2026–2027 registration is open

Programs

A clear path for every dancer.

Whether your dancer is discovering movement for the first time or pursuing advanced study, we make the next step easy to understand.

Explore the programs

Start with the
right fit.

Age is a helpful starting point, but placement also considers experience, readiness and goals. The guides below explain what dancers study at each stage, and we are happy to help you choose.

Beginnings & foundations

Early Childhood, Lower & Adaptive Divisions

Young dancers build movement, musicality and ballet technique step by step, with supportive options designed around different ages, goals and ways of learning.

Mommy & Me

For ages 1½–3 with a grown-up. A joyful first movement experience, using music, rhythm, imagination and simple coordination activities.

First Steps

For age 3. An independent class blending creative movement with beginning ballet. Dancers practice listening, taking turns, balance, skipping, hopping and other age-appropriate motor skills.

Pre-Ballet / Tap

For ages 4–5. Beginning ballet vocabulary is paired with tap to develop musicality, rhythm and confidence in a playful, structured class.

Ballet 1/Tap

For age 6. Ballet fundamentals become more structured while tap continues to strengthen timing, coordination and clear footwork.

Ballet 2 / Intro to Jazz

For age 7. Dancers deepen placement and ballet vocabulary while receiving an age-appropriate introduction to jazz movement.

Ballet 3

By placement. A focused Lower Division level that develops the strength, coordination, vocabulary and independence dancers need as they prepare for more advanced study.

Training Division

Youth Ballet for ages 8–11. Once-weekly recreational ballet for dancers who want to keep dancing with a more flexible schedule. Technical progress is naturally more gradual, but students still perform in the annual recital, may continue jazz and modern, and remain eligible to audition for Festival Ballet Virginia productions.

Adaptive Ballet / Tap

A supportive class for dancers ages 6–9 with Down syndrome, autism or other cognitive and motor differences, developing mobility, musicality, independence and social connection with a low student-to-assistant ratio.

Adaptive Hip Hop / Jazz

Rhythmic, high-energy movement for dancers ages 10+ is adapted to build coordination, confidence and performance skills.

A versatile dancer

Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Tap & Boys Only

Complementary forms broaden musicality, coordination and creative range while supporting GWDC’s strong ballet foundation.

Jazz

Energetic, musical training that develops clarity, dynamics, coordination and confident performance. Dedicated jazz study begins around age eight.

Modern & Contemporary

Grounded, expressive movement helps dancers explore weight, space, musicality and individual artistry alongside their ballet training.

Tap

Rhythm, timing and articulate footwork are introduced in Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1, giving young dancers a strong musical foundation.

Boys Only Dance

An athletic, encouraging class for ages 6–12 that develops strength, agility, balance, coordination, creativity and confidence.

Deeper study

Upper, Pre-Professional & Professional Training

For dancers ready for an increasing commitment, these placement-based pathways combine rigorous technique with artistry, versatility and meaningful performance experience.

Upper Division Ballet

Progression is based on each dancer’s physical, emotional and cognitive development—not age or remaining with a peer group—so students may spend multiple years in a level or advance at different rates. As the foundation for pre-professional training, required classes and expectations for attendance, focus, summer study, cross-training and effort increase over time.

Pre-Pointe, Pointe & Variations

Carefully sequenced preparation develops the alignment, strength and control required for pointe work, classical variations and advanced study.

Pre-Professional Division

Ballet, modern, jazz, Strength, Agility & Flexibility (SAF) and, when appropriate, pointe are combined into a more intensive course of study with higher expectations for consistency and commitment.

Professional Division

An audition-only program with approximately 13 hours of advanced ballet, modern, jazz, pointe, repertory and SAF. Yoga is included in the weekly training, along with four hours of scheduled rehearsal or coaching.

Pedagogy & Teacher Training

Specialized teacher training exclusively for qualified advanced-level dancers already training at GWDC. Classroom study, observation and hands-on assisting develop knowledge of child development, anatomy, lesson planning and teaching methodology, preparing dancers to pursue teaching opportunities beyond the studio. The program is not available to students outside GWDC. Explore the Pedagogy Program

An Upper Division opportunity

Boys Scholarship Program

A renewable tuition scholarship for committed male dancers who are already progressing through GWDC’s Upper Division program.

Download scholarship application

Who may apply

Applicants must be enrolled in high school, currently training in GWDC’s Upper Division and have completed at least one full year of dance training at GWDC.

How the scholarship grows

Support begins at 25% of tuition in the first scholarship year and increases with continued participation, reaching full tuition in the fourth year and beyond.

Movement for adults

Adult Dance, Fitness & Wellness

Welcoming adult classes support technique, strength, mobility, posture and well-being across a wide range of experience levels.

Book adult drop-in classes Register for absolute beginner session

Absolute Beginning Ballet for Adults & Teens

A dedicated session for teens and adults starting ballet. Enroll through the GWDC registration portal; see Schedule & Tuition for current session dates, times and tuition.

Adult Ballet

Beginning through advanced classes offer focused technique, musicality and community in an encouraging environment for teen and adult dancers.

Adult Jazz

Energetic, musical movement develops coordination, clarity and confident performance in a welcoming adult class.

Adult Yoga

Breath, balance, mobility and mindful movement support strength, recovery and physical well-being.

Adult SAF

Strength, Agility & Flexibility training develops stability, mobility, coordination and resilient movement.

Pilates, Core Fusion & Barre Fusion

Low-impact training strengthens the core, improves posture and blends controlled movement with options for different experience levels.

For children & adults

Music Programs

Private piano instruction welcomes children and adults at different stages of learning, from a first lesson to more advanced study.

Private Piano Lessons

Private lessons are 30 minutes once per week, at $40 per 30-minute lesson. Children may begin as young as age five when they are ready to begin reading. Individual instruction develops technique, musicianship and a lasting relationship with music through lessons shaped around each student’s age, experience and goals.

Choosing your class

Questions before you begin

A few practical answers to help you choose your next step at GWDC in Reston.

How do I choose the right class?

Start with the age guidance above. Placement also considers experience, readiness and goals. For a recommendation, email the studio with your dancer’s age, experience and interests.

Can teens and adults start ballet as beginners?

Yes. Absolute Beginning Ballet for Adults & Teens is a dedicated session booked through the GWDC registration portal. Recurring adult drop-in classes are booked through Punchpass. Check Schedule & Tuition for the current options.

Where can I find times and tuition?

The Schedule & Tuition page lists class times, ages or placement requirements, and published tuition. School-year tuition shown is one-tenth of annual tuition unless otherwise noted. Final placement, prerequisites, fees and availability are confirmed during registration.

What should students wear?

See the Dress Code page for clothing and footwear requirements for your class. If you are unsure which requirements apply, email the studio before your first class.

See current classes Ask about placement

GWDC students learning together in class

Not sure where to begin?

Let’s find the
right starting point.

Tell us your dancer’s age, experience and interests. Our faculty will recommend a class that offers both comfort and room to grow.

Ask about placement Browse schedule