Finding the right dance studio for your child means more than a convenient location—it requires instructors who understand child development, maintain proper certifications, and create an environment where every student can thrive. Dance Makers, located in Lanham just minutes from College Park, has served Prince George’s County families for over a decade with award-winning instruction from certified professionals. Our students consistently achieve recognition at regional competitions while developing skills that extend far beyond the studio.
Our Dance Classes
Dance Makers structures classes by age and skill level to provide appropriate challenges while building foundational technique. Each session runs 45-60 minutes, depending on age group, with a curriculum designed to progress systematically throughout the year.
Ballet: Ages 6-18
Ballet classes begin with barre work to develop turnout, alignment, and muscle memory, before moving to center-floor combinations. Students learn classical positions, port de bras, and proper terminology while building the core strength and flexibility needed for all dance styles. Our ballet curriculum follows recognized training methods adapted for diverse learning styles, with twice-yearly assessments to track progress.
Pointe: Invitation Only
Pointe work requires students to demonstrate sufficient ankle strength, proper alignment, and consistent technique to safely dance en pointe. Our instructors evaluate readiness through specific criteria, including age, training duration (minimum three years of ballet), and physical development. This careful approach prevents injury while preparing dancers for advanced classical repertoire.
Jazz: Ages 6-18
Jazz dance classes teach isolations, kicks, leaps, and turns through progressively challenging combinations. Students work on performance quality, facial expressions, and stage presence as they learn choreography to current and classic music. Jazz training develops versatility that translates well to musical theater and contemporary styles.
Hip Hop: All Ages
Our hip-hop dancing classes teach foundational moves, including popping, locking, and breaking, within an age-appropriate framework. Students learn choreographed routines while developing freestyle skills and musical interpretation. Classes emphasize respect for hip-hop’s cultural origins while encouraging individual creative expression.
“Looking for a dance school? Look no further. Both of my daughters have been enrolled in Dance Makers for a few years now in different classes. Hip Hop and Kinderdance. The entire staff is super warm, welcoming and friendly. The instructors are very nurturing to all of the kids and are very involved and encourage the kids to do their absolute best.”
– Janel H.
Lyrical/Contemporary: Ages 6-18
Lyrical dance classes blend ballet technique with contemporary movement to create emotionally expressive choreography. Students learn to interpret lyrics and musical dynamics through movement quality, partnering work, and floor work. This style particularly appeals to students who want to connect dance with storytelling.
Tap: Ages 6-18
Tap dancing develops rhythmic complexity through structured progression from basic sounds to complex syncopations. Students learn both Broadway-style and rhythm tap techniques, building coordination between auditory and kinesthetic learning. Regular rhythm exercises strengthen musical timing applicable to all dance forms.
Kinderdanz: Ages 3-5
Kinderdanz uses imaginative themes and props to teach basic dance concepts, including spatial awareness, following directions, and moving to rhythm. Classes include creative movement, simple choreography, and social skill development through group activities. This foundation prepares young students for structured technique classes.
Totz Town: Ages 18 Months to 2 Years
Totz Town offers parent-child classes that develop gross motor skills through movement exploration. Tumble Tots focuses on floor activities to build balance and body awareness, while Twinkle Toes and Tutu’s introduce basic ballet positions through play-based learning.
Why Choose Dance Makers?
Dance Makers employs certified instructors with professional dance backgrounds and ongoing training in child development and safety. Our Lanham facility features spring-loaded floors to reduce injury risk, full-length mirrors for proper form checking, and climate control for comfortable training. We serve families from Carrollton, Bowie, Greenbelt, and throughout Prince George’s County, with scheduling options including weekday afternoons and Saturday morning classes.
Rhythmic Bodies Want to Know: Dance Class FAQ
Are There Trial Classes?
We offer trial classes by appointment so your child can experience our teaching style and studio environment before committing to a full session. Trial participants receive the same instructions as enrolled students. Contact us to schedule a trial during regular class times that match your child’s age and interest level.
Are There Hidden Fees?
Our pricing includes an annual registration fee collected during enrollment, plus monthly or session-based tuition depending on your payment preference. Costume fees for recitals are additional and communicated months in advance. We provide detailed fee schedules during registration, similar to how reputable fitness facilities and gyms outline membership costs upfront.