BERREND BERREND DANCE CENTRE has gained the reputation of being one of the Washington Metropolitan Area's finest dance schools. The Centre offers a full and varied set of classes in all disciplines of dance for students of all levels. Faculty at Berrend Dance Centre come from some of the most prestigious dance/ballet companies and university dance programs. The Centre fosters the development of talent, confidence and self-discipline through individual attention and rigorous instructions. The atmosphere is one of enthusiasm for the dance arts, as well as, dedication to the very highest standards of dance training focused on proper technique and stage performance. Berrend Dance Centre offers a supportive and respectful learning environment with a focus on discipline and artistic expression.
The Centre is under the direction of Ms. Patricia Berrend, former Associate Director of The Washington School of Ballet. Ms. Berrend brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her distinguished professional dance career, 28-year association with The Washington School of Ballet, and ongoing involvement with the local dance community. Her exceptional ability as a teacher has been nationally recognized by such institutions as the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the National Foundation for the Arts.
Berrend Dance Centre offers exemplary training in classical ballet for children (ages 5-18), with a Pre-Professional Track (by audition) for ambitious and aspiring ballet dancers. The Centre also offers students training in an array of other genres, in addition to ballet, including: Modern/Contemporary, Jazz, Flamenco, Character Dance, Hip-Hop and Tap. Berrend Dance Centre has a Boys Ballet Program (by audition) tailored specifically to training unique skills expected of male ballet dancers. The Centre offers a Musical Theater Track that includes: Broadway Jazz, Acting and Voice Lessons. The Centre Fitness Classes enhance and strengthen students’ abilities through Stretch and Stretching, Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga. Berrend Dancer Centre also offers a robust Adult Dance Program including Ballet, Hip Hop, Mommy and Me, Stretch and Stretching, Zumba, and Yoga classes.
BERREND Dance Centre strongly believes that “Dance is For Everyone”. Through the Centre’s diverse dance training, students learn much more than just the art form of dance. They gain a greater sense of confidence and mastery through gaining more physical strength and coordination, establishing a disciplined work ethic, learning time management skills, and demonstrating respect for themselves and others. These skills serve the students well in whichever career path they may choose. While not all Berrend Dance Centre students pursue a career in dance, those that do are exceptionally well-prepared.
Many of Ms. Berrend's former students have become members of dance companies worldwide and, with her coaching, have received numerous prizes and awards in the most prestigious international ballet competitions. Former students have been accepted into several noteworthy companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Carolina Ballet Theatre, Merce Cunningham Company, City Dance, Roxey Ballet, and Lucy Bowen and Company. Students have been selected and, in some cases, awarded scholarships to study at professional schools including: The School of American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, the American Ballet Theatre School, Julliard, Houston Ballet Academy, the Rock School, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Ballet Met, North Carolina School of the Arts, Richmond Ballet, Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell, Carolina Ballet, Ballet West, and Miami City Ballet. Berrend Dance Centre students often receive multiple offers to attend prestigious ballet summer intensive programs across the United States, many with full or partial scholarships. Students have also been awarded college scholarships in dance, have become professional dancers and dance teachers and are working in dance-related fields.
