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DC Dance Collective
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Education Specialty Schools Dance Schools Performing Arts, Dance Schools [Edit]
4908 Wisconsin Ave NW(between N Ellicott St & N 42nd St)
Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood: Tenleytown
(202) 362-7244
- Nearest Transit:
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Tenleytown Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon, Wed 2 pm - 10 pm
Tue, Fri 10 am - 10 pm
Thu 9:30 pm - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for DC Dance Collective
13 reviews in English
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Review from AB S.
Fairfax, VA
4/2/2011
DCDC offers great drop-in tap classes. Both Broadway and Rhythm tap offered with top teachers. Teachers are very nice and structure classes around level of students in each class. Classes tend to be smaller which offers better opportunity to learn.
Call or check website for schedule changes. Friendly and helpful studio staff.
Plenty of opportunities for adult performance -- Gotta Dance adult performance group and Holiday SpecTAPular. Home of DC TapFest.
I showed up in Sept 2010, and have been attending classes ever since. Fun classes, teachers, and students! Classes have really improved my technique.
Have also seen great classes in Flamenco (for adults and kids), Hip Hop, Ballet, Hula, Zumba, and Hand Dancing. -
Review from Emily S.
4/26/2011
DC Dance Collective offers a wide range of dance classes. From break dance to hula to ballet and much more. The classes I took were pretty enjoyable and they are always adding something new that I want to try.
The downside of the studio is the actual studio. Its not that great and the prices are high. I think it is up to $20 for a 1.5 hour drop in class and they used to have a yearly enrollment fee.Listed in: Dance Classes in the DC Area
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Review from Debbie D.
Washington, DC
1/19/2011 ROTD 4/7/2011
DC Dance Collective offers a huge variety of classes from hula to swing. I learned about DC Dance Collective through a day of dance event that they offered. Every 30 minutes, we got to try out a different type of dance with a different instructor.
I tried belly dancing, break dancing, tap dancing, popping, zumba, and salsa. With the exception of salsa, these were all brand new for me.
The instructors each had a different style. But they were all very encouraging and friendly. They made it easy for somebody without much experience or skill to have fun and not feel self-conscious
I especially liked Gwoping Yang's popping class. Basically, popping entails contracting and relaxing muscles to create a jerking effect. You do this to the rhythm of the music. I was a true beginner at this, and Gwo was very supportive and patient. The experience left me with the feeling of wanting to go back.
Overall, this is a nice studio that offers many unique dance classes. It provides a nice sense of community and makes a newcomer feel welcome. -
Review from Esther O.
10/7/2010
So obviously this review is going against the popular opinion about DCDC. And I am hoping with everything I have that I will update this review with something more positive to say after returning (I have an already paid for 4 class pass, so... I will try it again even though I don't want to really).
I went last night to Gwoping Yang's "Hip Hop for Adults" class, and it was terrible. To start with, I'm not sure what he was teaching, but it certainly wasn't traditional hip hip. I decided I was going to call it "Modern hipster". There wasn't much hip hop about it at all, and I wanted to say the closest thing I could call it would be popping or locking, and funny, turned out that he was teaching the next class after us as well - popping. I would say he should stick to that, except that he didn't actually *teach* anything, so I'm not sure that class was any better, even if it maybe actually taught the correct style.
I think that was my bigger issue, aside from the style - nothing was actually taught. We basically stood there and followed what he did. He didn't break anything down, show us how to do anything, or in any way push our abilities. It's a good thing that the class was ridiculously easy (another way I know it wasn't hip hop aside from, ya know, just knowing! - hip hop is HARD for me), because there certainly was no help offered in following his routine.
We didn't really warm-up (aside from following some small movements with the exact same problem of not actually telling us what to do), yet even with no time taken for warmups it still took the whole hour to learn 3 counts of 8. At Joy of Motion we warm up for 20 minutes and still learn more than that in the same length class. Plus we actually LEARN things. Maybe the other DCDC classes are better, but at this moment I would say if you want to take hip hop, go to Joy of Motion Bethesda, where the class was challenging, appropriate style, and fun.
Other things:
-Teacher wasn't prepared - seemed like he was making the choreography up as we went along. And had no idea that one of the songs he was using would completely not work for a class, etc.
-As mentioned, class was EASY. Not just in what we did, but in intensity. I didn't break a sweat and I don't think my heart rate really moved at all.
