American Dance Academy
Dance JournalSchool DanceDance Hall
AlabamaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
AlabamaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
American Dance AcademySchool DanceVirginiaFairfax CountyLortonSchool Dance in Lorton Station BoulevardMelina's Dance Company
Melina's Dance Company ico

Melina's Dance Company

9000 Lorton Station Blvd Ste. K, Lorton, VA 22079, USA

4.0
I had my 4-year-old daughter enrolled at this school, and unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing.From the beginning, I found it concerning that parents weren’t allowed to stay inside the building while the children were in class—we were asked to wait outside. That immediately felt like a red flag, but I chose to stay committed since my daughter seemed to enjoy her time there.The real issues started on recital day. We arrived at 3 PM and handed her shoes to the staff when they took her to the back. Sadly, they never put them on her for her performance. Her class was scheduled toward the very end of the show, which dragged on until after 7 PM. For a recital involving so many young children, this seemed excessive.There were also multiple breaks during the show—three in total—which made everything feel very disorganized. Having attended other dance recitals in the past with my older child, I’ve never experienced more than one intermission.To be completely honest, I felt the overall quality of the performances, even for the older dancers, was underwhelming. It seemed like the same handful of students were on stage repeatedly with just costume changes and similar choreography. It left me questioning the instruction they’re receiving.What upset me the most was knowing that toddlers and very young children were kept backstage for several hours, likely with no access to snacks, water, or bathroom breaks. That’s unacceptable—especially for a 4-year-old.To top it off, the award ceremony felt overly drawn out. One teacher in particular received an emotional farewell that included a poem from a romantic movie ("10 Things I Hate About You"), FROM A STUDENT.Finally, after all that, there was miscommunication at pickup. Parents were told to wait at a specific side of the building, but the children came out from a completely different area.Overall, this was a chaotic and poorly organized experience. I rarely leave reviews, but every time I think back on it, I feel frustrated. I truly hope the school takes this feedback seriously and makes the necessary improvements. As of now, I would not recommend it. - Stephani Newman
Melina's Dance Company Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Melina's Dance Company Introduce

For families across Virginia, particularly those in the Lorton area and throughout Fairfax County, choosing a dance studio for their children is an important decision. It’s about finding a place where young dancers can not only learn steps but also grow in confidence and passion for the art form. Melina's Dance Company (MDC), located right here in Lorton, aims to be such a place, offering a variety of dance programs designed to help students develop their skills and technique.

Many local families have found a long-term home at MDC, with some students having attended for a decade or more. Parents highlight how their daughters have "THRIVED" since enrolling or returning to the studio, noting significant "improvement in her skill and technique." The dance teachers at Melina’s Dance Company are credited with "imbuing her with confidence," suggesting a positive impact on the students' self-esteem. While experiences can vary, the studio endeavors to provide opportunities for students to explore different classes and foster a love for dance. For Virginia residents considering dance education, Melina's Dance Company offers a local option focused on dance development and personal growth.

Melina's Dance Company is conveniently located at 9000 Lorton Station Blvd Ste. K, Lorton, VA 22079, USA. This accessible location places the studio within easy reach for families residing in Lorton and the surrounding communities within Fairfax County, including Springfield, Woodbridge, and Burke. Lorton Station Boulevard is a well-known thoroughfare, facilitating straightforward travel by car for most attendees.

The studio's placement within a suite on Lorton Station Boulevard suggests a dedicated and identifiable space within a commercial area. Such locations typically offer adequate parking, which is a key convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, helping to streamline daily routines. While specific public transportation routes to this precise address would depend on local Fairfax Connector bus services, Lorton Station Boulevard is generally well-connected within the Lorton area. The ease of access to Melina's Dance Company contributes to its suitability for local Virginia families, allowing students to attend classes regularly and focus on their dance instruction without undue travel stress. The proximity to other local businesses and amenities in the Lorton Station area can also be a benefit for families combining errands with dance lessons.

Melina's Dance Company offers a range of dance programs designed to cater to various ages and skill levels, aiming to develop both technique and performance abilities. While specific class schedules and offerings can vary by season, the studio typically provides instruction in several popular dance genres.

  • Diverse Dance Styles: The curriculum often includes core dance forms, providing a foundation for students. These may encompass:
    • Ballet: Fundamental for grace, posture, and classical technique.
    • Jazz: Energetic and rhythmic, focusing on turns, leaps, and expressive movement.
    • Tap: Explores rhythm and sound through percussive footwork.
    • Hip-Hop: Dynamic and contemporary, emphasizing street-style movements.
    • Lyrical/Contemporary: Blending elements of ballet and jazz with emotional expression.
    • Acro: Incorporating gymnastic elements and flexibility into dance.
  • Classes for Various Age Groups: Melina's Dance Company typically offers programs for a wide range of ages, from young children taking their first steps in dance to older students looking for advanced training. This may include:
    • Preschool/Kindergarten Dance: Introduction to movement and rhythm for very young dancers.
    • Youth Dance Classes: Structured programs for elementary and middle school-aged children.
    • Teen/Advanced Classes: For older students seeking more rigorous technical training.
  • Skill and Technique Development: The studio focuses on building fundamental dance skills and improving technical proficiency across all genres. This includes proper alignment, execution of steps, and performance quality.
  • Performance Opportunities: Students are generally provided opportunities to showcase their learned skills. Recitals are a common feature in dance studios, allowing students to perform in a stage setting. While the organization and details of recitals can vary, they are typically a culmination of the year's learning.
  • Opportunity to Explore Different Classes: Students have the chance to "explore different classes," allowing them to discover new dance styles and broaden their artistic horizons.

