Metropolitan School of the Arts

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP
Discover the joy of dance at our Morning Creative Movement Class Open House with Ms. Colleen! This special event invites students and parents to experience firsthand what our NEW class has to offer before signing up. Join us on September 20 to learn about our nurturing environment where exploration, creativity, and fun come together.

As a bonus, when you sign up for a morning creative movement session during the open house, you'll receive a free fitness class on Monday, September 30, or Friday, October 4, while your little one is in class!

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire your child’s love for dance and artistic expression.

RSVP at
https://form.jotform.com/MetropolitanSchoolOfTheArts/creative-movement-class-open-house

Check out our Tap classes for adults! It's never late to start and finding a new passion! Head over to MindBody to explore the full schedule of adult dance offerings. Let’s Get MOVING! Link in Bio!

https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/metropolitan-school-of-the-arts

Get ready to crush your fitness goals with our New Student 3-Class Fitness Pass—only $30!

For just $30, enjoy THREE invigorating fitness classes and experience all that MSA has to offer. From high-energy workouts to soothing stretches, we've got something for everyone! MSA Move Link below!

https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/metropolitan-school-of-the-arts

Join us as we celebrate National Dance Day on Saturday, September 21st at the Kennedy Center! Join and for a morning of dance magic! Help us cheer on our talented youth dance companies as they showcase their skills and passion. It's going to be a vibrant and energetic event you won't want to miss. Bring your friends and family for a dance-filled morning!Let’s dance into the day together!

https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/dance/2024-2025/national-dance-day/

MSA Alumni shoutout to Ansley Seiffert who has joined Dayton Contemporary Dance Company as a company dancer with their second company for their 56th season! Photo credit to
Congratulations Ansley! We are so proud of yo u!

Please join us in welcoming another new faculty member for our 2024-2025 season, Laramie Bertolino will be teaching homeschool classes at MSA this year!

Laramie Bertolino is so excited to join the MSA team. She's always loved the arts and some of her earliest memories are with her grandparents at the local Artist Series. As a military spouse (happy to be putting down roots in northern Virginia), she's worked with different opportunities as they've arisen. She has a Bachelor's Degree in education from Florida State University, as well as an Associate's Degree in Dramatic Production and Youth Ministries from The Academy of Arts. Laramie has experience as a piano teacher, private school classroom teacher, public school classroom teacher, director of elementary musicals, stage director, and choir accompanist. Currently, her favorite hat is dance mom, and she loves that her daughter gets to be a part of the amazing programs at MSA.

Welcome to the Laramie!

This month, we honor the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latinx pioneers who have shaped our culture and history. Let's shine a spotlight on three remarkable trailblazers:

Rita Moreno: An iconic actress, singer, and dancer, Rita Moreno is one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her contributions to the performing arts are legendary, and she has been a trailblazer for Latinx representation in Hollywood.

José Limón: A pioneering Mexican-American choreographer and dancer, José Limón is celebrated for his contributions to modern dance. His work has been foundational in developing modern dance techniques and choreography, blending Latinx culture with innovative dance forms.

Luis Salgado: Known for his work as a director, choreographer, and performer, Luis Salgado has been involved in various theater productions, including Broadway shows and international performances. His work often highlights Latinx stories and talent, and he is recognized for his contributions to the growth and visibility of Latinx artists in the theater world. Salgado is also a founder of Salvador and Salgado Productions, which aim to support and elevate Latinx voices in the arts.

Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements and the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latinx culture. Let’s honor their legacies and continue to support and uplift voices from our vibrant community!

Exciting News! We’re launching a brand-new Morning Creative Movement Class at the Metropolitan School of the Arts!

This new class led by Ms. Colleen is a vibrant and nurturing class where exploration and creativity take center stage. Join us starting on September 30 to experience the magic firsthand and see why this class is perfect for your little one! Plus, while your child is dancing their heart out, you can enjoy a fitness class with us, fun for them and a chance to get moving for you! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to inspire your child’s love for dance and stay active yourself!

Come check it out at our Open House on September 20th from 9:30-10:30am. RSVP at link in Bio!

Have you seen our new Ballet dance class offerings? We have options for all levels! Head to MindBody to see the full schedule of adult dance offerings. Let’s Get MOVING! Link below
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=31071&stype=41&sTG=26&prodId=10728

Exciting News! We’re launching a brand-new Morning Creative Movement Class at the Metropolitan School of the Arts! Please join Us for an Open House to check it out on Friday September 20th from 9:30-10:30 am.

