Ages 18 months – 7
Magical beginnings
Bella Ballet
- Confidence from day one
- Foundational technique
- Joyful, nurturing classes
Serving Montgomery County Families Since 2013
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 — from their first twirl through their teenage years.
Confidence • Creativity • Joy
Google Rating5.0 out of 5Loved by families
Award-Winning2026 Washington FamilyBest Dance Studio
EstablishedSince 2013A decade+ of trust
Ages 18 mo–18+Bella + EmpowerEvery stage of childhood
347 Kentlands Blvd, Gaithersburg MD 20878
Newest Honor • 2026
Voted “Best Dance Studio” 2026
Washington Family Magazine — plus Runner-Up for “Best Ballet Class.” The DMV keeps voting Bella Ballet #1.
13 Years of Recognition
A Decade of Award-Winning
Excellence
This isn't one lucky award. Since opening in 2013, Bella Ballet has been recognized year after year — most recently voted the 2026 Washington Family Magazine “Best Dance Studio.”
2026 Voted "Best Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2026 Runner-Up "Best Ballet Class" — Washington Family Magazine2025 Finalist "Best Children's Dance Studio" — Bethesda Magazine2025 "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington FAMILY Magazine2024 "11 Consecutive Years" — Best Of Gaithersburg Business Hall of Fame2024 "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"2026 Voted "Best Dance Studio" — Washington Family Magazine2026 Runner-Up "Best Ballet Class" — Washington Family Magazine2025 Finalist "Best Children's Dance Studio" — Bethesda Magazine2025 "Best Ballet or Dance Studio" — Washington FAMILY Magazine2024 "11 Consecutive Years" — Best Of Gaithersburg Business Hall of Fame2024 "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.
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.
2-3 years
Dancing Duos
A sweet and supportive class that helps toddlers build independence, confidence, and classroom comfort through partner dance activities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
One Dance Family
Every Stage of Childhood,
One Studio Family
From their very first twirl at 18 months to elite training in their teens, your child can grow up with us. Bella Ballet and Empower are two chapters of the same story.
Ages 8 – 18+
The next chapter
Empower by Bella Ballet
- Advanced training, multiple genres
- Performance, teams & leadership
- Serious training without sacrificing childhood
There are dance classes. And then there's growing up at Bella.
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
Ages 18 mo - 8 yrs
Kentlands
Bella Ballet
Where little dancers discover the magic of movement through princess-themed classes and joyful exploration.
View ScheduleAges 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 EmpowerYour 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
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
White House Performance
DC Cherry Blossom Parade
Annual Showcase
Google Reviews
5.0
What Families
Are Saying
Join 55+ families who've shared their Bella Ballet experience
SM
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) 970-3488Start 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.