Joy of Motion provides a range of performance opportunities (both formal and informal) for our students!
We believe that these opportunities should complement and reflect the educational aims of each youth program. Read on to learn more, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Options are listed in ascending order of time commitment.
- Community Dance School (CDS): in all CDS classes, students focus on skills and technique, learn continually, and have a great time — without the pressure of a full-scale show. Fall Session CDS classes all conclude with an in-studio demonstration during class time, as do Winter & Spring Session classes for ages 2-5. Winter/Spring classes for Grades 1-12 conclude with a short performance at the Joy of Motion Dance Festival yearly in June. JoyFest is free for families and friends to attend.
- Performance Dance Camp (PDC): our flagship summer camp, PDC runs in two-week sessions and concludes in a formal, produced performance at our Friendship Heights venue; this is a great opportunity to practice learning choreography, performing for an audience, and adapting to different dance styles.
- Center Stage (CS): we have nine youth performance companies, specifically for kids who love to learn choreography and be onstage. Dancers all have one technique class together (plus one weekly rehearsal) and are encouraged to supplement their training with additional CDS classes. Youth companies perform in two concerts (in December and May) and have at least two more performances around the region annually.
- Dance Institute (DI): the Youth Dance Ensemble and Broadway Dance Academy are year-long programs for students looking to focus on ballet and modern or jazz and tap. Dancers both train and rehearse choreographed works throughout the year, have two formal concerts (in December and May), and often perform in other venues beyond Joy of Motion. DI programs are excellent for students who want to pursue dance at the collegiate level.
