Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Manhattan, KS
Washington Dance Studio has been inspiring the art of dance in Manhattan, Kansas, since 1970. Our mission is to motivate, captivate, and educate students through a constructive approach to dance, offering a comprehensive range of classes tailored to diverse interests and skill levels. Co-owned by professional instructors Sharron Washington and Jennie Washington Stout, we balance high standards with warmth and humor, ensuring students receive expert guidance in a supportive environment. With decades of experience, we have helped thousands of local families cultivate confidence, poise, and grace through dance. Our studio fosters lifelong connections between teachers and students, empowering young dancers to excel both artistically and personally.The studios legacy began in 1970 and continues to grow as generations of dancers join our extended family. We pride ourselves on maintaining a welcoming atmosphere where every student discovers their unique potential. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our structured curriculum, annual recitals, and dedicated performing companies. Parents consistently choose us for our proven track record of nurturing talent and character through dance education. As a cornerstone of the Manhattan community, we remain devoted to advancing the art of dance for future generations.
Services
Creative Movement
Pre-Dance
Ballet
Pointe
Jazz
Combo Classes
Tap
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Summer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of expertise in dance education since 1970.
- Our instructors balance technical excellence with personalized, nurturing instruction.
- We provide a full spectrum of dance styles for all skill levels.
- Our studio cultivates confidence, grace, and lifelong skills through dance.
- We maintain strong teacher-student relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
What people say
Poised, confident, graceful
Special connections with students
Excel in dance and life
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program builds foundational technique through structured training in classical and contemporary styles. Students develop posture, precision, and artistry while progressing through graded levels. This discipline enhances coordination, musicality, and performance skills for dancers of all ages.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach dynamic street-style movements to modern music, emphasizing rhythm and self-expression. Students learn choreography that builds strength, agility, and confidence in a high-energy environment. This style appeals to those seeking creative freedom and contemporary dance skills.
Summer Programs
Our summer intensives provide immersive dance experiences through specialized workshops and performance preparation. Participants receive concentrated training across multiple styles while building camaraderie with fellow dancers. These programs maintain technical growth during school breaks through engaging, structured activities.
Pointe
Pointe training develops advanced ballet skills through proper toe-work execution and ankle strength development. Classes focus on graceful transitions, balance, and classical repertoire mastery. This specialized instruction prepares dancers for professional-level ballet performance requirements.
Creative Movement
Designed for young children, creative movement introduces basic dance concepts through imaginative play and music. Classes foster motor skills, spatial awareness, and rhythmic understanding in a fun, non-competitive setting. This foundation prepares preschoolers for structured dance education.
People
Sharron Washington
Co-Owner & Instructor
Professional dance instructor with 50+ years of experience developing structured curricula that balance technical excellence with student engagement. Specializes in classical ballet training.
Jennie Washington Stout
Co-Owner & Instructor
Certified dance educator focusing on modern techniques and student mentorship. Brings contemporary expertise to complement traditional training methods in the studio's comprehensive program.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and combo classes for ages 3 through adults.
Do you accept beginners?
Yes! Our curriculum includes introductory levels for all styles, with instructors trained to nurture new dancers.
How do recitals work?
Annual recitals showcase student progress through choreographed performances. Participation is encouraged but optional, with professional staging and costumes.
Are there performance opportunities?
We offer competitive performing companies and seasonal showcases in addition to our annual recital program.
What should I wear to class?
Specific attire requirements vary by style. Basic guidelines are provided during registration, with flexibility for beginning students.