Discover the joy of dance at our Morning Creative Movement Class Open House at the Metropolitan School of the Arts! This special event invites students and parents to experience firsthand what our NEW class has to offer before signing up. Join us on September 20 to learn about our nurturing environment where exploration, creativity, and fun come together.

As a bonus, when you sign up for a morning creative movement session during the open house, you'll receive a free fitness class on Monday, September 30, or Friday, October 4, while your little one is in class!

Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire your child’s love for dance and artistic expression.

RSVP at
https://form.jotform.com/MetropolitanSchoolOfTheArts/creative-movement-class-open-house

Ready to kickstart your fitness journey? Come try a FREE fitness class at MSA! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our classes are designed for all levels. Enjoy expert coaching, energizing workouts, and a supportive community—all at no cost to you! Link in Bio!

The first restaurant night fundraiser of the 24/25 year will be on National Dance Day, 9/21! MSA will receive 25% of digital orders with code FUND4U all day and in-store orders from 4-8pm with the code or flyer. Support MSA (and dance!) and have a great meal!

Please join us in welcoming another new faculty member for our 2024-2025 season, Ryleigh Jackson will be teaching Tap classes at MSA this year!

Ryleigh Jackson was born and raised in Germantown Maryland. Beginning her dance journey at the age of 3, she started her competitive dance path at 8, showcasing her commitment and talent from a young age. At 16, she transitioned into teaching, furthering her influence in the dance community. In 2022, Ryleigh earned the title of Miss Maryland’s Outstanding Teen (Miss America Organization), which gave her an opportunity that allowed her to promote her social impact initiative, ‘TAP: Teen Anxiety Pals’. Through ‘TAP’, she utilized social media to share positive coping strategies while introducing beginner tap dance skills to young audiences. This past year Ryleigh had the opportunity to work with Savage Dance Company’s youngest competitors. She choreographed a tap piece that consistently placed in the top three at dance competitions at the local and national levels. With a profound passion for nurturing young dancers, Ryleigh is very excited about expanding her teaching career and creating a supportive, creative, and productive environment for her students!

Welcome to the Ryleigh!

The kids are back at school so it's a perfect time to refresh your routine and stay active! Our Fall Fitness schedule is here with exciting classes designed to energize, challenge, and inspire you. Whether you're into high-energy workouts or relaxing stretches, we has something for everyone. Link in bio for more information and to register!

Kudos to all the amazing students who auditioned! Your dedication, bravery, and enthusiasm truly deserve recognition. Keep shining and following your passions!

Step into the limelight with Metropolitan School of the Arts' Spotlight classes - where students can refine their craft under the guidance of industry professionals from across the United States. These master classes offer a unique opportunity to receive specialized training in specific genres at MSA! Immerse yourself in a private setting with skilled teachers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise, providing invaluable insights and mentorship to help you shine bright in your artistic journey. Elevate your skills, expand your horizons, and take your passion to the next level with Spotlight Classes at MSA. First up: MSA Alumni Ben Cook Contemporary Theater Dance Class! Straight from Broadway’s hit show Illinoise and Disney’s Newsies! Don’t miss the opportunity to take this incredible class with Ben! See his credits below:

Just finished performing in his 6th Broadway show, playing Carl in Illinoise! Others include Ragtime, Billy in Billy Elliot, Tuck Everlasting, Mean Girls, and most recently Riff in Ivo van Hove’s West Side Story revival. National tours: Billy Elliot and Newsies. Film: Mouthpiece in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning West Side Story, Beckett in Happiness for Beginners on Netflix, Aaron Fisher in HBO’s Paterno alongside Al Pacino, Race in Newsies: The Broadway Musical (Disney). TV: “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” and “The Penguin” (HBO Max), “The First Lady” (Showtime) “Law & Order: SVU,” “FBI,” “Veep,” and “30 Rock.” Ben has been involved with Illinoise since the very beginning and was honored to bring it home to New York.

Don’t miss our Adult Dance Classes, including tap with Michelle Michaels and ballet with Caroline Frankil Warren! Explore all our adult dance options on MindBody. Let’s get moving! Link in Bio!

