Youth and Teen Programs

We believe that creative and collaborative dancemaking can shape tomorrow’s leaders. Dance Exchange provides opportunities for young artists to develop their dance training and cultivate their artistic voice alongside Dance Exchange artists and local leaders.

Questions? Email registration@danceexchange.org or call 301-270-6700.

Youth Exchange
Mondays 4:30-5:30pm

Ages 8-12 / Grades 2nd - 7th

September 9 - May 18

At Dance Exchange (7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD)

Tuition
Fall: $240
Spring: $320
Full Year: $500 ($60 discount)

Low angle shot of a circle of young dancers in a studio. They stand with arms bent and palms up as they look towards the center of the circle.

In a supportive, inclusive, and youth-centered environment, Youth Exchange introduces young people to dance and movement basics. Youth will build collaboration and leadership skills as we explore the process of making and performing dances. Youth Exchange is led by Youth Programs Lead Artist Corina Iona Dalzell.

During each Youth Exchange class, young movers can expect:

  • A check-in question to reflect on how we’re feeling that day and get to know each other

  • A physical warm up that gets us moving and can be adapted to all bodies and abilities

  • A creative warm or game up that lets us improvise and make creative choices

  • A dancemaking activity to create solo, duet, or larger group dances

  • An opportunity to share our dances and practice our skills for being an audience member and sharing feedback

Youth Exchange is guided by participants’ interests and may weave in visual art, music, poetry and other art forms in addition to dance. At the end of the program, we’ll stitch together what we’ve created across the year into a larger performance shared in person or via video with family and friends.

Limited scholarship opportunities are available. If price is a barrier for your family, please reach out to registration@danceexchange.org.

DX Summer Camp
July 15 - 19

Ages 8-12, Grade 2-7

Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

Morning program: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Lunch/Quiet time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Afternoon program: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Dance Exchange (7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD)

Six kids dance in a studio space, 2 are clasping hands together to form a bridge as the others prepare to pass through, some riding on the other's backs as if on horseback.

What is DX Summer Camp?

This year’s DX Summer Camp will be 5 Elements: A Youth Hip Hop Experience at Dance Exchange. This is a week-long dance and movement camp for youth ages 8-12 that uses Dance Exchange creative tools and practices to explore Hip Hop and Street DanceYouth Performance Lab introduces young people to dance, performance, and production basics. Youth will build collaboration and leadership skills through the process of making and performing dances. Led by Dance Exchange artist Maggie Waller and special guests.

DX Summer Camp Daily Schedule

9:00am - 12:00pm | Morning movement and choreography workshop: Youth will explore Hip Hop and Street Dance basics

12:00pm - 1:00pm | Lunch and quiet time: Youth should bring their own lunches and are also invited to bring their own books or quiet time activity. Dance Exchange will also supply some books and activities.

1:00pm - 4:00pm | Afternoon movement: Youth will focus on one of the 5 Elements of Hip Hop and an exploration of each element in relation to creative process, dancemaking, and the collaborative building of a final performance elements.

Tuition

$550 base tuition for camp (M-F and a Saturday performance)
$625 for Before OR After Care
$675 for Before AND After Care
Scholarship Application Available - 50% tuition decrease

Limited scholarship opportunities are available. If price is a barrier for your family, please apply for a scholarship via the application form.

Looking for family classes and programs?

 

 Photos on this page by Vinny and Beth Mwano, Elena Kerr, and others.