Maryland Dance Project Introduce
For residents of Maryland seeking a vibrant and professional dance studio, the Maryland Dance Project in Columbia stands out as a premier choice. This studio is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a community-driven space dedicated to nurturing talent, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love for dance. Co-founded by former NFL Dancers, Jess Naylon and Emily Whitacre, the studio brings a high level of expertise and professional experience to the local dance scene. It is a place where every student, from a young child taking their very first class to an adult looking to continue their passion, is welcomed into a supportive and engaging environment.
The foundation of the Maryland Dance Project’s success lies in its founders’ and instructors’ deep commitment to their students. Jess Naylon, a Maryland native with over 25 years of experience, and Emily Whitacre, with a background in graphic design and dance team leadership, have created a program that is both professionally organized and incredibly personal. Parents consistently praise the high level of constant communication, from detailed emails about recital season to the ease of access through their online portal. This level of organization ensures that parents are always informed and can easily navigate the class schedules, rules, and upcoming events. This professional approach, combined with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, makes the dance journey smooth and enjoyable for the whole family.
The studio's community feel is a significant highlight. As one adult dancer noted, they have "found a home away from home" at the Maryland Dance Project, thanks to the wonderful community of staff and fellow classmates. This sense of belonging is a key part of the studio’s culture. For children, the classes are made fun and engaging by incorporating popular music, including pop and Disney hits, which makes them feel comfortable, excited, and energized to learn. Instructors find the perfect balance between play, technique, and instruction, helping young students get used to the class structure while building their skills. The studio also provides videos of routines, allowing students to practice at home and feel confident for performances.
Maryland Dance Project is conveniently located at 9570 Berger Rd a, Columbia, MD 21046, USA. This address places it in a practical and accessible area for families in and around Columbia. The studio's location is easy to find, which is a great convenience for parents on the go.
Accessibility is a key consideration for the studio. They provide a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that the facility is convenient for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The studio also accepts both credit cards and debit cards, making the registration and payment process simple and straightforward.
Services offered at Maryland Dance Project include:
- Youth classes for dancers as young as 18 months, covering a range of styles including hip hop, jazz, and ballet.
- Adult dance classes that are offered on a drop-in basis for flexibility.
- A comprehensive Youth Program with a schedule that culminates in a recital.
- Competitive programs for ages 18 and under.
- Private lessons for personalized, one-on-one instruction.
- Team choreography and workshops for high schools, colleges, and professional teams.
- "Pro Prep" intensives and "Mock Auditions" for aspiring professional dancers.
- Performance opportunities and bonding events for the community.
Features and highlights of Maryland Dance Project include:
- Co-founded by former NFL Dancers with extensive professional experience.
- A high level of organization and constant communication with parents via email and a user-friendly portal.
- A supportive, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for all ages and skill levels.
- Classes that incorporate popular and engaging music for children.
- Offers classes for all levels, from "TRUE beginner to Advanced/Industry level."
- Provides practice videos for students to review routines at home.
- Offers diverse services from youth programs to professional preparation.
- Wheelchair-accessible car park.
- Accepts credit cards and debit cards.
- Offers both weekly classes and special workshops with industry professionals.
For more information or to inquire about class schedules and enrollment, you can contact the Maryland Dance Project. The studio's address is 9570 Berger Rd a, Columbia, MD 21046, USA. They can be reached by phone at (443) 542-2477 or via their mobile number at +1 443-542-2477.
What is worth choosing Maryland Dance Project? The combination of professional expertise, exceptional communication, and a nurturing community sets this studio apart. For parents, the peace of mind that comes with the studio’s professional organization and constant, clear communication is invaluable, especially when preparing for events like the annual recital. The fact that the instructors provide practice videos for home use shows an incredible commitment to student success. For children, the fun and engaging atmosphere makes learning an exciting adventure. One parent's review perfectly captures this, describing how their daughter, a first-timer, "instantly fell in love" and did her recital routine "with a huge smile on her face."
