The Standard of Classical Excellence in Washington DC
Master Ballet Academy (MBA), the official school of The Phoenix Ballet, brings its internationally acclaimed Vaganova- based training program to Washington, DC. Led by Master Ballet Academy's Artistic Director, Slawomir Wozniak, and Associate Artistic Director of Master Ballet Academy DC, Molly Hohlt, Master Ballet Academy DC offers a rare opportunity for dancers on the East Coast to train within a program recently ranked the #2 school in the world by a Northeastern University study published in Scientific Reports. Master Ballet Academy is defined by excellence, tradition, and a direct connection to the professional world of ballet.
Master Ballet Academy DC students benefit from direct and ongoing access to the artistic leadership and faculty of the original Master Ballet Academy in Arizona. Throughout the year, MBA founders, leadership and faculty will travel regularly to Washington DC to teach classes, rehearse students, provide private and group competition coaching, private lessons, and mentor dancers in their artistic and technical development.
Primary Division
Ages 5–9 | Levels Pre-Ballet to Level 2
OPEN ENROLLMENT
No prior dance experience is required to enroll. We nurture the transition to formal technique through musicality and physical awareness.
Divisions and Levels
Students begin in our Primary Division before advancing into one of two pathways. Our Division Program is designed for dancers pursuing elite training and professional aspirations, while our Youth Program and Teen Academy offer serious training to dedicated students within a flexible schedule that accommodates other academic and extracurricular interests. Both pathways offer exceptional Vaganova-based classical training along with contemporary genres and conditioning classes. Our programs are structured for students seeking high technical standards within an encouraging, rigorous, disciplined, and growth-minded learning environment.
Intermediate Division
Ages 8–13 | Levels 3–5
EVALUATION REQUIRED
A critical stage focused on technical precision, alignment, and the introduction of pointe work in a rigorous and encouraging environment.
Advanced/Pre-Professional Division
Ages 12+ | PRE-PROFESSIONAL
EVALUATION REQUIRED
Elite training for advanced dancers preparing for professional careers or collegiate study. Mastery of technique, artistry, and performance.
Mens Program
Ages 8–18 | Technique | Artistry | ATHLETICISM
Tailored for male dancers focusing on athleticism, strength, and performance quality.
Youth Program and
Teen Academy
Ages 9+ | OPEN ENROLLMENT | Flexible Commitment
High technical rigor without the time commitment of our Division tracks.
Performance Opportunities
and Competition Coaching
Competition Coaching
Our track record includes top honors at the world's most rigorous ballet competitions. We provide the mentorship needed to navigate the professional circuit.
For the exceptionally dedicated dancer, we offer rigorous preparation for prestigious international competitions including Varna International Ballet Competition, USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MI, Moscow International Ballet Competition, Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Tanzolymp- Berlin, Beijing International Ballet Competition, YAGP and Prix de Lausanne. Our intensive private coaching focuses on technical refinement, artistic nuance, and variation mastery of a professional level, ensuring our students stand out on the world stage. Private coaching and competition participation is by invitation only.
Performance Opportunities
All students within our Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced/Pre-Professional Divisions will have the opportunity to perform in Slawomir Wozniak's critically acclaimed, The Nutcracker. Division track students will also perform in our annual end of year Spring Performance. Additional performance opportunities exist for dancers at our highest level of training. Pre-Ballet Students will perform in a year-end spring showcase during their last registered class of the year. Students enrolled in our Youth Program and Teen Academy perform in The Nutcracker and in the annual Spring Performance.
Satchel Tanner – The Stuttgart Ballet, Demi Soloist
Maya Schonbrun – Royal Swedish Ballet, Principal Dancer
Tia Wenkman – Royal Swedish Ballet, Corps de Ballet
Jack Beckham – Tulsa Ballet, Company Dancer
Gisele Bethea – American Ballet Theatre, Corps de Ballet
Chase Vining – Teatr Wielki Łódź, Soloist
Basia Rhoden – The Joffrey Ballet, Company Dancer
McKenzie Thomas – Ballet Arizona, Company Dancer
Jaden Grimm – Mariinsky Theatre, Corps de Ballet
Erina Ueda – Giordano Dance Chicago, Company Dancer
Farrah Hirsch – The Stuttgart Ballet, Corps de Ballet
Bel Pickering – The Sarasota Ballet, Coryphée
Harry Pickering – Golden State Ballet, Company Dancer
Madison Penney – Ballet Arizona, Company Dancer
Cruz Vining – Colorado Ballet, Corps de Ballet
Patrick Lennon – Dayton Ballet, Company Dancer
Master Ballet Academy Alumni
A list of our past students who have gone on to dance with professional companies.
Mya Kresnyak – Alberta Ballet, Corps de Ballet
Brigid Walker – The National Ballet of Canada, Corps de Ballet
Anna Inchausti – Czech National Ballet, Corps de Ballet
Amber Skaggs – Dutch National Ballet, Junior Company
Melanie McIntire – Ballet West II, Dancer
Elizabeth Anderson – Croatian National Ballet, Dancer
Alexandra Hoffman – Ballet Tucson, Company Dancer
Sonya Shteyn – Teatr Wielki Łódź, Corps de Ballet
Brianna Patrick – State Street Ballet, Company Dancer
Summer Montenegro – Nashville Ballet, Apprentice
Kennedy Brown – Nashville Ballet, Company Dancer
Regan Forster – Chevalier Ballet, Company Dancer
Isabella Guinevere – Nevada Ballet Theatre II, Dancer
Delaney Parker – Nevada Ballet Theatre II, Dancer
Megan Savage – Texas Ballet Theater II, Dancer
Marissa Doke – Texas Ballet Theater II, Dancer
Admissions
Join the Next Generation of Elite Dancers
We welcome dancers across the DC area and beyond to join our community for world-class technical training and artistic growth.
Connect With Our studio
Location
4646 40th Street, NW
Washington DC, 20016
Enrollment Inquiries
info@masterballetacademydc.com
Studio Hours
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM