The Dance Institute of Washington, Inc.

Dance Institute of Washington increases the inclusive and diverse representation at every level of the professional ballet and dance industries in Washington, DC. Through that exemplary effort, DIW impacts racial and economic equity in dance nationally and globally.

WE DEVELOP TALENT AND BROADEN HORIZONS ONE CHILD AT A TIME. Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) is the leading minority-led, pre-professional dance equity organization in Washington, DC. DIW supports students from underserved communities, balancing artistic excellence at the highest level while building life-long skills and confidence through compassion, empowerment, academic discipline, emotional support and nutritional guidance. Through our innovative DIW Barnes Method, the industry’s proven model, our efforts impact and inspire racial and economic equity in dance locally, nationally and across the globe. Dance Institute of Washington offers promising, underserved students year-round access to high-quality ballet and multi-genre dance education, coupled with academic support, career readiness workshops, emotional counseling, nutritional seminars, and other physical and emotional wellness services. Our holistic approach advances racial equity by closing opportunity and achievement gaps, helping students of color reach their goals. DIW offers students world-class, relationship-based training. Instructors offer a high level of training in combination with mentoring. DIW serves 1,000 youth a year and 7,000 audience members.