Summer 2026
Our programming for Summer 2026 is tiered to support the unique developmental stages of every dancer, from their first creative steps to pre-professional mastery. For our youngest movers, ages 3–6, the Summer Sizzler focuses on fostering a positive relationship with the arts through creative movement and musicality, while building the socio-emotional and motor skills essential for ballet readiness. As students progress into our Summer Training Experience for ages 7–13 and 14–17, the curriculum shifts toward a more rigorous, intensive environment. These programs are designed to challenge and elevate serious dancers by emphasizing technical discipline and artistic growth across various genres—including ballet and modern—while providing the mentorship and career preparation necessary for success on a pre-professional track.
SUMMER SIZZLER 2026 (Ages 3-6)
July 6 – July 24, 2026
Registration is now open!
DIW’s Summer Sizzler program gives dancers ages 3-6 space to explore creative movement, understand musicality, and train in a diverse environment. Our early dance education instructors guide children through the continued development of their socio-emotional learning, gross and fine motor skills, coordination, focus, and readiness for beginner-level ballet. Summer Sizzler is specifically designed to encourage children to build a positive relationship with the arts, particularly Ballet, at a young age.
When:
Ages 3-4: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:15–5:00 PM
Ages 5-6: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:15–6:15 PM
Where:
The Dance Institute of Washington
3400 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Program Fees:
Ages 3-4: $400
Ages 5-6: $475
Register:
Click here to register your dancer if they are 3-4 years old, or will be by the start of the program
Click here to register your dancer if they are 5-6 years old, or will be by the start of the program
Note: All young dancers must be potty-trained to participate in the Summer Sizzler program.
SUMMER TRAINING EXPERIENCE 2026
July 6 – July 31, 2026
Registration is now open!
For over 30 years, the Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) has been a leading dance training institution in the DMV area. Building on our commitment to excellence in pre-professional dance education, DIW is proud to offer a summer training program designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate serious dancers.
This opportunity is specifically designed for dancers with pre-professional training or those seeking a rigorous, focused training experience. Beyond technical advancement, we aim to cultivate each dancer’s approach to the art form by nurturing the mind and body, emphasizing discipline, technical development, and artistic growth while exposing dancers to a range of genres, such as ballet, modern, dance history, and more.
Through mentorship and creative career preparation, dancers are supported in developing the skills necessary for continued growth in their training and careers.
When:
Monday through Friday
*10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
(breakfast served from 9:00-10:00 AM)
Where:
The Dance Institute of Washington
3400 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Program Fees:
Level I: $1,100
Level II: $1,300
Level III: $1,500
Register: Click here to register your dancer if they are 7-13 years old, or will be by the start of the program. Registration is subject to a non-refundable, one-time fee of $25.
*Note: All registrants are required to participate in a level placement audition prior to the start of the program. Program fees will apply once the dancer has received their level placement.
SUMMER TRAINING EXPERIENCE 2026
June 29 – August 7, 2026
Registration is now open!
For over 30 years, the Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) has been a leading dance training institution in the DMV area. Building on our commitment to excellence in pre-professional dance education, DIW is proud to offer a summer training program designed to challenge, inspire, and elevate serious dancers.
This opportunity is specifically designed for dancers with pre-professional training or those seeking a rigorous, focused training experience. Beyond technical advancement, we aim to cultivate each dancer’s approach to the art form by nurturing the mind and body, emphasizing discipline, technical development, and artistic growth while exposing dancers to a range of genres, such as ballet, modern, dance history, and more.
Through mentorship and creative career preparation, dancers are supported in developing the skills necessary for continued growth in their training and careers.
When:
Monday through Thursday
*9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
(breakfast served from 9:00-10:00 AM)
Where:
The Dance Institute of Washington
3400 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Program Fees:
Level I: $1,100
Level II: $1,300
Level III: $1,500
Register: Click here to register your dancer if they are 14-17 years old, or will be by the start of the program. Registration is subject to a non-refundable, one-time fee of $25.
*Note: All registrants are required to participate in a level placement audition prior to the start of the program. Program fees will apply once the dancer has received their level placement.
Are you a DC Resident? Get paid to train with us this summer! By registering using the link above AND applying for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) through their online portal, eligible participants will be able to earn money while gaining a valuable dance training experience. And thanks to the generous support of the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) and Department of Employment Services (DOES), dancers who enroll through MBSYEP may participate in this program at no cost. Applications are due by Friday, March 6, 2026.
(Non-DC residents may also be eligible to receive a stipend for their training. Stay tuned for more information.)
The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) that provides District youth ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized placements in the private and government sectors.
For any questions please email us at info@danceinstitute.org
Para cualquier pregunta y asistencia en español, envíenos un correo electrónico a info@danceinstitute.org