-The hallways smell terrible. Not a very pleasant intro to class.
-The bathrooms are totally rundown; again, not very pleasant.
-The front desk staff was totally unfriendly.
(Also to note, they were very unhappy I didn't have my *printed* Groupon and just showed it to them on my phone - even though nothing ever says that they want you to actually print it, which is not the standard practice for Groupons.)
All in all, I will come back because I have 3 more classes paid for. But otherwise - I probably wouldn't give it another chance when I could go to Joy of Motion down the road where I have loved the classes. -
Review from Hilary E.
Arlington, VA
10/13/2010
I love DC Dance Collective! I take Gwo's Hip-Hop for Adults and then Popping immediately after. I enjoy these classes so much I try to make it weekly if my schedule allows.
Gwoping Yang is a great instructor for students who have never taken hip hop or popping. He is nice and encouraging and will break things down to ensure everyone is learning the moves properly. He definitely focuses more on technique than extended choreography but even tonight's short choreography left me sweating. I definitely felt like I had all the moves down when I was done. I finished with a sense of accomplishment and was all warmed up for popping!
I have studied popping before but none of my teachers have gotten me as far along in popping than Gwo has. Popping is not easy to learn and requires lots of practice and time. This class has presented new concepts of moving and given me drills to take home and practice. Gwo is very good at encouraging students to explore the movements he shows them and I love that he challenges us by occasionally having us cypher (solo improv dance in front of the fellow students) in popping. Cyphering is optional. Not only is cyphering challenging physically but mentally as well. I feel much stronger in both categories for participating in not just cyphering, but both of these classes. -
Review from Ben K.
Washington, DC
7/12/2011
I have been going to DC Dance Collective for almost a year taking Gwoping Yang's Popping class.
I started out as a complete beginner - absolutely zero dance experience. Gwo spent a lot of time going over the basic elements of popping technique and each class typically focuses on a certain style or move. Early on we did Fresno and over time we've done Old Man, Boogaloo, Twist o flex, walkouts, etc. It is easy to follow and Gwo is patient and gives feedback.
What I think stands out particularly for Gwo is that he stays connected outside of class as well. He maintains a student forum where he posts videos and comments, he shares music for practice and he organizes dancing events periodically outside of class.
My only complaint about DC Dance Collective is actually the facility. It is adequate, but my guess is that because it is connected to a Bikram Yoga place, they have trouble with ventilation and heat. There is a somewhat musty and unpleasant odor and it is often too hot or cold, given the season. -
Review from Amelia S.
Washington, DC
9/25/2006
DC Dance Collective is a dance studio inbetween the Tenleytown and Friendship Heights metro stations. It occupies the bottom and top floors of the building (a yoga studio has the middle floor). There is one studio on the bottom floor and two on the top.
It offers dance classes for children and adults in many disciplines. I would say its strengths are hip-hop, breakdancing, tap, and flamenco -- there are more classes in these styles than any others, and the instructors in these classes are consistently good. Quality of instruction depends on the person leading the class, but every teacher I've encountered has been friendly, positive, and fun. Adults or children looking for serious ballet classes should probably head south on Wisconsin to the Washington Ballet, however.
DC Dance's prices are competitive -- usually $12-15 for a single one hour class. You can save a significant amount of money by paying for 12 or 15 classes at once. I cannot remember if there is a student discount or not. There is a one-time registration fee of $15, but they will let you pay the second time you come if you just want to try out a class once and see if you like it or not.
There is a work-study program for those who find themselves with more spare time than money. When I did it a couple years ago, you worked four hours a week in exchange for two free classes. This is a pretty good deal, especially if you want to take some of the intermediate or advanced flamenco classes, which are normally $18 for an hour and a half (a little steep).
The best thing about DC Dance is the sense of community. Unlike some studios I've danced at, no one is snotty. The people who go there are friendly and have a genuine desire to learn from their teachers, their classmates, and their friends who are taking other styles of dance. This is what makes DC Dance such a wonderful place. -
Review from Devon S.
Arlington, VA
7/1/2008
DC Dance Collective is a great dance studio (see first review for the basics). What I love about DCDC is the ability to drop in whenever there is a class you want and take lessons. You can check out their schedule online and see the instructors before hand, then just show up. The classes are usual pretty small for the more obscure styles (poppin' and whatnot) so the teachers can often give you some personal attention while you work. They are open and willing to listen to you.