Melina's Dance Company aims to provide an environment where dancers can thrive and improve their skills. Several features and highlights are integral to the experience offered by the studio.

  • Focus on Skill and Technique Improvement: Many students and parents note significant growth in this area. A returning student "has shown great improvement in her skill and technique," indicating a strong emphasis on dance fundamentals and progression.
  • Building Student Confidence: The dance teachers are often credited with "imbuing her with confidence," suggesting that the studio environment supports not just technical growth but also personal development and self-assurance in dancers.
  • Experienced Dance Teachers: The quality of instruction is paramount in a dance studio. While specific instructor biographies are not provided, the positive feedback on skill improvement points to experienced teaching staff.
  • Opportunities to Explore Different Genres: The ability for students to "explore different classes" is a highlight, as it allows for a more versatile dance education and helps students discover their passions across various styles.
  • Long-Term Student Engagement: The fact that some families have "attended MDC since my 14 year old daughter was 4 years old" speaks to a consistent positive experience for many over extended periods, suggesting a strong retention rate due to overall satisfaction.
  • Commitment to Performance (as implied by recitals): While the execution of performance events can be subject to individual preferences, the studio does hold recitals, which are a common and important part of dance education, providing students with valuable stage experience.

For inquiries, registration, or to learn more about the programs offered at Melina's Dance Company, please use the following contact information:

Address: 9000 Lorton Station Blvd Ste. K, Lorton, VA 22079, USA

Phone: (571) 604-6680

Mobile Phone: +1 571-604-6680

The team at Melina's Dance Company is available to assist you with any questions regarding class schedules, tuition, registration procedures, or to help you select the most suitable dance program for your child. It is always recommended to reach out directly to the studio for the most current and detailed information.

For residents of Virginia, particularly those in Lorton and the surrounding Fairfax County area, Melina's Dance Company offers a local option for dance education focused on developing skill and technique. For families seeking a studio where their children can "thrive" and gain confidence through dance, MDC provides a range of classes aimed at improving technical proficiency across various styles. While every experience is unique, the consistent long-term attendance by some families highlights a positive and enduring relationship with the studio.

The opportunity for students to "explore different classes" can be a significant benefit, allowing young dancers to discover their strengths and interests in various genres. The studio’s convenient Lorton location ensures that dance education is readily accessible for local families, making it a practical choice for incorporating dance into weekly routines. For those in Virginia looking for a dedicated dance studio committed to skill development and personal growth in a local setting, Melina's Dance Company provides a pathway for children to pursue their passion for dance and build valuable life skills through artistic expression. It's a place where many local children have found their stride, developing both their dance abilities and their self-assurance.

Melina's Dance Company Photos

Melina's Dance Company Picture 1Melina's Dance Company Picture 2Melina's Dance Company Picture 3Melina's Dance Company Picture 4Melina's Dance Company Picture 5Melina's Dance Company Picture 6Melina's Dance Company Picture 7Melina's Dance Company Picture 8Melina's Dance Company Picture 9Melina's Dance Company Picture 10

Melina's Dance Company Location

Melina's Dance Company

9000 Lorton Station Blvd Ste. K, Lorton, VA 22079, USA

Melina's Dance Company Reviews

More School Dance

  • Generation Cheer & Dance (DMV location)Generation Cheer & Dance (DMV location)0.0 (0 reviews)

    8254 Laurel Heights Loop, Lorton, VA 22079, USA

  • HastaswaraHastaswara5.0 (1 reviews)

    Lorton, VA 22079, USA

  • The Movement StudiosThe Movement Studios4.0 (26 reviews)

    8004 Alban Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, USA

  • Art of Movement at the WorkhouseArt of Movement at the Workhouse5.0 (2 reviews)

    9518 Workhouse Rd bldg 11, Lorton, VA 22079, USA

  • Perfect Pointe Music & Dance of Springfield, VAPerfect Pointe Music & Dance of Springfield, VA4.0 (22 reviews)

    7200 Fullerton Rd b100, Springfield, VA 22150, USA

  • Silky Smooth Dance StudioSilky Smooth Dance Studio3.0 (18 reviews)

    204 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, VA 22125, USA

  • Bella Ballerina KingstowneBella Ballerina Kingstowne4.0 (17 reviews)

    6450 Landsdowne Centre Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA

  • Woodbridge Academy of DanceWoodbridge Academy of Dance5.0 (1 reviews)

    2235 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA

  • Dancensations Dance CenterDancensations Dance Center4.0 (18 reviews)

    7572 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA

  • Accent DancersAccent Dancers4.0 (6 reviews)

    13111 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA

  • Metropolitan School of the ArtsMetropolitan School of the Arts4.0 (51 reviews)

    5775 Barclay Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA

  • AJAX StudiosAJAX Studios5.0 (3 reviews)

    14414 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191, USA

  • Categories

    Top Visited Sites

    Trending Dance Journal Posts