Joy of Motion Dance Center

Joy of Motion Dance Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1976 by Michelle Ava in Cleveland Park with $250 and three instructors. It has grown into one of the largest community-based nonprofit dance organizations in the United States, now operating over 400 classes a week across multiple DC locations and serving 8,000 unique students annually.

The studio's founding principle remains unchanged: dance is for everyone. At Joy of Motion, you'll find classes for youth and adults across a wide range of styles taught by more than 70 part- and full-time artistic professionals. The faculty includes instructors in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop, jazz fusion, street jazz, heels, tease, musical theater, poppin', contemporary African, and creative movement. Classes range from curriculum-based series classes (4–20 students) focused on building technical skills and mastery, to drop-in classes (4–100+ students) emphasizing artistry, fun, and fitness. The studio also offers workshops, masterclasses, special events featuring guest teaching artists, webinars on dance history, and film screenings. Performing ensembles and classes for dancers serious about onstage and onscreen performance are coming soon.

Joy of Motion has three main locations: the H Street studio inside the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street NE), a Friendship Heights location, and a Bethesda location at 7315 Wisconsin Avenue. The organization is recognized as a leader in dance education across the DC metropolitan area and has received multiple honors: Mayor's Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education (2009) and Excellence in Service to the Arts (2002); Top 3 ranking in Washington City Paper's Best Dance Companies (2015–2019); recognition as "One of the Best" Nonprofits by the Catalogue for Philanthropy (2009, 2013, 2017); Bethesda Magazine Readers' Pick for Best Kids Dance Studio (2018–2019); and DC Dance Awards for Outstanding Youth Performance (2006, 2010, 2013).

Beyond studio classes, Joy of Motion runs Motion Exchange outreach programs in partnership with DC schools and community organizations. These include on-site dance instruction and residencies at local schools, free professional concerts designed for school groups, and Step Ahead, a summer youth development program for older teens who love the arts based at the H Street location. The organization also offers private lessons, bootcamps for adults, camps, a workstudy program, and tuition and financial aid to make classes accessible. Studio space is available to rent for performances and rehearsals.

You'll find a welcoming community where dance is genuinely for all ages and abilities. Classes are taught by experienced professional instructors in a supportive environment. Whether you join a multi-week series class, drop in for a single session, or attend a workshop, you're part of a nonprofit organization with deep roots in DC and a 50-year commitment to making dance accessible.

Joy of Motion employs more than 70 part- and full-time artistic professionals. Faculty members include Rachael Coad (ballet, modern), Tamara Henry (tap, jazz), JaRon Gilchrist (hip hop), Derek Brown (jazz fusion), A'Jay Lassiter (hip hop), Owoade Kadara (street jazz, heels, tease), Whitney Brown (ballet, hip hop), Dustin Praylow (musical theater, jazz funk), Aaron Coleman (poppin', hip hop, DC street fusion), Jazmine Taylor (heels), Taurus Broadhurst (contemporary African), Nyra Williams (youth ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, tap, creative movement), and Alison Bartels (youth and adult classes). Studio managers include Imani Cole (adult) and Arabia Woolfolk (youth), a native Washingtonian with over 20 years of dance experience including professional cheerleading and work as Miss DC 2019.

Classes welcome students of all ages and abilities; the studio's founding principle is that dance belongs to everyone.