Suitland, Maryland, sits in the heart of Prince George's County, just minutes from Washington, D.C. While the community itself has few dedicated pre-professional ballet academies, dancers here enjoy something better: access to world-class training within a short drive or Metro ride. Whether you're a parent looking for your child's first ballet class, a teen aiming for a professional career, or an adult returning to the barre, excellent options exist nearby—plus a handful of transformative residential programs for those ready to leave home.
This guide breaks down ballet training opportunities by distance from Suitland, with real details to help you choose the right fit.
Close to Home: Options Within 15 Miles of Suitland
The Washington School of Ballet (WSB)
Distance from Suitland: ~8 miles to the Northwest Campus (Tenleytown) or Southeast Campus at THEARC (Congress Heights)
For most Suitland families, WSB is the logical first stop. Founded in 1944, it is the official school of The Washington Ballet and one of the most respected regional training programs in the country.
- Programs: Pre-professional division for ages 8–19, adult open classes, and a specialized trainee program for post-high school dancers.
- What sets it apart: Direct pipeline to The Washington Ballet. Students regularly perform in company productions like The Nutcracker at the Warner Theatre.
- Auditions: Required for pre-professional divisions; held annually in spring.
- Notable alumni: Amanda McKerrow, Susan Jaffe, and numerous current dancers with major companies.
Best for: Serious students who want professional-track training without leaving the DMV.
School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at the University of Maryland
Distance from Suitland: ~12 miles to College Park
The University of Maryland no longer uses "The Dance Institute" name cited in older guides. Today, dance is housed within the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS), which offers a BFA and BA in Dance.
- Ballet focus: The BFA curriculum includes intensive ballet technique, pointe, pas de deux, and ballet choreography. Students also study modern and African diasporic forms.
- Performance opportunities: Multiple mainstage productions annually, plus understudy opportunities with visiting artists.
- Admission: Portfolio review and audition required.
Best for: Dancers who want a comprehensive university education alongside conservatory-level training.
Worth the Drive: Strong Programs Within 35 Miles
Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB)
Distance from Suitland: ~28 miles to Fulton, Maryland (Montgomery County)
MYB has trained generations of Maryland dancers since 1974. It functions as both a school and a pre-professional company, with students performing full-length classical ballets and contemporary works.
- Programs: Ages 2.5–19, plus adult open classes and a summer intensive.
- What sets it apart: Strong Balanchine influence and a reputation for producing technically clean, musically precise dancers.
- Performance track: MYB Company dancers perform two full productions annually at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center.
- Notable alumni: Dancers have gone on to American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Atlanta Ballet.
Best for: Young dancers ready for significant rehearsal commitment and performance experience.
If You're Willing to Relocate: National Residential Programs
For gifted dancers with family support to move—or for those considering summer intensives away from home—these two programs represent the peak of American ballet training. Neither is commutable from Suitland, but both actively recruit from the DMV area.
The School of American Ballet (SAB)
Location: New York City, New York
The official school of New York City Ballet and the nation's most selective pre-professional ballet program. SAB trains exclusively in the Balanchine aesthetic.
- Ages: 12–18 for the winter term; younger ages for summer courses.
- Admission: By audition only. SAB holds regional auditions, including in Washington, D.C.
- What sets it apart: Unparalleled access to NYCB repertoire, choreographers, and company dancers. Dancers here are being watched for company contracts from day one.
- Housing: Residential housing available for out-of-town students.
Best for: The exceptionally talented dancer with clear professional ambitions and the resources to relocate.
The Rock School for Dance Education
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A rigorous pre-professional academy known for producing competition finalists and company professionals alike.
- Ages: 8–18 for full-year programs; extensive summer intensive offerings.
- What sets it apart: Exceptional turnout and placement training, plus a strong track record of placing graduates into second companies and conservatory programs.
- Housing: Residential options available for older students.
Best for: D
