TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH DANCE

Eliminating barriers and building futures in Washington, D.C.​

START HERE

Find your path at DIW

Parents & Students

Shape a future of purpose with our unique training model. Our programs offer rigorous ballet training, academic support, and leadership development. 

Donors & Supporters

Your support helps launch the next generation of changemakers. Fuel our mission to transform communities through dance.

Community Partners

Request our talented dancers for your event, audition for our productions, or engage in professional networking and development opportunities.

WHAT MAKES DIW DIFFERENT?

OUR IMPACT

Improving lifelong outcomes for D.C. youth and communities. Advancing equity in the dance industry worldwide.

1000+

Students Supported Annually

95%

Graduate Success Rate

20+

Community Partners
 

$65K+

In Annual Scholarships
 

See our full impact report:

“It’s an amazing place to learn and grow; DIW offers technique, discipline, and so much more that prepares and improves one’s life.”

— Stephanie Witherall-Fields

CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY

Explore our upcoming performances and events.

OCTOBER 18, 2025

Community on 14th Workshop

Learn foundational contemporary partnering skills and build collaborative movement awareness.

DECEMBER 19-21, 2025

Spirit of Kwanzaa: 30 Years of Legacy

Celebrate Kwanzaa with our spectacular performance.

FIND YOUR PROGRAM

World-class dance education for every age and level.

Pre-Professional School

A progressive program with a strong ballet foundation, designed to create well-rounded dancers and artists.

Youth Dance

A fast-paced program that blends classical ballet and hip hop fundamentals to maximize technique and artistry for dancers aged 9+.

Adult Classes

Ready to dance? Reconnect with your passion in our new Adult Program, featuring a mix of free and paid classes for all levels.

LATEST NEWS & STORIES

Stay connected with the DIW community.

November '25-2

October 6, 2025

DIW Awarded Sports 4 Life Grant​

DIW is excited to be named as a 2025 Sports 4 Life grant recipient. Co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, this grant fuels our work in DC, using the power of sport to build leadership and resilience in girls from underserved communities.

March 26, 2025

DIW Awarded Foot Locker Foundation & LISC Grant

We’re honored to be among 14 organizations selected, with support that strengthens our dance, education, and mentorship programs to help young artists thrive.

May 20, 2024

DIW Awarded $2M Grant from MacKenzie Scott

This grant will help DIW expand inclusive and accessible dance education locally and worldwide.

SUPPORT DIW

World-class dance education for every age and level.

Invest in a Changemaker

Your donation provides vital scholarships and holistic support, keeping dance accessible to all.

Rent Our Space​

Beautiful, accessible studios and the Fabian Barnes Blackbox Theater, perfect for rehearsals, workshops, and events.

Partnerships

Audition for our signature productions, book our talented dancers, or join our network to cultivate arts careers in D.C.

DIW IN ACTION