Wheaton Studio of Dance

Hello, Marylanders! Are you looking for a reputable and inspiring dance studio in Montgomery County where your child – or even you – can explore the art of dance? The Wheaton Studio of Dance, located right here in Wheaton, stands as a pillar of dance education, renowned for its professional training, enthusiastic instructors, and commitment to student development. For over 57 years, this studio has been a cherished part of our community, guiding countless individuals through the joy and discipline of dance, transforming aspiring movers into confident performers.

Founded by Joni Reese and now under the artistic direction of owner Shannon Rush-Locke, Wheaton Studio of Dance is one of the largest and most respected dance studios in the Metropolitan Area. They pride themselves on providing classes for students of all ages and abilities, offering a wide array of dance forms from classical ballet to energetic hip hop. This overview will delve into what makes Wheaton Studio of Dance a truly exceptional choice for locals, detailing its convenient location, comprehensive services, unique features, and why it’s the perfect place to foster a love for dance in our Maryland community.

Wheaton Studio of Dance is strategically situated at 11216 Triangle Lane, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA. This central location within Wheaton, a bustling part of Montgomery County, ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the area. Triangle Lane is a recognizable street, making the studio easy to find for those traveling from various neighborhoods in Wheaton, Silver Spring, Rockville, and other surrounding Maryland communities.

The studio's location within a commercial area often means convenient access to parking, which is a significant benefit for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Its proximity to other local businesses and amenities in Wheaton also adds to its convenience, allowing families to combine dance classes with other errands or activities. The ease of access makes Wheaton Studio of Dance a practical and stress-free option for busy Maryland families looking to incorporate dance into their routines. This central and well-known address ensures that the studio is a cornerstone of the Wheaton community, easily reachable for all who wish to pursue their passion for dance.

• Diverse Dance Forms for All Ages and Abilities: Wheaton Studio of Dance offers an extensive curriculum catering to students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, and all ability levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors. Their diverse offerings include:
  • Combination Classes (Ballet & Tap): Aimed at younger dancers (starting at age 3 and potty trained), these classes introduce foundational ballet and tap techniques.
  • Ballet: Comprehensive instruction from lower intermediate to advanced levels, building strong technique, vocabulary, and classical grace. Includes Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) for core strength and alignment.
  • Tap: From beginner to advanced, focusing on intricate rhythms, precise footwork, and musicality.
  • Jazz: Offers various levels from beginner to advanced, emphasizing strength, technique, and diverse jazz styles.
  • Hip Hop: Mini Hip-Hop for younger students and beginner/experienced to advanced classes, focusing on energetic expression and modern styles without suggestive content. Competitive hip hop classes are available by audition.
  • Acro: A fusion of dance technique and acrobatic elements, with safe progressions in flexibility, strength, balancing, limbering, and tumbling.
  • Adult Classes: Cater to anyone over 18 interested in dance, with no prior experience necessary, providing a fun and engaging way to exercise and learn.
• Competitive Training: For students interested in a higher level of commitment and performance, the studio provides training for competitions, as evidenced by positive feedback regarding granddaughters participating in training and competitions.
• Professional Instruction and Mentorship: Classes are led by experienced and enthusiastic instructors, such as Ms. Shannon, who provide detailed feedback, foster positive energy, and support students' overall development.
• Annual Spring Recital Program: The studio organizes a highly anticipated annual Spring Recital in June, providing a significant performance opportunity for all dancers. This showcases their hard work and progress throughout the year to families and friends.
• Reasonable Fees for Recitals: A notable service feature is the studio's reasonable approach to recital-related costs, including "reasonable requests for additional fees and rehearsal times" for costumes and photos, making it less burdensome for families.
• Parent Communication and Feedback: Instructors make an effort to communicate directly with parents after class, providing announcements and brief feedback, which fosters a transparent and supportive environment.
• Yearly Dance Camps: The studio offers yearly dance camps, providing immersive and extended learning opportunities for students during breaks.

