The Russell School of Ballet is an Excellent dance school with a wonderful supportive culture for…read moreall ages.

Truly a wonderful place to dance! Kind and knowledgeable instructors, a family-like atmosphere, and…read morebeautiful shows!

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.

Kat Arias has turned dreams of a dance family into reality. She has cultivated an inclusive,…read morewelcoming culture and instills those core values in her students. Kat pours her heart into her teams, and the loyalty of her dance family is a testament to that. She makes sure that her students are cared for not just in dance, but mentally and emotionally as well. I'm lucky to have experienced her teams as both a lead and a follow. She is very supportive of women assuming the traditionally male role of leading, and she has done the same herself. Studio can be hard to find but there's a stairwell down on the side of the building that leads to a basement hallway.

I have been a part of the Ferocity dance community for over two years and I only wish that I found…read moreout about this studio and Kat Arias sooner. Kat mixes humor with care and attention to detail not only to improve how I dance but more importantly to alter the perspective of how I view myself as a dancer. This beautiful never-ending dance journey has been enhanced furthermore with the community of dancers Kat has built for over a decade. I highly recommend anyone looking to learn to dance to inquire and give it a shot. The feeling of positivity and confidence last way past just the class itself!

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 highly recommend lessons, whether it is for preparing for an event, wanting to pick back up what…read moreyou did as a kid, or wanting to try something new. Ann is an incredible teacher and got me dancing in the first lesson, whereas I spent my whole life thinking I couldn't dance. She has worked with several of my friends, as well, and got them ready for their wedding and other events. She breaks things down so they seem very simple. Her humor and positivity make learning fun. She has taught me bachata, merengue, cha cha, rumba, swing, and waltz so far, and we're still going! And a friend of mine and I also started doing tap and ballet with her. When working with disabilities, she is flexible and creative in her explanations and the way she makes dancing possible.

Ann is amazing! My wife and I started taking lessons with her ahead of our wedding, and are still…read moreworking with her over a year later. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable but she is also an excellent teacher. She is especially good at understanding the common issues that men encounter as the lead. We have been learning swing, rumba, and salsa. Ann is incredibly patient and understanding while also having high standards for us. We have fun at every lesson and look forward to continuing to learn from Ann. Highly recommend!

I am shocked to be the first to write a review, since Alison is by far the best teacher. She…read morebalances perfect amount of academics, technique, and choreography to make a perfect ballet class at various levels. My daughter Elena is taking her level 1. My son Anton has progressed to level 3. I must say, I live about 45 min drive, and it's worth it. I first tried the school because there was a Groupon. Oh, Alison organizes community concerts, including visits to nursing homes. She just has this selfless spirit about her, and truly loves what she does.

The Ballet Academy has been a part of my life since I was 11 years old, nearly 25 years. The…read moredirector Alison Milker is amazing, she truly cares about her students treating them like family. For many the academy is family. In collaboration with the Performing Arts Repertory Company, the Ballet Academy puts on two shows a year and several outreach performances a year. Beautiful dancers, creative choreography every-time. A great studio for anyone interested, no matter the age, in getting into ballet.

I signed up my toddler for Wiggletoes (aimed for 2-3 year olds) which met once a week for 8 weeks…read morefor this location. They offer the classes seasonly across all 3 of their studios (Fairfax, Mosaic, and Alexandria). Wiggletoes was a very foundational class and the teacher, Ms. Jennifer, made every week so fun! She was so warm and engaging. There was a different theme each week which went along beginner ballet moves, storytime, and acting out the story time. The class was only up to 6 children so it didn't feel crowded and each child had enough time for all of the activities. As the parent, you're also expected to be next to your child and engage in a few of the activities which made it fun for bonding. We didn't opt in, but they also host a seasonal recital as well. We were able to purchase the leotard, tutu, and ballet shoes through the studio, which made everything super easy. Unfortunately, my toddler didn't end up loving ballet but I really enjoyed our experience here and the quality time we had together through our weekly classes.

Every morning when we wake up the first question out of my daughter's mouth is: "Is it ballet yet?"…read more She is only three years old but ever since she started taking lessons at Tiny Dancers she has aspirations of becoming a hardcore ballerina. And guess what? Since it is a parent/child class, so have I! Their Wiggletoes class is aimed at 2-3 year olds and teaches the fundamentals of ballet in a really engaging and age-appropriate way. Our teacher Miss Holly is especially adept at dealing with young children, some who have never been in a classroom setting before. She rolls with the punches, makes things fun and the creativity she brings into each lesson is outstanding. Every class is incorporated with a story time + gorgeous, high quality costume. Seeing what they put together has become a highlight of my week. We unfortunately do not have classes right now because #socialdistancing but my daughter has still been applying what she learned at home. She loves to "tendu" all around the house and on our walks.

Gretchen is super personable and easy to talk with. My fiancé and I take lessons with Bobo. She's…read moresweet and kind and makes us look forward to every lesson. She takes the time to explain technique and music theory but finds a way to make it fun and engaging. She cares about our input and our interests. I honestly feel lucky to have found a teacher that makes each lesson so enjoyable.

Gretchen Sterling is by far the best piano teacher I have ever had. All of my previous teachers…read morehad great resumes, including one with an M.A. from USC and another who graduated from Peabody Conservatory. However, none of my teachers really taught me technique. In contrast, Gretchen can demonstrate how to move fingers and hands for every imaginable situation; and she gives invaluable advice for how to turn passages into mini-exercises for more efficient practice. While a student of Gretchen's I have managed to pass the ABRSM Grade 7 piano exam and Grade 6 theory exam. If your teacher just assigns you pieces like homework assignments and little else, then consider switching to Gretchen.