Now celebrating five years, the award-winning Dance Academy of Virginia (DAV) is the premier ballet and dance school in Northern Virgina with locations in Mclean and Del Ray. With a dedicated Ballet Academy program, a robust Dance Ensemble program, annual full length Nutcracker performance and classes for dancers of all skill levels starting at two and half years old to adult, DAV has become a trusted environment for local families celebrating the joy of dance.
As DAV opens enrollment for its 2026 Summer Dance Camps, the school is spotlighting what families value most during the summer months: joyful movement, growing confidence, meaningful structure, and an environment where kids feel energized, supported, and excited to learn.
At the heart of DAV’s mission is a simple belief: movement should feel good. Through thoughtfully designed programs for young dancers, teens, and adults, DAV uses dance to support coordination, focus, creativity, and confidence while building positive relationships with movement that last well beyond the summer.
Summer Dance Camps Designed for Real Families
For parents planning ahead, DAV’s summer dance camps offer a practical and enriching solution for kids that love to move, no dance experience required. Full-day camps include before and after-care, making them a reliable option for working families looking for a structured, engaging environment that keeps kids active and motivated throughout the day.
What sets DAV apart is how intentionally fun and imaginative each week feels. Camps are built around themes kids already love, transforming movement into play and creativity into confidence. From high-energy Taylor Swift and K-Pop: Demon Hunters camps to story-driven favorites like Disney, High School Musical, Frozen, and Snowflakes in Summer, each theme is designed to spark excitement and keep campers engaged all week long. Younger dancers delight in whimsical offerings such as Red, White & Bluey, Unicorns and Rainbows, and Barbie, where imagination and movement go hand in hand.
DAV’s programs are designed with rhythm, routine, and creative goal-setting in mind. Campers explore a variety of dance styles, collaborate with peers, and participate in themed activities that encourage self-expression and teamwork. Each week ends with a performance for family and friends, giving dancers a chance to celebrate what they’ve learned and feel proud of their accomplishments.
Most importantly, no prior dance experience is required. “Campers don’t need to think of themselves as dancers to belong here,” says DAV Founder Katherine Horrigan. “Confidence grows through participation, encouragement, and feeling supported, not from being perfect.”
Parents often notice increased confidence, improved coordination, and a visible boost in energy and enthusiasm. For kids with ADHD in particular, the combination of movement, structure, and creativity helps channel energy in a positive way, supporting focus, emotional regulation, and a sense of accomplishment without screens or sedentary downtime.
Dance as a Foundation for Lifelong Confidence
While summer camps are a cornerstone of DAV’s programming, their impact extends far beyond childhood. Dance helps build strength, posture, balance, coordination, and mental focus. These are skills that support both physical and emotional well-being at every stage of life.
DAV offers ballet classes for children, teens, and adults, encouraging families to view dance as an accessible, joyful form of movement rather than something intimidating or exclusive. For many adults, returning to dance becomes a powerful form of self-care, an opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, and rediscover the joy of moving with purpose.
“Dance isn’t about fitting a mold,” Horrigan explains. “It’s about building confidence, awareness, and a positive relationship with movement at any age.”
A Community Where Dancers Feel Seen
The most meaningful impact of DAV’s programs often comes through the sense of belonging they create. One parent shared that her child, who struggled with focus and self-confidence during the school year, found her place during summer camp. Over time, she felt known by her teachers, connected to her peers, and excited to show up each day. By the end of the summer, she was volunteering to lead activities and proudly sharing her progress with her family.
This sense of continuity is intentional. Many campers return year after year because they feel supported, encouraged, and excited to grow in an environment where teachers know them by name. For dancers ages 10–12, DAV also offers the opportunity to volunteer as summer camp helpers—earning community service hours while developing leadership skills and early teaching experience.
Planning Ahead for 2026
DAV’s 2026 Summer Dance Camps are currently enrolling, and spots fill quickly. Notably, pricing has remained consistent with last year—reflecting DAV’s commitment to accessibility while maintaining the same level of quality and care families have come to expect. Military Families and Federal Government Employees are eligible for preferred pricing.
For families new to dance, summer camp offers a low-pressure way to explore movement and creativity. For returning dancers, it becomes a seasonal tradition filled with energy, confidence, and connection.
As summer approaches, Dance Academy of Virginia continues to lead with a clear message: when movement is joyful, structured, and rooted in community, it builds confidence, coordination, and excitement that extend far beyond the studio.
To learn more, visit www.danceacademyva.com
