Award-Winning Since 2015

Kentlands, Gaithersburg | Ages 18 Months to 18 Years

Where Little
Dancers Shine

The DMV's most award-winning children's dance school, where confidence, creativity, and joy come to life through the magic of dance.

Confidence • Creativity • Joy

347 Kentlands Blvd, Gaithersburg MD 20878

Have a dancer ages 8–18?

Visit our second location, Empower by Bella Ballet, for advanced training.

Explore Empower
Award Winning

Voted Best Children's Dance School
Since 2015

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2024 "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2023 "Best Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2023 Gaithersburg Mayor & City Council Award — "Empower by Bella Ballet Day" Recipient2023 Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce Certificate — "Second Location Expansion and Arts Opportunities for Youth"2023 Congressional Recognition Award — "Empower by Bella Ballet"2023 "10 Consecutive Years" — Best Of Gaithersburg Business Hall of Fame2022 Finalist — "Best Children's Dance Studio" Bethesda Magazine2022 Finalist — "Best Dance Classes" Washington Parent Magazine2021 "Best Ballet Classes" — Expertise Magazine2021 "Best Children's Ballet School, Maryland" — Global Health & Pharma2020 "Best Dance Studio" — Montgomery Magazine2019 "Small Business of the Year" — Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce2019 "Community Contribution Award" — Governor Larry Hogan, State of Maryland2019 International Dance Entrepreneur Association Member2019 "Best Kids' Dance Studio" — Bethesda Magazine2017–2020 "Best Ballet Teachers" — Expertise Magazine2017 "Best Arts Program" — Washington Family Magazine2016 & 2017 "Best Ballet Studio" — Montgomery Magazine2016 "Best Arts Program" & "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2014–2016 "Best of Gaithersburg"2024 "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2023 "Best Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2023 Gaithersburg Mayor & City Council Award — "Empower by Bella Ballet Day" Recipient2023 Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce Certificate — "Second Location Expansion and Arts Opportunities for Youth"2023 Congressional Recognition Award — "Empower by Bella Ballet"2023 "10 Consecutive Years" — Best Of Gaithersburg Business Hall of Fame2022 Finalist — "Best Children's Dance Studio" Bethesda Magazine2022 Finalist — "Best Dance Classes" Washington Parent Magazine2021 "Best Ballet Classes" — Expertise Magazine2021 "Best Children's Ballet School, Maryland" — Global Health & Pharma2020 "Best Dance Studio" — Montgomery Magazine2019 "Small Business of the Year" — Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce2019 "Community Contribution Award" — Governor Larry Hogan, State of Maryland2019 International Dance Entrepreneur Association Member2019 "Best Kids' Dance Studio" — Bethesda Magazine2017–2020 "Best Ballet Teachers" — Expertise Magazine2017 "Best Arts Program" — Washington Family Magazine2016 & 2017 "Best Ballet Studio" — Montgomery Magazine2016 "Best Arts Program" & "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2014–2016 "Best of Gaithersburg"
Why Bella Ballet

Why Families Choose
Bella Ballet

More than just dance classes, Bella Ballet gives young children a joyful place to grow in confidence, creativity, and character.

Award-Winning Excellence

Since 2015, Bella Ballet has proudly held the title of Best Children's Dance School in the DMV.

Confidence-Building Classes

We help children build self-esteem, creativity, and joy through movement in a warm and encouraging setting.

A Magical First Dance Experience

Our programs are designed to make every young dancer feel excited, inspired, and supported from day one.

Age-Appropriate Programs

Classes are thoughtfully structured for young children ages 18 months to 7 years, with options that meet them at every stage.

Nurturing Teachers

Our instructors create a positive, safe, and uplifting environment where every child can flourish.

Strong Dance Foundations

From ballet to hip-hop, we combine fun with skill-building so dancers grow with confidence and technique.

Our Programs

Programs for
Every Stage

From first movement classes to confidence-building dance training, Bella Ballet offers joyful classes for every early stage.

Bella Baby
18 mo-2 yrs

Bella Baby

A playful introduction to music and movement for little ones, designed to spark joy and early coordination through gentle guided activities.

Dancing Duos
2-3 years

Dancing Duos

A sweet and supportive class that helps toddlers build independence, confidence, and classroom comfort through partner dance activities.

Princess Ballet
3-4 & 4-5 years

Princess Ballet

A magical ballet experience where imagination, grace, and confidence come together. Young dancers explore fairy-tale themed movement and basic ballet positions.

Ballet/Hip-Hop
4-5 years

Ballet/Hip-Hop

The best of both worlds! This combo class blends classical ballet technique with fun, energetic hip-hop moves to keep young dancers engaged and excited.

