Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center

Nestled in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia, the Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center stands as a beloved institution for aspiring dancers and performers across Northern Virginia. For decades, this studio has been a vibrant hub where passion for the performing arts truly comes alive, offering a comprehensive array of classes that cater to every age and skill level. From the graceful movements of classical ballet to the energetic beats of hip hop, and from the dramatic flair of musical theater to the power of vocal training, Center Stage is dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love for the arts. This isn't just a place to learn steps; it's a supportive community where students grow, build confidence, and find a true sense of belonging. As local residents of Virginia, we understand the importance of finding a welcoming and professional environment for artistic pursuits, and Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center embodies that commitment, making it a cornerstone of the Fairfax arts scene. It truly feels like a second home to many, a sentiment echoed by countless families who have entrusted their artistic journeys to this esteemed academy.

Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center enjoys a highly accessible location at 11094B Main St Suite D-104, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. This central position in Fairfax ensures convenient access for families and individuals residing throughout Fairfax County and the broader Northern Virginia metropolitan area. Situated on Main Street, the studio is easily reachable via major roadways, making the commute straightforward for students coming from various neighborhoods, including those in nearby Oakton, Merrifield, and Vienna. The convenience of its location minimizes travel time, allowing more time for dance and less time on the road for busy Virginia families. The surrounding area offers a typical suburban landscape with various local businesses, contributing to the overall accessibility and ease of visiting the center. Ample parking is generally available, which is a significant advantage for parents dropping off and picking up their children, as well as for adult students attending evening classes. This thoughtful placement allows Center Stage to serve a wide segment of the Virginia community, making top-tier dance and performing arts education readily available to all who seek it.

Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the needs of all its students, from beginners to advanced performers. Our broad range of services ensures that every individual can find a class that ignites their passion and fosters their growth in the performing arts.

• Ballet Classes: We provide classical ballet technique training with a strong emphasis on proper body, foot, and arm placement, building foundational strength and grace for all dance forms.
• Jazz Dance Classes: Our jazz program focuses on dynamic movement, turns, leaps, and alignment, fusing technical foundation with musicality and progression to intricate combinations.
• Tap Classes: Students master basic tap steps and rhythms, progressing to more complicated patterns while emphasizing proper tap technique and producing clean, clear sounds.
• Hip Hop Classes: These exciting and upbeat classes teach hip hop technique, emphasizing unique technical steps and body placement characteristic of the style.
• Contemporary Dance Classes: Bridging ballet and jazz techniques, contemporary classes emphasize proper alignment, turns, leaps, and movement, incorporating storytelling and expression.
• Musical Theatre Classes: Focus is placed on developing skills for the musical theater stage, including proper vocal technique, dancing, acting, auditioning, and stage presence through song, dance, and scene work.
• Voice Lessons: Individual and group instruction is available for proper vocal technique, preparing students for performances in annual revues and other productions.
• Drama Classes: We offer a variety of drama classes for children of all ages, helping them develop acting skills and stage presence.
• Dance Teams/Competition Teams: Enrollment is by invitation, requiring participation in corresponding technique classes and ballet. These teams perform in regional and national competitions and various productions.
• Adult Classes: Center Stage offers a selection of classes for adult dancers, providing a flexible and enjoyable way for grown-ups to learn or continue their dance journey.
• Professional Center Stage Dance Company: A professional dance company in residence at the studio, directed by Ms. Sherri Shortell, providing inspiration and advanced opportunities.
• Annual Dance Recital: A professionally staged dance recital is presented in late June each year, allowing all students to showcase their learned skills and hard work.

Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center is highly regarded for several key features and highlights that set it apart as a premier performing arts destination in Fairfax, Virginia.

• Experienced and Dedicated Instructors: The studio boasts a team of highly qualified and passionate instructors who are committed to providing quality dance instruction from beginner through professional levels. Students consistently praise the instructors for being enjoyable and supportive.
• Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Center Stage is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, where students feel "like home." This inclusivity extends to actively supporting male dancers, as highlighted by a parent who noted, "their are other male dancers at this studio he can attend classes with."
• Focus on Individual Growth: Testimonials emphasize the studio's commitment to nurturing each student's development. Students are noted for becoming "graceful and confident" and experiencing significant growth through performance opportunities.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: With classes ranging from classical ballet to hip hop, musical theater, and voice, Center Stage provides a well-rounded performing arts education, allowing students to explore various disciplines under one roof.
• Performance Opportunities: The annual professionally staged dance recital in June offers all students a valuable opportunity to perform and showcase their talents. Additionally, competition dance teams provide advanced performance experiences at regional and national levels, even performing at notable venues like Disney World.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Incorporated in 1990 by Artistic Director Sherri Shortell, Center Stage Dance has a long history of providing quality instruction and producing successful dancers, some of whom have gone on to perform nationally.
• Balance of Fun and Discipline: The studio successfully blends an enjoyable learning environment with the discipline required for artistic excellence. As one parent noted, their child "really loves dancing" while still clearly progressing.

For more information about class schedules, registration, or any other inquiries, please feel free to contact Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center.

Address: 11094B Main St Suite D-104, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Phone: (703) 385-3396

Mobile Phone: +1 703-385-3396

For locals in Fairfax and across the broader Virginia region, Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center is an unparalleled choice for dance and performing arts education. What makes it particularly suitable for residents is its unique ability to foster a profound sense of belonging and community, as highlighted by a client who stated, "this one feels like home." This welcoming atmosphere, combined with a comprehensive curriculum and highly experienced instructors, creates an ideal environment for artistic and personal growth. Whether you have a young child eager to explore movement, a teenager aspiring to perform on stage, or an adult looking to rediscover a passion for dance, Center Stage offers programs designed to meet diverse needs. The inclusion of male dancers, as specifically noted in a review, speaks to the studio's commitment to creating an inclusive space for all. The convenient Fairfax location, coupled with the wide array of classes in various dance styles, musical theater, and voice, means that Virginia families have access to top-tier performing arts instruction right in their own community. Choosing Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center means investing in an enriching experience that builds confidence, artistry, and lasting friendships, all within a supportive environment that truly feels like a second home.

Center Stage Dance and Performing Arts Center

11094B Main St Suite D-104, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA