I cannot recommend this place strongly enough. I've taken classes with several teachers, and…read moreeveryone is kind, knowledgeable, and accepting. The scaffolding of skills demonstrates a strong understanding of pedagogy, and the environment is incredibly positive and accepting of all abilities and bodies. The variety of classes available for adults is impressive, and there is truly something for everyone. I am so grateful to have a studio like this in Bethesda.

Enjoyed taking evening classes this summer- a welcoming environment for tween dancers.read more

Cristine is an incredible teacher. We asked her to help us with a first dance for our wedding, and…read moreshe knocked it out of the park. She choreographed a unique and beautiful dance to CSNY's "Our House." Our guests raved about it for hours! Plus, my now-husband and I had a blast learning with Cristine. She's personable, approachable and a great instructor.

Michael is probably the best tap dance teacher I've ever had in my 20+ years of dancing. He takes…read moreextra time to break down steps, and his choreography is always appropriately challenging. I learn something new every time I take his class, and even on the days when I find his choreography to be especially challenging, I always leave feeling a sense of accomplishment (instead of feeling defeated, as I've often felt after taking classes at other dance studios in the area). The rhythms he introduces are perfect for breaking away from the crippling symmetry and predictability of Broadway tap and helping me to transition from a performer into a percussive musician. There are only three small nit-picky things that I would change about classes at this studio. 1. I wish there were more emphasis on improvisation. I've taken classes at other local studios where they reserve the last 15 minutes of class for an improv circle. This serves as a cool-down, as well as gives dancers a chance to practice composing rhythms on the fly and being/staying in sync with their fellow dancers while performing. It's an incredibly valuable and often under-rehearsed skill. 2. The main studio floor is in desperate need of an upgrade. It is crumbling and uneven, which is a disheartening contrast to how great the classes are. It's also a trip hazard (don't ask me how I know) and the studio should definitely make upgrading it a priority. It's not enough for me to knock off a star because the classes are just that good, but it would definitely make the class experience that much better. 3. Adult/Teen classes should be limited to students who meet the criteria of the aforementioned demographics. There's something discomfiting about taking classes with small children, no matter how "good" or proficient they are at the craft... especially when they ask a ton of questions, won't keep their feet still, or constantly hold up class so they can tie their shoes. Call me a grinch, but I take my adult time and adult spaces very seriously (especially since classes here are the most expensive in the area!) I mean, that's why they call them Adult (and teen) classes... right?

I used to be a student here many years ago. My teacher was Ms. Henry. Not sure if she is still…read morethere. Anyway I had a very good experience. Great for all levels. Not intimidating.

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 an amazing park with a museum, theater, dance hall, and great art galleries. Used to be an…read moreamusement park but now a great historical site. They also have the Clara Barton House that my wife and I toured. You can drive here or take Ride On Route 29 from Bethesda or Friendship Heights.

Tried the waltzing class at the Glen Echo Park complex and loved it. Tony Treston (affiliated with…read moreWaltz Time) was my instructor; he demonstrates the basics of waltzing in an easygoing manner. My first lesson was no pressure and I felt like I made a lot of progress. BTW, this is not Viennesse waltzing, which is a formalized style of waltzing. The kind of waltzing taught here is more of a "garden variety", and done by cultures all over the world. It's a 3-step candance (slow, quick quick), and anyone can do it, seriously. It might be the best $13 that I ever spent. That's the cost of admission, which includes a 45 minute lesson, followed by nearly 3 hours of dance time with a live band. The Spanish Ballroom, where the social dances are held, is a premier venue. The building itself is Art Deco architecture and considered to be one of the best ballrooms of its kind on the East Coast. The interior is decorated tastefully and lighted well. The expansive floor is made of a lovely maple wood. The live music is such a treat as the acoustics here are top notch. The social dances are a lot of fun, and waltzing isn't the only style offered--there's contra dancing; tango dancing; swing dancing; blues dancing, etc. The social dance calendar is quite extensive. Check out Glen Echo Park and Waltz Time websites to see all the possibilities. Am already planning when I'll attend again.

Beautiful, welcoming, clean & airy dance studio- in Takoma Park-steps away from busyboys and poets…read more The main studio has windows and benches so if you want to hang or peek in on a class you can. Master teacher Papa Assane: (Kankouran West African Dance) is internationally known and recognized, holds weekly African dance and drum classes & I'm here for it! It's a great workout and a great place to connect. Very active with a wonderful sense of community.

I went to the Saturday Moves class with my two children of 5 and 7. We all enjoyed it very much…read more It is scheduled for 90 minutes, but the time flew by. Matthew was a fun, energetic, patient teacher. Even when my kids and a few others were running around, it did not bother him one bit. I really enjoyed partnering with my son and daughter to create a dance or set of movements. You do not have to be an experienced dancer to enjoy the class, as the movements are very easy to follow and create. I broke into minimal sweat and felt like I had completed a light workout after 90 minutes. Good for all ages and levels or fitness. This is a good class for families, seniors, and kids all at the same time.

I'm enjoying the classes and their trainers, especially my own. More importantly there are weekly…read moregroup practice sessions in the evenings that can enhance the skills. A lot of positive energy from classmates and management.

My fiance, father, and I went to Arthur Murray yesterday for lessons on dancing at my imminent…read morewedding. This could have been a disaster for many reasons: 1. I'll repeat, it was my fiance, father, and I. Two men and a woman. One of whom is the father of the woman. All of them ballroom dancing! Together. Awkwardness? Methinks inevitable. 2. How do I put this...I am uncoordinated. Not, like, oh-that's-cute-she-occasionally-stumbles-uncoordinated. Like, back-in-high-school-all-my-dance-teachers-talked-to-me-in-very-simple-sentences-because-they-assumed-I-was-intellectually-handicapped uncoordinated. Or like, as-I-type-this, one-of-my-thumbnails-is-bright-red-and-a-toenail-is-black-because-I-am-constantly-mashing-myself-into-things uncoordinated. 3. So are my father and fiance. ...Imagine my radiant thrill, therefore, to report that all 3 of us successfully learned to foxtrot and rumba last night. Our teacher, Sarah, couldn't have been nicer or more funny. The staff was friendly and engaging. The studios were big and clean. Arthur Murray is an international franchise, meaning that there are some corporate-mandated policies that might rub guests the wrong way. Alarm bells enforce strict limits on 45-minute lessons, and I can tell that there's some pressure on employees to sell dance lesson packages. However, I can't begrudge the individuals who worked with us these quirks, since they're clearly beyond their control. Anyone who can teach me to dance in 90 minutes - after 27 years of total ineptitude - is a hero.

Decided to give my son theater lessons as he's a child that has a big voice and loves to be "on."…read moreI've never seen him so happy :) Really excited to continue his theater classes here :)

My son just finished two weeks at their summer camp program at Glen Echo park and I felt compelled…read moreto review this team of professionals. We first became aware of ATMTC through a Groupon offering at their location in Wintergreen Shopping Center in Rockville. In just a hour a week, they accomplished amazing things with my son who has a lot of difficulty paying attention and following directions. He danced his way through two different numbers and loved it. So, at his prompting, we signed him up for two weeks of muscical theater camp and hoped for the best. This is a professional group. They were well organized and were very capable of handling the "drama" that comes along with kids of this age group. I was amazed by what they were able to accomplish with the kids by the end of the two short weeks. Whether you think yor think your kids are on their way to a professional career or just for a hobby, I can't recommend their programs more. We are looking forward to following up camp with their team! Thank you for making it fun and caring about my son this summer.