We are excited to welcome students and families back to the studio for classes and lessons TODAY for the 2024-2025 school year! We hope that you have had a chance to relax, reconnect, recharge and get ready for a great year!

Get ready for the new year with our MetroGear Store! Discover our latest collection of premium apparel and accessories, all available for you to shop from the comfort of your home and shipped directly to you! Shop NOW! Link in BIO

Another New Faculty Highlight! Please join us in welcoming Tracey Stephens to the MSA Music Team.

Tracey Stephens is an AEA/ SAG - AFTRA professional Musician/Actor from Washington, D.C. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Music Education, voice and piano concentration. She started playing piano when she was 9 years old and was vocally trained from Peabody Conservatory alumni in Baltimore, MD. Tracey has 30 years of performing experience in Opera, Dinner Theater, Theatre for Young
Audiences, Wedding Bands, Cruise Ships, National Tours, Regional Theater, Off-Broadway and TV/ Film. As well as a singer, she has 20 years of acting training from various studios in NYC and has studied improv at the Groundlings school in LA. She was 20 year member of The Capitol Steps, a political comedy troupe, performing close to 2,000 shows nationwide, including five Off-Broadway runs in NYC. And ending with
her last role as Elizabeth Warren on the ABC7 Chicago Talk show “Windy City Live.” She has been the Artistic and Music director for many musical productions including a Deaf musical at Gallaudet University where she directed the hearing/signing interpreters. On-camera, she has been seen in many Feature films, a TV pilot called “Sunflower Care” a LIFETIME movie called “The Wrong Life Coach” and a co-star role on TV series TED, as well as currently filming a new DEAF movie “Flash before the Bang” where she portrays the school ASL interpreter. In addition, she has written a TV pilot and stage musical to ""Always a First Lady” a Drama-dy about her life as a female political impersonator, which was accepted into the NY Theater Festival.

Welcome to the Tracey! To request a private music lesson, please check out the music page on our website. Link in the bio.

Please welcome our new adult dance teachers and check out our new adult dance class offerings! Excited to launch new classes and have Shu-Chen Cuff, David Arce, Charlie Abel, and Ana Tomioshi join the adult dance team! Head to MindBody for the rest of our adult dance offerings beginning the week of Sept.3. We are excited to have back Michelle Michaels for tap and Caroline Frankil Warren for ballet! Let’s Get MOVING! Link in Bio!

2024-2025 Youth Dance/Theater Registration is OPEN

Classes start soon so sign up now to reserve your spot! Register on the website or the link in Bio!

We cannot wait to kick off the 2024-2025 season!

Another New Faculty Highlight! Please join us in welcoming back Keenan McCarter to the MSA Music Team.

Birmingham, Alabama native, Keenan McCarter received his Bachelor​ ​of​ ​Arts ​in vocal performance from Alabama​ ​State​ ​University​ ​and a ​Master​ of​ ​Music​ in Vocal Performance ​from​ ​Southern​ ​Illinois​ ​University,​ ​Carbondale. His most notable operatic roles include Dandini from La Cenerentola, Papageno from Die Zauberflöte, Sharpless from Madama Butterfly, and premiered Homecoming Soldier from The Falling and the Rising. Sergeant First Class McCarter has traveled the nation with The U.S.​ ​Army​ ​Field​ ​Band​​ and Soldiers’ Chorus and currently sings in The U.S. Army Chorus in Washington, DC. His most recent performances are Shout Sister Shout at Ford’s Theatre and The Color Purple, Ragtime, and Hair at Signature Theatre.

Welcome back to the Keenan. To request a private music lesson, please check out the music page on our website. Link in the bio.

Transform your homeschooling journey with our Performing Arts Program!

Watch your child unlock their creative potential through acting, dancing, and music, all while boosting their cognitive skills and confidence. Our vibrant community allows kids to connect, collaborate, and flourish with peers who share their passion.

Ready to see your child shine? Click the link in our bio to learn more and enroll today!

Please join us in welcoming another new faculty member for our 2024-2025 season, Melanie Jerome! Melanie will be teaching Hip Hop and Jazz classes at MSA this year!

