Dance & BodyWorks is a community-based 501(c) 3 non-profit arts organization providing quality dance education and opportunities for children and adults in the Washington Metropolitan area since 1998. Our mission is to provide the highest caliber of dance education to all people interested in achieving their greatest potential. We are guided by the belief that dance is for everyone. Each person can reach his or her potential given a disciplined and nurturing environment and dedicated and competent staff that always has the student's best interest in mind. We seek through continued excellence in teaching and community outreach to expand awareness of the great benefits to the mind, body and spirit that dance has to offer. Dance & BodyWorks is directed by Sandra Blackman.

Dance & BodyWorks is committed to providing the best instruction available. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Liturgical, Hip-Hop and African to students from age 3 through adult. All of our students are given a structured and comprehensive dance curriculum. Our faculty is a carefully selected group of professionals who are established dancers and choreographers and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.


Dance & BodyWorks

Dance & BodyWorks
Community Programs

Partners In Education Program
D&BW provides after school care as a neighborhood resource for elementary and middle school students to augment the educational and physical activities of the normal school day. This program also offers full dance scholarships for selected neighboring public elementary, middle and high school students.

Work-Study Program
D&BW offers free dance training in exchange for working a few hours a week in the studio. Work-study positions range from administrative to educational assistants.

Scholarship Program
D&BW offers scholarships to students based upon interest and financial need.  

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are available that allow students to fulfill community service hours needed to graduate from high school.  

Master Classes and Workshop Series
Master classes and workshops are taught by established dancers and choreographers, and are customized to present a variety of dance styles and techniques. 

Lecture/Demonstrations
Education is a primary focus of D&BW. In our outreach efforts, D&BW instructors serve as role models of dance education and conduct lectures/demonstrations that are staged creatively in a variety of community locations. D&BW also sponsors guest lecturers and demonstrators.

Out of State Dance Excursions
D&BW sponsors educational dance related trips to gain exposure and added perspectives on dance. The trips include classes, theater, tourism, and oral and written exercises on their experiences.

Educational Newsletter
D&BW develops and distributes an educational and informational newsletter every two months and is free to the community. It covers issues on health, fitness, dance technique and upcoming related events in the area.

Outreach Performances
D&BW offers free performances for schools, community groups, and community organizations. Many performances include interactive and educational components. In an effort to broaden the awareness of how dance is linked to other arts media, our performances and outreach opportunities for the community also include visual artists, drummers, vocalists, poets and griots.

Dance & BodyWorks has received much recognition for quality service, performance ability and community outreach. Many of our performances include guest performers both professional and non-professional. Showcased works include artists and choreographers from local schools and community groups including visual artists, drummers, vocalists, poets and griots. Dance & BodyWorks has participated in benefit events such as The National Black Family Reunion, For Sisters Only Conference, National Tap Dance Day, the Smithsonian Institute's "Speak to My Heart" and "When the Spirit Moves" dance exhibits and at the Joyce Soho Theater in New York, the International Association of Blacks in Dance Youth Concert and the first Annual Dancefest at Six Flags America. Dance & BodyWorks annual community events include The Kwanzaa Celebration, New York Overnight Dance Excursion, Annual Spring Showcase and Master Technique Class and Workshop Series.