District dance vs bella ballet

[Anonymous]

I live nearby these 2 studios, and people recommend them for my 1st grader girl. She just wants to learn some dance moves, make friendship and have a fun time. I get more recommendation from bella ballet from local moms living at kentlands but I am not sure if they just want to support local business. I don't live there locally. I am interested for summer camp and possibly classes during school year. Any thoughts on these 2 studios?

[Anonymous]

I can only speak to Bella. My daughter loves it but sometimes it's just over the top for me. Like the recital last year at Strathmore. Every other week there is a fundraiser/spirit event/treat handed out/"empowered" said. It's definitely for the younger less serious dancer. That said, we tried another studio and my daughter didn't like it because it didn't have the extras.

[Anonymous]

I would hate what the previous poster wrote about fundraisers, spirit week, treats, etc. Plus calling it Bella Ballet is misleading, it’s not a ballet studio. It’s more for fun recreational dance. She might like that.

On the other hand some kids love their ballet program starting at an early age. She might like that better. What about Metropolitan Ballet? Looks like better training without all the froufrou stuff.

[Anonymous]

Neither, seriously. Distract Dance is owned by a shady private equity firm. The costumes are scandalous and technique poor at best.

Bella is not Dance lessons like you are thinking. Its fussing aound with props and zero actual dance. The teachers have no dance background.

There are much better options nearby.
Try: Metropolitan Ballet, city dance, Bethesda Conservatory of Dance, or maybe d'amour ( They are trying really hard to level up).