Melanie Jerome was born and raised in Eldersburg, Maryland. She began dancing when she was 3 years old at her hometown studio. There she studied all styles of dance, and competed with the company until she graduated from high school. Melanie attended Baltimore School for the Arts where she had intense ballet and modern training everyday. After graduating from BSA, she received a dance scholarship to George Mason University. There she earned her BFA in Dance, graduating with “Outstanding Achievement in the Major”. Melanie graduated in the “glorious” year of 2020 which she actually considers a blessing in disguise. She took the opportunity to spontaneously audition for the Tennessee Titans Cheerleading Team and was
fortunate to join for the 2021-2022 season. Becoming an NFL Cheerleader was a dream come true for her, and has opened so many unexpected doors including choreographing for DUKE’s Dance Team, The Dancing Devils. Melanie is now happy to be back in the DMV teaching, choreographing and of course smiling with so many young dancers. She can’t wait for what’s next!

Welcome to the Melanie!

We are thrilled to be partnering with Body Dynamics again this year! Maeve Talbot and Tessa O’Hara will be scheduling PT appointments and Dancer Competency Screenings at MSA! They will be Scheduling sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays in September. To book an appointment, call BDI directly (703-527-9557) and mention MSA onsite appointments. THANK YOU

What is a Dancer Movement Competency Screen:

•One time session to identify areas that need improvement in order to support a long, safe dance career -- not injury management for injured dancer or dancer in severe pain
•Screen assesses dance functional joint range of motion, flexibility, strength, and movement patterns
•Results will provide students and teachers with insight to aid in periodization planning if appropriate
•Individual written analysis and plan of action will be provided to each dancer screened
•Plan of action is intended to help dancer build resilience around challenging movement patterns
•Competency Screen is not a physical therapy session and will likely not be reimbursable by insurance

Please join us in welcoming another new faculty member for our 2024-2025 season, Linda Tai! Linda will be teaching private music lessons at MSA this year!

Tai began her music studies at a young age and pursued formal training in vocal performance, earning her bachelor’s degree. After graduating, she moved to El Salvador under ICDF cooperation as a music volunteer, where she founded and directed the first choir at the University of Don Bosco, expanding music education programs for the community. She also served as the pianist for the El Salvador National Choir, collaborating with renowned local and international musicians across Latin America. In 2020, Tai joined the University José Matias Delgado as a piano faculty member, contributing to its first certified music education program and teaching future musicians. Currently, Tai is pursuing a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano at the University of Houston under Timothy Hester. She is passionate about teaching, enjoys working with students of all ages, and is dedicated to creating a joyful and supportive learning environment. Additionally, Tai is a foodie and enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Virginia.

Welcome to the Linda! To request a private music lesson, please check out the music page on our website. Link in the bio.

A reminder that MSA will be closed Saturday, August 31 -Monday, September 2, 2024 for the Labor Day Weekend. Please check Mindbody for a modified fitness schedule.

As we begin our 2024-2025 season, we are so excited to announce new faculty and team members. Please join us in welcoming Kendall R. Cherry to the MSA Team. Kendall will be teaching Hip Hop classes at MSA this year!

Kendall Cherry, known professionally as Coach Cherry, is a professional choreographer, movement coach and creative director whose work can be seen in music videos, television and film and on tours at your local arenas. Cherry has helped develop artists like DaniLeigh, Bantu, Dr. Chaii, Reggie Becton and Soaky Siren, while still working with world renowned artists such as DaBaby, Chris Brown, Rico Nasty, Dreezy, Nasty C, G. Eazy and Asian Doll. Her most recent work can be seen in the new Sam-sung Commercial for the release of their cell phone, the Z Flip 3.

Cherry’s choreography for “BOP on Broadway” by DaBaby, “Levi High” by DaniLeigh ft DaBa-
by and “Easy” by DaniLeigh ft Chris Brown have landed her Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, BET Awards, and VMA nominations.

Aside from music videos and commercials, Cherry has also choreographed for world tours, festivals and even late night tv show performances. Her well-versed training from a young age has allowed Cherry to adapt to various sets and performances. She has contributed to the creative direction on DaniLeigh’s “Be Yourself” tour, and understands the importance of lighting and stage design.

Welcome to the Coach Cherry!

MSA Alumni Shoutout to Kyra Smith! Kyra is joining the National Tour of & Juliet as Titania, a Swing, and the Assistant Dance Captain. This musical reimagines Shakespeare’s tale, exploring what happens when Juliet doesn’t end her story with Romeo. Congratulations Kyra! We are so proud of you! Get your tickets and see Kyra and the rest of the cast at the Kennedy Center Dec. 17-Jan. 5!