This can also be a downside though. Its not a rigorous professional program. If you are looking for something upscale to put your kids through to become professionals, this place aint it. This place is for amature dancers who want to learn casually. Although they do have fun "camps" during the summer for kids who want to have a good time and learn new skills. The teachers usually compete themselves and therefore take it seriously. At $15 a lesson, it can get expensive, but I think its fun and unique. Heck, you could even bring a date here for something a little different. -
Review from Anna H.
Alexandria, VA
5/24/2011
My daughter comes here for everything from hip-hop to breakdancing to tap to contemporary. They have great instructors who offer such a wide variety, and every week they learn new choreography and technique, which is so much more useful than the redundancy you see in so many youth classes elsewhere that focus on learning the same trite routine every week for a recital instead of learning new techniques and choreography.
My daughter looks forward to her classes here more than any of her other classes. This is the only place in DC you can get away from the typical ballet/tap/jazz/hip-hop that is all that is available for youth elsewhere, and they just keep expanding and improving.
My only minor gripe is the management. The office staff are a mixed bag, and I rarely see the same person registering people twice, despite coming to classes at the same times each week for the most part. Some are helpful and enthusiastic, but others seem bored or more interested in their iPods.
Also, for some reason classes cost $12 with a student ID and $17 without a student ID, but primary and secondary school students who don't have student IDs because their schools don't provide IDs (even thought they're clearly students) have to pay the $17 rate. I understand the ID policy differentiates college students from non-students, but it's a bit discriminatory to charge a different rate to students from schools that provide IDs (DCPS students) while students from suburban public schools have to pay a higher rate per class because their school districts don't provide IDs. Wouldn't it make more sense to just charge youth under 17 $12? Regardless, I'll pay the higher rate, because the classes are worth it, but I always find it annoying.
What makes this studio are the fantastic instructors who are given free range to teach in their own style rather than proscriptive syllabi, which means the instructors think outside the box and teach such fun and innovative technique and choreography. My daughter is always coming home showing me some fantastic choreography. Definitely check this place out! -
Review from Carly R.
Manhattan, NY
9/1/2010
DC Dance Collective is a great place to take classes in styles you can't always find elsewhere. I've mainly taken hip hop classes, but the class size is generally small, so you can get real attention from the teacher. The rates ($15/class) are competitive, and the studio is cozy and welcoming. The owner, Nancy, is also as sweet as can be... she just loves dance, and is all about sharing the joy of dancing with the community. Though her specialty is tap, she is so supportive of the other styles out there and brings them all together at DCDC. Definitely check it out!
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Review from Jenny K.
Washington, DC
6/1/2009
I took beginning belly dancing here and had a great experience. DC Dance Collective is great for trying out a new dance style because you can drop in and don't have to commit to a whole session of dance classes. The organization and administration is a little disorganized and haphazard, but I haven't had any major problems. My instructor was very talented and knowledgeable. I like the way she made sure each class was an enjoyable experience by turning down the lights and creating the right atmosphere for belly dancing. Another plus is the great variety of dance styles they have available. I'm not sure how this studio is for serious dancers, but if you are looking to try something new without any major commitments, I definitely recommend DCDC.
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Review from Amy C.
Washington, DC
Updated - 5/7/2010
DC Dance Collective is Great because Esperonto Bean teaches there on Sundays and Tuesdays. Sunday's he has his hip hop class from 12-1pm and 1-2pm. Tuesdays he teaches House from 630-730pm and Punking/Waacking from 730-830pm. I highly recommend the House and Punking classes to anyone who is look to learn or improve their freestyle or club style. A+++ Learn more about Esperonto at http://www.esperonto.com
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2010
DC Dance Collective is the place to be now that Esperonto Bean teaches there. He is a recent… Read more »
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Review from Swing S.
Bethesda, MD
1/22/2010
I had been taking Esperonto Bean's hip-hop dance classes regularly for around 3 months last year. As someone who didn't have a lot of dance training or experience before, his classes were definitely helping me to get progress faster and have fun at the same time. He is the best hip-hop instructor I had ever taken classes with. Some instructors are good dancers themselves but they simply dance their routines in front of you and expect you to follow. Some instructors simply cannot come up with good and original routines. Esperonto is different! He can break down and "explain" moves to his students. He knows what difficulties students will be having so he tends to focus on helping students to get those moves. And I like the fact he put a lot of his heart into teaching as well!
