The Dance Institute of Washington

About Us

Founded in 1987, the Dance Institute of Washington is D.C.’s leading minority-led dance equity organization. We train over 1,000 students annually, subsidize 100% of our programming, and prepare young people for careers on and beyond the stage.

Meet our founder Our story

Founded

1987In Washington, D.C., by Fabian Barnes

Students

1,000+Trained annually

Programming

100%Subsidized

Scholarships

80%Of students receive full or partial scholarships

The Dance Institute of Washington

Our Story

The Dance Institute of Washington was founded by the late Fabian Barnes in 1987. Barnes founded the organization with the mission of improving the lives of underserved children in Washington, DC through the arts. In 1996, he retired from his highly acclaimed career as a professional dancer, to devote himself to this mission.

Today, DIW is the leading minority-led dance equity organization in the DMV, supporting students from underserved communities and securing top DC arts foundation funding. DIW performs multiple times annually at the Kennedy Center and THEARC as well as at multiple venues and festivals around the region and country. DIW offers a holistic set of extra-curricular key services to support their students including physical therapy, nutritional seminars, and career development training, along with arranging college tours for prospective students.

After Fabian’s tragic passing in 2016, Kahina Haynes was chosen as the Executive Director of the Dance Institute of Washington. Haynes, a former dancer, alumna of Princeton and Oxford Universities, founder of two independent dance companies, and a veteran of both the World Bank and the United Nations, served as School Director starting in 2013 before taking on the role as Executive Director in 2016. Under Haynes guidance, DIW continues propelling its mission into the future with visionary leadership and enthusiasm. Since DIW’s inception, many students have gone on to professional careers with prestigious dance companies and continued studies at top ballet conservatories and universities.

A teacher and a student mid-leap in the studio

The Dance Institute of Washington building on 14th Street

Our Founder

Fabian Barnes

May 1959 to April 2016

Fabian Barnes discovered dance at the early age of 11 when he followed his older brother to a dance class. In doing so, he found his life’s work.

My mentor at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Arthur Mitchell, the first African American to dance in a major ballet, New York City Ballet, always taught the importance of giving back to the community, and seeing talented young dancers grow and develop through DIW programs makes it all worthwhile.Fabian Barnes

Age 11

Discovered dance when he followed his older brother to class

Soloist

Rose to soloist during 15 years with Dance Theatre of Harlem

3 continents

Toured with DTH throughout Europe, Asia and Africa

Kennedy Center

Served as Artist-in-Residence for its Education Department

Honors

Oprah Angel Network Use Your Life Award2000
CNN “American Hero”2001
Washingtonian of the Year2008
Amtrak Pioneer Award2013
The Linowes Leadership Award
Pola Nirenska Award

Timeline

A life in dance

1971

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Fabian began studying dance in 1971 under the direction of Virginia Corkle.

Age 16

He was made an apprentice to the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company at the age of 16.

1979

In 1979, he joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) as an apprentice and quickly rose to the rank of soloist.

Fabian Barnes partnering on stage, in black and white

1987

Fabian Barnes begins the Dance Institute of Washington as a summer intensive dance program for hearing-impaired youth at Gallaudet Model Secondary School for the Deaf.

1993

Incorporates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and establishes its first holiday performance at the Kennedy Center.

1996

Founder Fabian Barnes retired from the Dance Theatre of Harlem to give his full attention to DIW’s school of dance and outreach program.

Fabian Barnes with students at the barre

2000

Oprah Winfrey presents Fabian Barnes with the prestigious Use Your Life Award.

2001

CNN’s “American Heroes” recognizes Founder Fabian Barnes for his tireless work in bringing dance, arts education and performance opportunities to inner-city youth.

Fabian Barnes receiving an award, with Michelle Obama

2008

Washingtonian Magazine honors Founder Fabian Barnes as a Washingtonian of the Year.

2013

Founder Fabian Barnes awarded the Amtrak Pioneer award for outstanding involvement in the community dealing with Washington, DC youth and beneficial community outreach efforts.

Lineage

From Balanchine to DIW

George BalanchineNew York City Ballet
Arthur MitchellDance Theatre of Harlem
Fabian BarnesDance Institute of Washington
DIW studentsOver 1,000 a year in D.C.

What drives us

Our Mission

DIW increases the inclusive and diverse representation at every level of the professional ballet and dance industries in Washington, DC. Through that exemplary effort, DIW impacts racial and economic equity in dance nationally and globally.

Our Core Values

Our unique DIW DNA is a living expression of our founding philosophy and our commitment to holistic excellence. We believe that dance is a vehicle for personal and societal change, which is why every program and class is guided by our core values. From technical excellence to creative innovation, these principles ensure we are developing well-rounded artists who are also confident and compassionate leaders.