• Highly Professional Training and Performances: A key highlight is the studio's commitment to professional training, which translates into high-quality performances. As one grandparent noted, the training and performances are "Very professional." This ensures students receive top-tier instruction.
• Exceptional Leadership and Instruction: The studio benefits from "Great leadership" and instructors like Ms. Shannon, who bring "energy and enthusiasm" to her classes and interact positively with parents. This strong leadership ensures a consistent and high-quality learning environment.
• Comprehensive Class Offerings: From "beginning and experienced combination classes" for younger dancers to specialized styles like "tap and ballet," and even adult classes, the studio offers a broad spectrum of dance disciplines. This wide selection caters to diverse interests and skill levels.
• Direct Parent-Teacher Communication: A highly appreciated feature is the instructors' practice of coming out after class to "give announcements and very brief feedback to parents." This direct communication fosters transparency and allows parents to stay informed about their child's progress and studio news.
• Reasonable Recital Program Costs: Unlike some studios that "go overboard with the costume and photo fees," Wheaton Studio of Dance provides "reasonable requests for additional fees and rehearsal times." This thoughtful approach makes participation in recitals more accessible for families.
• Valuable Performance Opportunities: Recitals are highlighted as "a great performance opportunity" that suits a child's personality and allows them to "showcase the hard work she has put through the year." This focus on practical performance experience is vital for developing confident dancers.
• Focus on Foundational Technique and Student Progress: The studio emphasizes strong instruction, evident in how a daughter's "movements that she has great instruction" after putting on her dance shoes. This focus on solid technique is crucial for long-term dance development.
• Nurturing and Engaging Environment: Ultimately, the most significant highlight is that children "love the class and always talks about her teachers, helpers, and classmates." This demonstrates a supportive and engaging atmosphere where students feel happy, connected, and motivated to learn.
• Longevity and Reputation: As one of the largest dance studios in the Metropolitan Area with 57 years of operation, Wheaton Studio of Dance boasts a strong reputation and deep roots in the community.

For Maryland residents interested in the vibrant dance programs at Wheaton Studio of Dance, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 11216 Triangle Ln, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA

Phone: (301) 949-5111

Mobile Phone: +1 301-949-5111

Their professional and friendly staff are ready to assist you with inquiries about class schedules, registration, tuition, specific dance styles, or any other questions you may have. Feel free to call them or visit their convenient Wheaton location to learn more about how they can support your or your child's dance journey.

For residents of Maryland, particularly in the Montgomery County area, Wheaton Studio of Dance stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education for numerous compelling reasons. Firstly, its long-standing presence—over 57 years—as one of the largest studios in the Metropolitan Area, speaks volumes about its enduring quality and positive impact on the community. This history means generations of local families have trusted their dance education to this institution.

The studio's commitment to "very professional in their training and performances" ensures that students receive high-caliber instruction, whether they are just starting their "early dance career" or are performing in "competitions." This dual focus on strong foundational technique and opportunities for advanced performance makes it ideal for a wide range of local aspiring dancers. The appreciation for "reasonable requests for additional fees and rehearsal times" for recitals also makes it a more accessible and family-friendly option, alleviating a common financial concern for parents seeking performance opportunities for their children.

Furthermore, the personalized touch, exemplified by instructors like Ms. Shannon who engage with parents after class to provide "brief feedback and announcements," fosters a strong sense of community and transparency. This level of communication ensures that parents feel informed and involved in their child's dance journey. Ultimately, the most powerful endorsement comes directly from the students: "Of course my daughter loves the class and always talks about her teachers, helpers, and classmates." This joy and consistent engagement, combined with visible progress in their movements, makes Wheaton Studio of Dance the perfect local hub for cultivating talent, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love for dance right here in our Maryland community.

Wheaton Studio of Dance

11216 Triangle Ln, Wheaton, MD 20902, USA