Metropolitan School of the Arts

For families and individuals across Virginia, particularly those in Northern Virginia, with a passion for the performing arts, Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community. Located in Alexandria, this non-profit organization has dedicated itself to fostering talent in dance, music, and theater for students of all ages, from enthusiastic beginners to aspiring professionals. MSA is more than just a school; it's a vibrant hub where creativity is ignited, skills are honed, and a lifelong love for the arts is cultivated in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The mission of Metropolitan School of the Arts is to "change the world by inspiring and supporting students, faculty, and staff to reach their fullest potential as artists, innovators, and generous citizens." This commitment is evident in their comprehensive curriculum and the dedication of their acclaimed instructors. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "Metropolitan School of the Arts is a fantastic organization; their classes, teachings and instructors are second to none." For locals in Virginia, MSA offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the transformative power of the arts, whether through after-school programs, pre-professional training, or adult dance and fitness classes. The high quality of their productions and the profound impact on students' growth are frequently highlighted, making it clear why families are willing to commute to experience what MSA has to offer.

Metropolitan School of the Arts is conveniently located at 5775 Barclay Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA. This address places it within a highly accessible area of Alexandria, making it a prime destination for residents throughout Fairfax County and the broader Northern Virginia region. Its position on Barclay Drive offers straightforward access from various local communities.

For those traveling by car, the studio provides convenient parking facilities, a significant advantage in the busy Northern Virginia area. Barclay Drive offers easy connections to major thoroughfares such as the Fairfax County Parkway and the Franconia-Springfield Parkway, which in turn lead to the Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-95. This network of roads facilitates relatively smooth commutes from different parts of Virginia. While not directly adjacent to a Metro rail station, several Fairfax Connector bus routes operate in the vicinity, offering connections to nearby Metro stations, such as Franconia-Springfield (Blue Line). The ease of access, whether by private vehicle or public transportation, contributes significantly to MSA's suitability as a local point of interest, ensuring that a broad range of Virginia residents can partake in its extensive arts programs without significant logistical challenges. The fact that a family moved "a bit further away" but still considers the "25 minute drive to the school worth it" speaks volumes about its accessibility and value.

Services Offered:

• Dance Programs: Comprehensive training in various genres including ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and tap, offered for students of all ages (extracurricular, pre-professional, and adult). Classes are provided in a supportive and creative environment with a focus on high-quality training and performance opportunities.
• Music Programs: Instruction for various instruments such as drums, guitar, piano, violin, and voice. Students can learn from highly qualified instructors and participate in multiple performance events.
• Theater Programs: Opportunities in acting, improv, musical theater, and coaching workshops, allowing students to develop their stage presence and dramatic skills.
• After-School Youth Programs: Structured classes designed for children and teenagers to explore dance, music, and theater after their regular school day.
• Pre-Professional Company Opportunities: Rigorous training and performance opportunities for dedicated students aspiring to professional careers in the performing arts, including programs like Dance Lab and Music Theater Workshop.
• Daytime Private School Programs: MSA offers a unique academic curriculum integrated with arts training for students seeking a non-traditional educational model.
• Homeschool and Gap Year Programs: Flexible options for students who are homeschooled or taking a gap year, allowing them to focus intensively on their arts education.
• Adult Dance and Fitness Classes: A variety of classes for adults, including Jazz (Open Level), Barre (MetroBarre), and Yoga (Vinyasa Flow Yoga), catering to different fitness levels and interests.
• Spotlight Master Classes: Opportunities for students to refine their craft under the guidance of industry professionals from across the United States, offering specialized training in specific genres.
• Summer Intensives and Camps: Immersive programs during the summer months for concentrated training and artistic development.

Features / Highlights:

• Exceptional Instructors: Students and parents consistently praise the "great teachers" who are "professional, encouraging, and kind." Specific mentions include Ms. Colleen, known for fostering a "life long love for dance" with younger students, and Ms. Jennifer, whose "talent and dedication to her students is inspirational."
• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: MSA is committed to a "nurturing, supportive and inspiring culture where students earn the confidence to propel themselves toward reaching their highest potential." It is described as a place of "fearlessness" where students are "free to take risks, take chances and learn from their experiences."
• Top-Notch Productions: The school's performances are frequently highlighted as "top notch," with reviewers being "personally blown away by amount of effort and the creativity behind these performances."
• Comprehensive Arts Education: Offers a wide range of disciplines including dance (ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap), music (drums, guitar, piano, violin, voice), and theater (acting, improv, musical theater), providing a holistic arts experience.
• Integrated Curriculum: MSA combines rigorous academics with arts education, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills across disciplines.
• Non-Competitive Environment: MSA chooses not to participate in the dance competition scene, focusing instead on helping every young artist reach their fullest potential in a loving and encouraging setting.
• Community-Oriented: Recognizes the significant impact of the arts on culture and aims to educate the community on this. They also plan for a Black Box Theater to offer free performances to underserved communities.
• Flexible Learning Opportunities: Offers various programs from after-school classes to full-time private schooling, catering to diverse student needs and schedules.
• High-Quality Facilities: Features well-equipped studios and plans for its own Black Box Theater, enhancing the learning and performance experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 5775 Barclay Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA

Phone: (703) 339-0444

Metropolitan School of the Arts is an exemplary point of interest for locals in Virginia, especially those residing in Northern Virginia. Its accessible location in Alexandria, combined with excellent parking and proximity to major roadways, ensures that families can conveniently access its diverse programs. For Virginians seeking a comprehensive and high-quality arts education for their children or themselves, MSA offers an unparalleled experience.

The consistent praise for its "great teachers" like Ms. Colleen and Ms. Jennifer, and the inspiring atmosphere they cultivate, clearly demonstrates why families are willing to make a commute to be part of the MSA community. The commitment to a nurturing, non-competitive environment, alongside top-notch productions and a wide array of dance, music, and theater offerings, makes MSA a truly special place. It’s not just an arts school; it’s a community where students are empowered to "reach their fullest potential as artists, innovators, and generous citizens," making Metropolitan School of the Arts a vital and cherished asset to the cultural landscape of Northern Virginia.

Metropolitan School of the Arts

5775 Barclay Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315, USA