Joy of Motion
7702 Woodmont Ave. (just 10 minutes north of DC)
Bethesda
301.986.1996
There are two recommendations here. Here's what #1 says: "Joy of Motion is founded on the belief that dance is for everyone. It has three locations around the DC area, and provides a comprehensive curriculum of classes for the adult dancer. For the area it is truly the best center that I have found for beginning and continuing in dance. The teacher I have found to be the most inspirational is Margaret Townsend. She taught the first ballet class that I had attempted to take since I was seven years old. I was so nervous and wondered to myself if I should even be there. As soon as she walked in to the class that night she immediately put everyone at ease. She has a great positive attitude and makes a point of getting to know all of her students. She also has a wealth of experience in classical ballet training and an in depth knowledge of the dancer's body. She makes you work but her classes are so much fun. I am soooo thankful that I have found this dance center. If you are in the area come and try one of her classes for yourself. I am certain you will have a great time and leave smiling." 6/03
And #2: "Helen Hayes teaches both modern and jazz for adults. She is incredibly patient and personable, not to mention observant. In a class of 30 she would notice if your pinky toe was too tense (I am not kidding on this). Even better, she would take the time to help you correct it" 11/03.
Mary Slater at
University of Maryland (can anyone provide address phone?)
and
Slater's Dance Studio
171 Mayo Road
Edgewater
410.956.6277
My correspondent explains: "This isn't about a great ballet instructor but a great tap instructor. I'm a late beginner taking tap class at the University of Maryland. My teacher, Mary Slater, is fabulous. She has tons of years' experience in dance and dance teaching. In the seventies she studied in New York City and knows the typical musical style of tap, like Ginger Rogers, as well as the jazz style, like that of Buster Brown."
Creative Dance Dimensions
1564 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick
301.620.9322
Director Denise West formerly danced with Pittsburgh Ballet. The studio's focus, however, is primarily modern, jazz, lyrical, and tap. The draw here, for adult ballet students, is that my correspondent says that West allowed her to take a beginning pointe class with the 10-year-olds. So, if you're nearby and looking for a place to begin pointe, you may want to give this studio a call.
Frederick Classical Ballet
36 E. Patrick St.
Frederick
301.662.9441
My correspondent describes the adult ballet classes here as "strictly recreational," which often carries the connotation that the teaching may not be of a serious nature. She writes, "We have a good time, and work on strength and technique. Instructors are current or former students of (studio director) Joyce Morrison.
Arte Flamenco
9062 Old Scaggsville Road
Laurel
301.617.0694
The recommended flamenco teacher is Natalia Monteleon. The student who recommends her writes, "Flamenco appreciates -- perhaps even requires -- maturity and it is so refreshing to be [taking class]in a room full of adults. Natalia's classes are wonderful. They are split between technique and choreography. She is very personable and knowledgeable as she has been performing for 30 years. The classes are accompanied by guitarist perhaps 70% of the time. The adult students all have an opportunity to perform in a yearly show along with the professionals. As they advance in technique the students are also invited to appear in some of the company performances."
Art of Motion Dance Center
9207 Lakeside Blvd.
Owings Mills
410.581.9175
A student writes, "I am a beginning adult in Baltimore who takes classes with Carole McClure at Art of Motion Dance Center. Her classes are spectacular. In this past year, I can feel the difference in my own muscle tone that I never thought possible. I highly recommend her classes to adults who want to learn to appreciate ballet as an art and learn the terminology and steps while also getting a great workout and improving their strentgh, balance and coordination. I am 35, and although I feel tired when I arrive after a 9-hour workday, I feel refreshed and energized after leaving class."
Vladimir Djouloukhadze
at the Jewish Community Center (JCC)
Montrose Road (if you know the full street address, or JCC phone number, please let me know)
Rockville
This teacher came highly recommended when he taught his adult ballet class at the Kirov school in Washington, DC. He has now relocated his adult class to the Rockville JCC, and teaches Sundays at 11 am.
| Blue Diamond Dance site and content ©Copyright 1997-2004 Rosetta Magdalen | |
 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |