Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Child's Dance Journey Starts Here
District Dance is a premier children's dance studio in Gaithersburg, MD, dedicated to empowering the next generation of confident leaders through dance education. Founded in 2010, our studio combines professional instruction with a nurturing environment, offering programs tailored to children aged 1.5 to 18 years. Our team of college-educated instructors brings over 80 years of cumulative teaching experience, delivering a structured curriculum that emphasizes technical skill development, creative expression, and personal growth. We provide diverse class options including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and acrobatics, alongside competitive and performance teams for advanced dancers.With two annual professional performances, a comprehensive VIP Performance Package included in tuition, and flexible enrollment options, we prioritize accessibility and family-friendly communication. Our state-of-the-art facility features four studios with sprung floors, professional sound systems, and a welcoming lobby space designed to foster community. Through paid leadership opportunities for students and a commitment to transparent operations, we cultivate both artistic excellence and life skills. Our Happiness Guarantee ensures new families can experience our programs risk-free, reflecting our confidence in the quality of our offerings.
Services
Shimmer Program
Shine Program
Ballet Program
Spotlight Teams
Poms Teams
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Our college-educated instructors bring 80+ years of combined teaching experience
- Structured curriculum balances technical training with creative expression
- Two annual professional theater performances with included media packages
- Paid leadership roles available for advanced student development
- Happiness Guarantee with full refund option for new families
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive community
Well-organized
Confidence-building
Professional training
Services
Shimmer Program
Our Shimmer Program introduces children aged 1.5-7 years to ballet, tap, jazz, and creative movement. Classes focus on developing motor skills, classroom behavior, and imagination through themed lessons. The curriculum combines technical training with confidence-building activities, preparing young dancers for advanced programs while fostering social connections and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Shine Program
The Shine Program offers leveled dance classes for ages 7-18 in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary styles. Designed to develop technical proficiency and artistic expression, classes include structured warm-ups, choreography, and performance preparation. Students gain confidence through recitals while developing physical strength, coordination, and stage presence in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere.
Ballet Program
Our Ballet Program provides comprehensive training from pre-ballet through pointe levels for ages 4-18. Classes emphasize proper technique, body alignment, and classical repertoire while incorporating modern storytelling elements. Students participate in an annual spring ballet performance featuring original adaptations of popular stories, combining classical training with contemporary creative expression.
Spotlight Teams
Spotlight Competition Teams offer advanced training for ages 5-18 with multiple performance opportunities. Dancers receive intensive technical instruction in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles while developing teamwork and stagecraft skills. The program includes regional competitions, community performances, and leadership development through paid assistant roles for experienced students.
Poms Teams
Poms Teams combine pom-style dance with community engagement for ages 7+. Participants learn choreography that emphasizes showmanship and teamwork while representing the studio at local events. The program focuses on developing performance energy, synchronized movement, and ambassadorship skills through parade appearances and end-of-season competition preparation.
Questions
What age requirements exist for dance classes?
Classes start at 18 months with parent/child classes, offering progressive programs through age 18 with appropriate levels for all experience stages.
Are trial classes available for new students?
Yes, trial classes are offered July-February for all beginner-level programs to help families experience our teaching approach.
What does monthly tuition include?
Tuition covers weekly classes, recital fees, performance media packages, custom apparel, yearbooks, and special event gifts.
How are class levels determined?
Parents receive recommendations based on age and experience, with trial class feedback helping determine optimal placement.
What performance opportunities exist?
All students participate in two annual professional theater performances with full production support and media documentation.
Is there a dress code requirement?
Yes, specific attire is required for each class type, with online ordering available through our dancewear shop.
Reviews (7)
Glicer Nalvarte
Jun 05, 2021
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We have been going to District Dance for 5+ years and our lives wouldn't be the same without it. The staff is wonderful and they teach so many wonderful skills beyond dance!
Alida Kodjanian
Nov 05, 2020
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DDC is awesome. My girls have danced here for many years and they absolutely love it. The studio provides a wide range of dance styles and levels of classes. The instructors are kind, caring, and professional. They carry out the studio’s mission of not just teaching dance, but also that of empowering young students to follow their dreams.
Karen Clark Karyshyn
Sep 30, 2019
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Our daughter started dance "late in life" at 14. She began at District Dance after only one year of dance and they were SO accommodating and helpful in finding the right classes! Now in her second year at District Dance, she is learning, being mentored, and thoroughly enjoys helping in a class of younger students. The studio is well organized in all communications--upcoming dates, payment, and sharing information about staff!
Anne Denzel
Nov 09, 2018
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My daughter takes tap with Lisa and she is amazing. The kids have fun. She adapts the class for all and moves at a great pace. The kids have so much fun and my daughter couldn't wait to share her experience with her friends. Great job Lisa and district dance company.
Tammy Wyatt Roberts
Oct 30, 2018
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This studio is dedicated to finding the best teachers; those that are talented dancers, good teachers and work well with children. They also empower their dancers with special programs and leadership opportunities. My daughter tried a class here 3 1/2 years ago and after 10 minutes in class walked out happier than I had ever seen her in her prior dance studios. She loves dance, her teachers and the fabulous group of friends that she has made. The only bad night for her is one when she isn’t at District Dance Company.
Kyra Madden
Oct 30, 2018
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My daughter is 3 years old and attends dance here. She loves the teachers and teaching me what she learns in class. Everyone in the staff is welcoming and very helpful. They have the small necessicities that… dancers may need on hand some for purchase, as well as some to borrow. My favorite is the different photo prop things they do for events and holidays. I would definately recommend them to anyone interested in enrolling their children in a dance program!
Marc Zamora
Oct 20, 2018
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Wonderful dance company! Ms Lisa is very patient and accommodating. atmosphere in and around the staff makes you feel much "at home". my daughter feels very much relaxed and has a lot of fun during her class.
