Dancing Classrooms is not only about teaching ballroom dancing.  The dance is a tool for getting the children to break down social barriers, learn about honor and respect, treat others carefully, improve self-confidence, communicate and cooperate, and accept others even if they are different.  

Dancing Classrooms is a 10-week - 20 session social development program for 5th and 8th grade children that takes place in the child's school during the school day. The program utilizes ballroom dancing as a vehicle to change the lives of not only the children who participate in the program but also the lives of the teachers and parents who support these children.

After students have participated in our program in their school they are then eligible to attend our weekend program, known at DC ACADEMY, which has been running since the late 90's. 

The Academy is not your traditional dance school. We are a non profit organization whose main mission is social development.  (Once a child decides to register for our weekend classes emphasis is placed on more advanced dance steps and technique than in their original school setting.)  

After a child has completed Dancing Classrooms in their school they can register at our studio in in June when we have a "first come, first serve" registration for all NEW DC Academy students.  

Due to the special nature of our program, the ability to participate is limited.  It's very important that students committ to the entire year as well as day/time they sign up for.  The program is a "scaffolding" process in which each week/month/year build upon the next.   Students are not allowed to come and go as they please.

In addition, our studio location is also a national office Monday-Friday and its is important that the facilities are treated respectfully.

It costs more than about $100,000 a year to provide this wonderful program to your children. Semester fees and ticket sales for our Annual Dance Festival each May covers only about 50% of that amount. Like any other non profit organization we must find other ways to raise the other 50%. (For those of you who were here last year, yes, we will once again be having our 2nd Annual Campaign!  More info after the Winter Holidays.) 

You can learn more about our Program by watching the 2005 documentary, MAD HOT BALLROOM, as well as the popular Hollywood film, TAKE THE LEAD, starring Antonio Banderas as our founder, Pierre Dulaine. (Both films can be ordered on Netflix.)  You can also visit our website: www.dancingclassrooms.com 

 See you on the dance floor!