Traditional Ballet
5-7 years

Traditional Ballet

Classical ballet training focusing on proper technique, posture, and grace. Students learn foundational positions, port de bras, and simple combinations.

Jazz/Hip-Hop
5-7 years

Jazz/Hip-Hop

High-energy classes combining jazz technique with contemporary hip-hop styles. Perfect for dancers who love upbeat music and dynamic choreography.

Musical Theatre
4-5 years

Musical Theatre

Sing, dance, and act! This class introduces young performers to the magic of musical theatre through expressive movement and storytelling.

Ballet/Tap
4-5 years

Ballet/Tap

A fun combo class where dancers learn graceful ballet movements alongside rhythmic tap techniques. Great for building coordination and musicality.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Which Program is Right
for Your Child?

Two studios, two distinct paths — designed to nurture dancers at every stage of their journey

Bella Ballet - World-class dance instruction for children ages 18 months to 8 years
Ages 18 mo - 8 yrs
Kentlands

Bella Ballet

Where little dancers discover the magic of movement through princess-themed classes and joyful exploration.

View Schedule
Empower by Bella Ballet - Dance classes for ages 7 to 18
Ages 7 - 18 yrs
Empower Studio

Empower by Bella Ballet

Our second location offering advanced training for growing dancers ready to elevate their technique and artistry.

Explore Empower
Your First Visit

What to Expect
from Your Trial

Starting dance should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Here's how we make your first experience magical.

Step 01

Choose the Right Class

Browse our age-appropriate programs and pick the class that fits your child's interests and experience level.

Step 02

Experience the Magic

Your child will meet our nurturing teachers, explore our enchanting studio, and enjoy a joyful first dance experience.

Step 03

See If It's a Fit

Watch your little one light up as you discover firsthand how Bella Ballet helps young dancers thrive and grow.

Hope MacDonald - Owner of Bella Ballet

Hope MacDonald

Founder & Owner

A Letter From Our Founder

At Bella Ballet, we believe in more than just teaching dance steps; we strive to instill a sense of empowerment in every child who enters our studio.

We understand that dance is not merely an art form but a transformative journey that allows young children to discover their inner strength, build confidence, and learn to love themselves.

Our commitment to excellence is unwavering. We take great pride in delivering the finest award-winning children's dance classes, meticulously crafted to nurture the unique talents and abilities of each and every dancer.

From the moment they step through our doors at the tender age of 18 months, until they reach the blossoming age of 7, our dancers are guided by exceptional instructors who inspire them to be the best version of themselves.

Jeté-ing With Joy,

Hope MacDonald

Family Love

Why Families
Stay With Us

Year after year, families choose to grow with Bella Ballet. Here's why.

Parents love that:

  • Their child feels seen, known, and encouraged
  • Classes balance structure with fun
  • Teachers genuinely care about every dancer
  • Confidence and kindness are taught alongside technique
  • The studio experience feels warm, polished, and uplifting

Dancers love that:

  • Class feels magical and exciting
  • They get to move, imagine, and express themselves
  • Teachers are kind and encouraging
  • They make friends and feel like they belong
  • Dance feels fun while they keep learning and growing

Where Our Dancers Shine

From the White House to local stages, our students perform at incredible venues

Dancers performing at the White House

White House Performance

Dancers in DC Cherry Blossom Parade

DC Cherry Blossom Parade

Students performing on stage

Annual Showcase

Google Reviews
5.0

What Families
Are Saying

Join 55+ families who've shared their Bella Ballet experience

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Sarah Mitchell

March 2024

After a 5-6 year break exploring various sports, my daughter has returned to dancing with Bella Ballet! We are both very happy with the classes, the instructors are amazing and so patient with the kids. The recitals are beautifully organized and the costumes are gorgeous!

JA

Jennifer Adams

February 2024

One of the best dance schools in the DMV area! My niece attended here, and the teachers were very attentive with the children. The instructors always greeted us warmly, and the reception staff is incredibly organized and helpful.

AC

Amanda Chen

January 2024

My daughter absolutely loves being a ballerina and me as a parent absolutely loves Bella Ballet! From the amazing staff members who greet each child by name, to the talented teachers who make every class magical. Highly recommend!

FAQ

Frequently Asked
Questions

Everything you need to know about getting started with Bella Ballet

Still have questions? We're here to help.

Call us at (301) 970-3488
Start Your Dance Journey

Ready to See
If It's a Fit?

Come experience the joy, confidence, and creativity that make Bella Ballet the DMV's most award-winning children's dance studio.

Prefer to call or text?