Business Details
16 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Education in Sterling, VA
Sterling Ballet Academy was established in 2010 as the first studio in the Sterling, VA region dedicated to classical Russian ballet instruction using the Vaganova method. Our founders, both graduates of the esteemed Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, sought to bring structured, rigorous dance education to local students. We operate from an 8,000-square-foot facility featuring multiple studios for all skill levels and a black box theater for in-house performances. Our team of experienced instructors combines technical excellence with creative expression to nurture dancers from beginner to pre-professional levels.The academy emphasizes character development through programs that build confidence, discipline, and artistic appreciation. We offer diverse opportunities including annual full-length ballet productions, after-school enrichment, and summer camps. Our pre-professional Sterling Ballet Company provides advanced students professional performance experience alongside community engagement initiatives. The academy fosters lifelong friendships while developing technical proficiency and artistic expression through dance education.
Services
Ballet
Hip Hop
Jazz
Lyrical
Tap
After School Program
Summer Camp
Nutcracker Production
Pre-Professional Training
Ballet Company
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Vaganova-certified instructors with international performance experience
- Dedicated 8,000-square-foot facility with specialized dance studios
- Progressive curriculum building from toddler classes to pre-professional training
- Annual full-length ballet productions and community performance opportunities
- Integrated academic enrichment in after-school program
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet instruction following the Vaganova method cultivates technical mastery and artistic expression. Students develop proper form, strength, and musicality through progressive levels from toddler introduction to advanced pointe work. Our program emphasizes proper body alignment, discipline, and artistic interpretation while preparing students for professional dance careers or lifelong appreciation.
After School Program
Comprehensive after-school care combines dance training with academic support for grades K-6. Certified instructors provide homework assistance, reading practice, and arts & crafts alongside regular dance classes. The program focuses on developing time management skills while maintaining structured dance education and academic progress in a supportive environment.
Summer Camp
Specialized summer programming introduces children aged 3-6 to dance fundamentals through age-appropriate classes. Half-day and full-day options combine ballet, jazz, and creative movement with fun activities. The camp nurtures motor skills, creativity, and confidence while providing a foundation for future dance education in a playful, supportive environment.
Ballet Company
Pre-professional performance opportunities for advanced students through the Sterling Ballet Company. Members participate in full-length productions like The Nutcracker and Wolves alongside community performances. The program develops stagecraft skills, artistic interpretation, and professional discipline while collaborating with guest artists and professional dancers in fully staged productions.
Youth Development
Holistic youth development through dance education fosters confidence, discipline, and creativity. Our curriculum cultivates memory skills, physical coordination, and teamwork while encouraging self-expression. Students learn to appreciate diversity through collaborative performances while developing emotional intelligence and presentation skills that extend beyond the dance studio into academic and personal pursuits.
People
Ms. Tuya Tumennasan
Director
Tuya Tumennasan, co-founder and director, graduated from Vaganova Ballet Academy in Russia. She brings decades of international dance experience to Sterling Ballet Academy, ensuring rigorous technical instruction combined with artistic development for students at all levels.
Angela Haziza
Academy Manager
Angela Haziza manages academy operations with extensive experience in dance education administration. She oversees program development, instructor coordination, and student support services to maintain the academy's educational standards and community engagement initiatives.
Unur Gunaajav
Ballet Teacher
Unur Gunaajav, a Vaganova-trained instructor, contributes to the academy's technical excellence. With professional performance experience across multiple countries, he specializes in developing proper ballet technique and artistic expression for students in pre-professional programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach classical ballet using the Vaganova method, plus jazz, tap, hip hop, and lyrical styles.
How does the after-school program work?
Our after-school program runs 3:00-6:30 PM Mon-Fri for K-6th graders with flexible daily attendance options.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs starting at age 3 through adult classes, with specialized toddler half-day summer camps.
Do you stage performances?
Yes, we present annual productions like The Nutcracker and Wolves, plus student recitals and community events.
Is there academic support?
Our after-school program includes homework help, reading practice, and arts & crafts alongside dance training.
How do I enroll?
Download our registration form from the website or call (703) 430-1001 to start the enrollment process.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Joshua D.
Jan 07, 2020
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This review is for the Nutcracker performance they did at Dominion High School around Christmas 2019. It was SO professional. Because of the location and this being a local ballet school I expected a small-time production with some local kids, suitable for taking my young daughter to for an afternoon. I was blown away by how GOOD this was and how well-trained all the performers were. They actually had professional ballet dancers of all ages, and it was a diverse group racially and geographically. This was every bit as good as the Nutcracker I saw in D.C. at the Warner Theater a couple years ago
John F.
Jan 24, 2019
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While looking around, I decided to check out the Sterling Ballet Academy. Met a young man who could be one of the instructors here. The man we'll call Kim informed me that they teach, hip hop, tap, stretching, adult ballet, lyrical and ballet. There are many choices to choose from. A good way to get the kids into something we all can benefit from.
Karen M.
Feb 26, 2015
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I emailed Sterling Ballet to find out more information about a class they were offering. They emailed me back 4 days later telling me to go on their website and read. I did read the website but wanted more information. I decided to go to another ballet school for obvious reasons....
Jeremiah H.
Sep 28, 2012
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We signed up my dauther for ballet here last year. She was always dancing around and loved watching Angelina Ballerina, so it was a safe bet that she would enjoy it.
Ms. Tuya and Ms. Amber proved to be fantastic instructors, especially when dealing with young children. They evaluated students on ability as much as age, offering a free class to see how they handle the environment and instruction before placing them in an appropriate class. My daughter is six years old, and deathly shy, but thye managed to draw her out into the classes. She has fun, pays attention, and is always excited to go
Ms. Tuya and Ms. Amber proved to be fantastic instructors, especially when dealing with young children. They evaluated students on ability as much as age, offering a free class to see how they handle the environment and instruction before placing them in an appropriate class. My daughter is six years old, and deathly shy, but thye managed to draw her out into the classes. She has fun, pays attention, and is always excited to go
