Entry-level gymnastics/weighing options?

[Anonymous]

My DD did Power Tots and then two beginner sessions (for 5-6 year olds) at Silver Stars. I was disappointed in the Silver Stars experience. She never knew the names of her teachers or any fellow students. It was a series of drills and not as much pure enjoyment as in Power Tots. Perhaps that is what these beginning classes are like? We had such a great instructor with Power Tots, and I think I was hoping for the same vibe as we continued on. She's 7 now, and I'd like to re-enroll her again. I've heard good things about the Arlington Y (though perennially booked) and the Little Gym in Arlington, though that's waitlisted now too. There's another thread on Capital Gymnastics in Burke, which would be a big drive for us, but I wonder if that's the same model as Silver Stars?

[Anonymous]

Silver Stars is awful.

Where do you live?

In MD, Dynamite and Hill's are better. Dominique Dawes is opening soon in Rockville and might be worth trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Silver Stars is awful.

Where do you live?

In MD, Dynamite and Hill's are better. Dominique Dawes is opening soon in Rockville and might be worth trying.

Sorry, in MoCo. There are other good MD options but not in MoCo.

[Anonymous]

I live in DC, and as far as I know, we have only the Little Gym on the Hill that has gymnastics (I have an email out to them, and will see if they are open today). Silver Stars is about 25 minutes from our house--ideally, i'd prefer not to drive more than 30 minutes one way. Hill's is definitely too far--I'll look into the Rockville location. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We were at Arlington Y which I found to be unsafe in its spotting practices. We moved to Dynamic which was very good for beginners and the instructors were great. But they lack flexibility and makeups so we had to look around and ended up at Capital. It was intimidating the first class for my girl but after that she loved it. They learn but do fun stuff and the instructors know the kids and engage them. My kid after several weeks was the one to tell me it was much better than Dynamic and her progression has been much faster.

[Anonymous]

In Arlington is the Arlington rec program at Barcroft Sports Center. The classes are pretty good (better than the Arlington Y and possibly similar to Dynamic) but maybe not as good at Capital.

We had great experiences but a tough time getting a spot.

[Anonymous]

I live in MoCo and am super happy with Emilia's in Laurel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Arlington is the Arlington rec program at Barcroft Sports Center. The classes are pretty good (better than the Arlington Y and possibly similar to Dynamic) but maybe not as good at Capital.

We had great experiences but a tough time getting a spot.

Agree about the county classes at Barcroft but the classes post- covid are incredibly limited as they lost most of their coaching staff. Still great bang for your buck if you can get in.

What is your DDs goal in gymnastics? Is this just something to get the wiggles out or would she like to compete (which doesn’t have to be hardcore; you can compete at a lower level more causally). Her goals should influence where you look to get a spot.

[Anonymous]

I would not travel to the VA gyms from MoCo or regular classes.

[Anonymous]

*for regular classes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in DC, and as far as I know, we have only the Little Gym on the Hill that has gymnastics (I have an email out to them, and will see if they are open today). Silver Stars is about 25 minutes from our house--ideally, i'd prefer not to drive more than 30 minutes one way. Hill's is definitely too far--I'll look into the Rockville location. Thanks!

Try the the county classes in pg county. There is a great facility at Pg sports and learning center. It can be hard to get into the classes as county residents get to register first.