Artistic Excellence

We don’t just train dancers; we cultivate leaders. Our curriculum builds deep technical skill alongside the life skills needed to succeed in any field.

Advancing Equity

We believe talent is universal. Our unique model provides world-class training regardless of ability to pay. 80% of students receive full or partial scholarships.

Safety & Belonging

A safe space in a nurturing facility that is equipped the highest quality of resources to ensure that their environment fosters their growth and advancement in dance training.

Beyond the studio

Our Impact

Dance Institute of Washington is a leading dance equity organization in D.C. Our work goes beyond the studio to build artistic excellence and drive social change, revolutionizing the professional dance industry at every level.

Why this work exists

The Need for Our Work

We are not just developing a new pipeline of dancers; we are disrupting systems, challenging racist practices, and eliminating discriminatory decision-making. Our exemplary efforts impact racial and economic equity in dance locally, nationally, and globally.

51.5%In Washington, D.C.of students are economically disadvantaged

34%In Washington, D.C.of youth families have no parental figure with secure employment

5xStudents engaged in the artsless likely to drop out of school than their peers of low socioeconomic status

3xIntensive arts involvement in high schoolmore likely to earn a bachelor’s degree

DIW exists to make sure D.C. youth have access to that level of arts education regardless of their financial circumstances.

“You have helped hundreds of boys and girls discover their strengths, their grace, their spirit, and you have given them wings to fly.”Oprah Winfrey

Dancer in black looking up with arms raised

46,000+Students served since founding in 19872025

Impact at a glance

Decades of Proven Impact

View full impact report

How we work

Our Approach in Action

Partnerships and Community Engagement

DIW extends its training model beyond the studio through partnerships with D.C. Public and Charter Schools, DPR sites, and community-based organizations across the city.

These partnerships bring certified teaching artists and structured curriculum into schools, after-school programs, and community centers, providing over 5,000 hours of subsidized rehearsal and creation space annually and reaching youth who would otherwise have no access to professional-level arts education.

Three dancers posing together in patterned costumes

Global Exchange

DIW leads cultural exchanges and teacher training programs in the Dominican Republic, Canada, South Africa, and Uganda, exporting its proven methodology and equity frameworks to dance educators and institutions worldwide.

These exchanges are not symbolic. They share the curriculum, the pedagogy, and the operational model that drive DIW’s outcomes at home, while giving students direct exposure to international artistic practice and cross-cultural collaboration.

“Ballet’s diversity problem isn’t new, but some of the promises to fix it are. The Dance Institute of Washington has seen what happens when words accompany action.”Theresa Vargas, The Washington Post

Support our mission

Recognition & milestones

Our Achievements

Key grants, awards, and institutional milestones from over three decades of work in D.C.

1987

Scroll or drag sideways

4 milestones1987 to 1999

From a summer intensive at Gallaudet Model Secondary School for the Deaf to a first holiday performance at the Kennedy Center.

People

Fabian Barnes begins the Dance Institute of Washington as a summer intensive dance program for hearing-impaired youth at Gallaudet Model Secondary School for the Deaf.

1987

Milestone

Holds its program at six recreation centers throughout DC, giving special attention to Wards 7 and 8.

1991

Milestone

Incorporates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and establishes its first holiday performance at the Kennedy Center.

1993

People

Founder Fabian Barnes retired from the Dance Theatre of Harlem to give his full attention to DIW’s school of dance and outreach program.

1996

15 milestones2000 to 2009

National recognition for Fabian Barnes, from Oprah Winfrey and CNN, and a new home in Columbia Heights.

People

Oprah Winfrey presents Fabian Barnes with the prestigious Use Your Life Award.

2000

People

CNN’s “American Heroes” recognizes Founder Fabian Barnes for his tireless work in bringing dance, arts education and performance opportunities to inner-city youth.

2001

People

Founder Fabian Barnes establishes Washington Reflections Dance Company.

2002

Award

Dance Institute of Washington is recognized as Outstanding School at the Youth America Grand Prix Regional Semifinals and its Senior Youth Repertory Ensemble is recognized as 1st Place Ensemble.

2003

Award

NBC Today Show credits DIW with “keeping Dr. King’s dream alive” by creating a center to performing arts education, youth development, child development and community enrichment.

People

Leadership Greater Washington inducts Fabian Barnes as a member.

2004

People

The Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington honors Founder Fabian Barnes as the 2004 recipient of the Founder’s Award.

People

Founder Fabian Barnes is featured on the Remarkable Journey hosted by Kweisi Mfume.

2005

People

WYCB 1340 AM recognizes Founder Fabian Barnes as an African American Faces in High Places Local Honoree.

2006

The Dance Institute of Washington building

Milestone

Celebrates the grand opening of its state-of-the-art dance facility in Columbia Heights.

Milestone

Organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.

