, ontinues to hone his skill with regular trips to Bahia, Brazil, which builds off his long-time training under the famed master Cobra Mansa, as well training under Grandmaster Joao Grande. My pre-teen son has been a devoted student of Dale at Universal Capoiera for about a year and a half. While my son is currently the only kid in the school, he is mentored will with very positive adults and challenged in a healthy environment. Dale's senior students are also extremely supportive and helpful. As an example, the Friday night Beginners class taught by one the more experienced students provides an ideal intro to Capoiera, with effective instruction in the basics. This is THE place to quickly learn traditional Capoiera Angola in DC.

I joined the academy about a year ago, and this place has become my second home. The environment is…read morevery relaxed and warm, and everyone there is like family. The head instructor was a student of Cobra Mansa and Joao Grande, so his game is tight. My game has evolved so fast, that most people think Ive been playing all my life. Stop by this place and get ready to sweat.

This is THE place to take adult ballet classes in the DMV. The teachers and class structure are…read moreexcellent, and there's a variety of levels and times to choose from. The studio is gorgeous too!

Three beautiful, bright, and airy dance studios on the second floor, in the same building as Cactus…read moreCantina, Raku, Solidcore and Pure Barre (not the Yelp address). I've been taking adult open classes here for about a year and find that most evening and weekend classes tend to be crowded, so try a weekday daytime class if you can. There's street parking on Wisconsin Ave and side streets or discounted parking in the Giant Foods garage (remember to get your parking validation from the receptionist). While the faculty each have their own styles, all the ones I've taken from are top-notch instructors who were former (or are currently) professional ballet company dancers. I think I've finally figured out the five levels for adult classes, which are not as they're labeled, IMO: - Beginning 1. For dancers in their first couple years of ballet study, or who are rehabbing after not dancing for 1+ years. The teacher will explain ballet terminology. - Beginning 2. Not actually for beginners. Full barre and center combinations. - Advanced beginning. If tombe-pas de bourree-glissade-saut de chat is in your muscle memory. - Intermediate I. Dancers are doing double-plus pirouettes. Petite allegro can have jumps with beats. Combos are more intricate, challenging... and FUN! - Intermediate II. You'll see some dancers en pointe, and pros occasionally drop in. The class moves fast, where the teacher doesn't even have to fully demonstrate the combo yet everyone knows what they're doing. Fouette turns. If you're on the fence about which level to attend, I recommend trying the safer/lower level first, then moving up as you become comfortable. Overall, TWSB is a wonderful place to take ballet class in the DMV area!

Stunning space with great instructors and a nice selection of course offerings for all levels from…read morezero experience to even semipro/pro. I have been a student of Candy's for years. I was so glad when she opened her own studio. We are fortunate to have someone with as much experience and talent as she and her team has!

On a scale of romances to documentaries, Aerial Candy is a picture book with beautiful poses…read more Aerial Candy operates out of Dance Exchange, and the entrance into the space is at the back of the building. There's minimal parking, and you might find parking on the street as well. I took a beginner silks class and an intermediate lyra class. It seemed like our teachers were subs, and I would have been curious to experience a class by the regular teachers (I was only passing through town). Rigging appeared safe, but it was only a cursory look as I felt comfortable with the tricks we were working in class. I greatly enjoyed the other aerialists who were welcoming and fun.