The main office of DC Dance Collective is set in a basement-like area, so it feels a bit dark and crowded, but once you get the tappers to the third floor and the flamenco dancers to the front room, there's room to stretch and check out all the dance paraphernalia on the walls. Children and adults can take classes in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, flamenco, belly dancing and Hawaiian hula. Hula--now there's a way to forget about freezing temperatures when it?s winter.
There are deals for signing up for a certain number of classes, but students can also earn free classes by participating in their work-study program. It's a good way to get to know the studio, experiment with different dance styles and meet other dancers. They also offer master classes with visiting dancers, and there are always tap classes with DC Dance Collective owner, Nancy Newell.
I took hip hop for several months, and I can't say enough good things about Gwo, one of the hip hop teachers. His enthusiasm for dancing and his patience in working with the class was incredible. He taught choreographed pieces as well as solos, and he encouraged people to try their own moves. To teach the class more he would bring in videos showing what dancers in New York or Korea or France were doing.
Pros: Enthusiastic teachers
Cons: Prices a little high
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