2007

People

Washingtonian Magazine honors Founder Fabian Barnes as a Washingtonian of the Year.

2008

Milestone

DIW’s Youth Repertory Ensemble performs as part of a special concert in honor of Judith Jamison, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, at the historic Lincoln Theatre.

Grant

Awarded a generous grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to participate in the UPSTART capacity building program.

2009

Award

DIW is recognized as one of the Daily Points of Light by the Points of Light Foundation.

9 milestones2010 to 2019

Students win at Youth America Grand Prix, and DIW celebrates its 30th anniversary.

People

DIW’s pre-professional and community students perform an adaptation of West Side Story at Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.

2010

People

Founder Fabian Barnes awarded the Amtrak Pioneer award for outstanding involvement in the community dealing with Washington, DC youth and beneficial community outreach efforts.

2013

Award

Designated as “One of the Best” nonprofits by Catalogue for Philanthropy (2014/15).

2015

Milestone

Organization celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

People

Positive Directions Through Dance program students win 1st Place at Best of Both Worlds Competition.

2017

People

DIW students awarded 3rd Place Ensemble at Youth America Grand Prix (Regional).

People

DIW student Samaree Lawson wins 2nd Place in Men’s Contemporary Dance at Youth American Grand Prix.

2018

Grant

Awarded 3-year OSSE 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.

2019

Grant

Awarded 3-year Bloomberg Philanthropies AIM Grant.

20 milestones2020 to today

A new black box theater, major federal and private grants, and alumni on Broadway tours.

People

Elevated its voice for social justice with the viral performance of Ashante Green’s “Feeling Good” by student Faith Kelly at Black Lives Matter Plaza.

Award

Wins the Learn 24 Summer Award.

Grant

Awarded the Hearst Foundations Grant.

People

Recognized by Bloomberg Philanthropies for the creation of its Online Learning Center giving students and families 24/7 access to on-demand lesson plans, legendary performance footage, creative content and COVID-19 information and resources.

2020

The Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater lit in blue

Milestone

Constructed the beautiful new Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater, adding an intimate, convertible, 85-seat Black Box Theater space to DC’s cultural arts landscape.

Grant

Awarded the Events DC Cultural Institutions Grant.

Milestone

Made a successful pivot to a virtual dance education model and remote workforce during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Award

Designated as “One of the Best” nonprofits by Catalogue for Philanthropy (2019/20).

Award

Wins the Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award.

Award

Recognized as 21st Century Community Learning Center.

Grant

Awarded the 2-year New York Life Foundation Aim High Grant.

2021

Award

Wins the National Summer Learning Award.

People

Executive Director Kahina Haynes wins prestigious American Express NGen Fellows Award.

Award

Designated as “One of the Best” nonprofits by Catalogue for Philanthropy (2020/21).

Award

DIW won the 2022 NBC Project Innovation Award.

2022

People

Executive Director, Kahina Haynes, won the 2022 Black Voices for Black Justice Fund Award and has been invited to speak and teach about equity at symposia and convenings in DC, across this nation, and around the world

Grant$1,000,000

DIW received a transformative $1,000,000 Community Project Funding grant from the Department of Education thanks to Congresswoman Norton.

2023

People

A graduate of DIW’s school and Allegro Program, Samaree Lawson, got accepted for a high profile role with The Lion King on the Broadway North American Tour

Grant$2,000,000

DIW received a $2,000,000 grant from MacKenzie Scott, enabling the expansion of inclusive and accessible dance education locally and worldwide.

2024

Grant

DIW was honored to receive a Foot Locker Foundation & LISC Grant, strengthening dance, education, and mentorship programs to help young artists thrive.

2025

TodayOn 14th Street

DIW trains over 1,000 students a year and subsidizes 100%% of its programming.

Support our mission

Advancing equity in the dance industry worldwide

DIW Connects

We believe that the transformative power of dance should be accessible to all, regardless of background or location. We’ve dedicated decades to serving our local D.C. community, and now we are extending that mission to the global stage.

Our work goes beyond borders, creating a vibrant network of artists and educators through DIW Connects. We partner with dance schools and organizations in countries like the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Uganda, and Canada to share best practices, empower local talent, and build a more unified and respectful dance world.

Dominican RepublicEcuadorColombiaGuatemalaUgandaCanada

Propelled by the power of dance to create systemic change, the Dance Institute of Washington carries on the legacy of our visionary founder, Fabian Barnes. We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable global dance community through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and cross-cultural exchange.

With each step forward, we aim to create a more vibrant and harmonious dance community that embraces the richness of our global tapestry. Together, we can create a dance world that celebrates unity, elevates every artist’s unique voice, and moves towards a brighter, more equitable future.

The people behind the work

Our Team

The staff responsible for training, operations, programming, enrollment, and fundraising, delivering on DIW’s mission across every part of the organization daily.