For adults, the studio offers a welcoming space to reconnect with their passion for dance. The availability of "TRUE beginner to Advanced/Industry level classes" and specialized workshops means that there is a place for everyone, no matter their background. The strong sense of community, where students feel they have found a "home away from home," is a powerful testament to the studio's culture. For anyone in the Maryland area, from a parent looking for a positive first activity for their child to an adult seeking to train at a high level, the Maryland Dance Project’s proven track record of professionalism, fun, and community makes it an excellent choice. Their ability to deliver on their promise of providing high-quality instruction and a transformative experience makes them highly recommended.
Maryland Dance Project Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Maryland Dance Project Photos










Maryland Dance Project Location
Maryland Dance Project
9570 Berger Rd a, Columbia, MD 21046, USA
Maryland Dance Project Reviews
environmentclassesstudioadultfuntrainingenergystudentsballetauditions
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1we have absolutely loved our time with Maryland Dance Project! I met Jess & Emily a year ago, and was immediately impressed with their dance expertise and background, that I knew this was where I wanted to sign up my daughter for dance. (FYI when she started she was just 5, and this was literally our first activity EVER outside of school).I was impressed with not only their professional organization, but their high level of constant communication via emails, keeping us parents informed, and the ease of access with the portal. It was easy to get things scheduled, and questions answered, etc. Plus easy to know the rules, guidelines, policies, and deadlines for upcoming events, etc.My daughter instantly fell in love bc they played pop music, disney hits, and more, so she felt comfortable, excited, and energized to play & learn. (FYI we did the juniors hip hop & jazz class).They did a great incorporation of play, instruction, and getting used to the class structure, instructors, as well as technique.Once recital season began, I had no idea what to expect bc I have no dance background myself, but we constantly got emails to help us parents to stay on track so we knew where we needed to be, and when, uniforms, details about hair & makeup, rehearsals, and ALL the scheduling details. I heard from other moms how much they appreciated their level of organization and how well it was executed on the actual recital day.And then day of: my daughter was FRONT & CENTER and she did it all with a huge smile on her face and big personality!We were able to also practice her routine at home bc the instructors sent videos out via email, so we were practicing for weeks at home outside of class.My daughter has loved it, and I'm excited to encourage her talent for dance bc of MDP!
August 07 · Claire DuarteSaying I love this studio is truly an understatement. The community I’ve found here from the staff to the fellow classmates, I’ve been fortunate enough to find a home away from home. Classes range from TRUE beginner to Advanced/Industry level classes. Styles change monthly with a handful of classes we want happening weekly. From bonding events to pro prep intensives, WHATEVER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IN A DANCE STUDIO MARYLAND DANCE PROJECT CAN DELIVER. I simply cannot recommend this business enough!
June 24 · Whitney JacksonWhen I saw this dance academy open up, I got very excited because it’s unlike every other academy out there. To say this is just a dance studio does not do it justice. I have a daughter Who excels in theatrical performance, however she is alsoblessed with her dad’s non-rhythmic skills. The Maryland dance project has opened her up, to not only gaining her rhythm, but she walks into that class with her head held high, and her confidence is even bigger and bolder than it’s ever been. In the class, there is no shame, there is no embarrassment, and most importantly there is body positivity. This is the first time I’ve seen a dance studio, where everyone is truly welcome. We Are blessed and thankful.
July 10 · M BlakelyThank you to Jess and the Maryland Dance Project for your time, expertise, and skill at the Miss Maryland Pageant. As a non-dancer, Jess broke everything down in a way that was easy to understand and most importantly, made it FUN! She was kind, patient, and supportive, making sure each girl felt their best on stage. Couldn't recommend working with Jess and the Maryland Dance Project more!
June 24 · Allie WolfeI can’t say enough good things about Jess Bayuk and the Maryland Dance Project. Jess is not only an incredibly talented choreographer, but also one of the most patient, passionate, and uplifting instructors I’ve had the joy of working with. She makes you feel confident in your movement, even when you’re still learning, and somehow turns nerves into excitement. Her creativity shines through every piece she choreographs, and she brings out the best in each dancer she works with. So grateful for her guidance, energy, and the way she helped us all connect to the heart of the performance.
June 23 · Jazlyn Leonzo
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