Jones-Haywood Dance School

For generations of Washington, D.C., residents, the Jones-Haywood Dance School has been more than just a "point of interest" – it's a cornerstone of the community, a beacon of artistic excellence, and a testament to the power of dance education. Founded in 1941 by pioneering visionaries Doris W. Jones and Claire H. Haywood, this historic non-profit institution was established with the crucial mission of providing high-quality classical ballet training to young dancers of color at a time when such opportunities were severely limited. Today, under the continued leadership of celebrated alumna Sandra Fortune-Green, the school remains steadfast in its dedication to nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and expanding horizons for children and their families across the nation's capital.

The Jones-Haywood Dance School's legacy is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Washington, D.C. It has not only trained thousands of students who have gone on to achieve remarkable careers in dance companies worldwide and on Broadway, but it has also profoundly impacted countless lives by teaching valuable life skills, fostering self-esteem, and building strong character. As one parent eloquently stated in a review, "This non profit dance institution is a gem. It is run with love and care and earnest personal attention. ... The school and Ms. Fortune has made a great difference in the lives of my children. Highly recommend!!" For anyone in D.C. seeking exceptional dance training with a rich history and a profound commitment to its students, Jones-Haywood Dance School stands as a truly unique and invaluable institution.

The Jones-Haywood Dance School is prominently located at 1200 Delafield Pl NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA. This address places it within a residential yet accessible part of Northwest Washington, D.C. Its enduring presence in its original location has made it a local landmark and a popular stop on the city's African-American Heritage Trail, signifying its deep historical and cultural importance to the District.

Accessibility to the Jones-Haywood Dance School is a key consideration for families across D.C. The school is situated near major thoroughfares like Georgia Avenue Northwest (U.S. 29), making it relatively easy to reach by car from various parts of the city and even neighboring Maryland and Virginia suburbs. For those who rely on public transportation, the location is well-served by WMATA's Metrobus system, with routes running along Georgia Avenue NW. Furthermore, it is within a reasonable distance of Metro stations on the Green and Yellow lines, offering convenient access for students and families commuting from different wards of D.C. and beyond. The ability to navigate to the school via various modes of transport underscores its commitment to making dance education available to all, regardless of their immediate proximity, aligning with its founding mission to serve diverse communities.

The Jones-Haywood Dance School offers a comprehensive and enriching array of programs designed to provide high-quality dance training and arts education:

• Classical Ballet & Pointe: The cornerstone of their curriculum, offering rigorous training in classical ballet technique for various levels, including introductory, intermediate, and advanced pointe work. Classes often benefit from live piano accompaniment.
• Contemporary Repertory: Students engage with modern dance forms, including the Lester Horton Technique, focusing on body alignment, strength, and expressive movement.
• Jazz Dance: Instruction in two definitive styles – Broadway and Las Vegas Cabaret – incorporating dynamic movements, turns, jumps, and rhythm patterns, often culminating in preparation for the annual school performance.
• Tap Dance: Classes ranging from introductory to intermediate/advanced levels, designed to enhance rhythmical skills and teach traditional American tap dancing.
• Summer Programs: Intensive summer training options that may include a broader range of dance styles, fitness and conditioning, creative writing, poetry, and choreography workshops.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged to attend and participate in dance performances and other cultural activities, with a significant annual spring performance that provides real theater experience.
• Life Skills and Discipline: Beyond dance technique, the curriculum is designed to instill discipline, self-esteem, focus, and strong character, preparing students for success in various aspects of their lives.
• Arts Exposure Programs: The school is committed to offering exposure to the arts beyond the studio, including visits to performances, exhibits, and master classes, and occasionally offering travel-related study opportunities to renowned dance institutions.
• Community Outreach: As a non-profit, Jones-Haywood actively engages in community outreach programs to expose children of all backgrounds, including at-risk and homeless youth, to the artistic discipline of ballet.

The Jones-Haywood Dance School is celebrated for several distinguishing features and highlights that contribute to its lasting impact:

• Historic Legacy and Pioneering Mission: Founded in 1941 to provide classical ballet training to young dancers of color, it holds a unique and significant place in American dance history. It continues to be recognized as a leader in dance education that champions diversity.
• Renowned and Experienced Faculty: The school boasts a team of "well traveled and experienced dance teachers," including the highly respected Artistic Director Sandra Fortune-Green, who herself is a celebrated alumna and was the first Black woman to participate in the International Ballet Competition.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the school emphasizes instilling discipline, self-esteem, strong character, and life skills that benefit students academically and socially. As a parent shared, the teachers "not only developed me as a dancer, but took interest in me as a person."
• Commitment to Accessibility: As a non-profit, Jones-Haywood actively works to make dance available to all children, regardless of socio-economic background, ensuring that "opportunities were limited for African-American students" are a thing of the past.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Graduates have gone on to dance with prestigious companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Philadanco, Dutch National Ballet, The Washington Ballet, and have achieved success on Broadway and in other arts professions.
• Personalized Attention and Care: Reviews consistently highlight the "love and care and earnest personal attention" provided by Ms. Fortune and the entire team, emphasizing that students are seen as individuals, not just "dollar signs."
• Strong Community Ties: The school is described as a "gem" and "an integral part of the deep rooted community," actively enriching and exposing young aspiring dancers to professional careers and a love for the arts.
• Inspirational Leadership: The leadership, particularly Ms. Sandra Fortune-Green, continues the "legacy that was built on the shoulders of Ms. Jones and Ms. Haywood," ensuring the founding mission and commitment to excellence endure.

For those interested in enrolling, supporting, or learning more about the Jones-Haywood Dance School, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1200 Delafield Pl NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA

Phone: (202) 882-4039

Mobile Phone: +1 202-882-4039

For families and aspiring dancers in Washington, D.C., the Jones-Haywood Dance School represents an unparalleled opportunity. It is a place where a rich historical legacy meets contemporary dance education, all delivered with profound care and dedication. Locals seeking a dance institution that sees beyond just technique, focusing on the holistic development of each child, will find a true home here. The emphasis on instilling discipline, self-esteem, and character, alongside world-class dance training in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern, ensures that students gain far more than just dance steps; they acquire invaluable life skills.

In a city as diverse and dynamic as D.C., the Jones-Haywood Dance School stands out for its unwavering commitment to making dance accessible to all, particularly continuing its founding mission to empower young dancers of color. As confirmed by numerous highly satisfied parents, this non-profit truly operates "with love and care," making a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families. Choosing Jones-Haywood means investing in a legacy of excellence, becoming part of a supportive community, and providing children with an arts education that will "expand horizons" and prepare them for success, whether on the stage or in any endeavor they choose to pursue. It is truly a "blessing" to have such a dedicated and impactful institution in the heart of our nation's capital.

Jones-Haywood Dance School

1200 Delafield Pl NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA