Have you ever walked out of an exercise class feeling like a star? If you’ve taken one of DivaDance DC’s most popular dance choreography classes set to an iconic artist like Beyonce, you could finish the one-hour workout as if you channeled the Diva herself.
Students gush, “[The class] is the best part of my week.” Another: “I work hard but I have so much fun. Class energy is great. These classes build my confidence.”
DivaDance DC on H Street, NE holds adult dance classes that are open to women and men of all ages and experience levels “Our classes are a bit of both dance and exercise,” said Sarah Jasmine, general manager of H Street and co-owner of the franchise in northern VA. “Whether you’ve never taken a dance class or danced years ago and want to get back into it, DivaDance offers a no-pressure vibe where you’re encouraged to show up exactly as you are. Plus, it’s a killer workout without feeling like one. We’ve even had folks say it’s their weekly therapy session (minus the couch).” 
Jasmine grew up as a dancer, received her bachelor’s degree in dance and owned a dance studio. When she decided she didn’t want to teach kids anymore, she researched adult classes initially to take, but then said she was intrigued when she found DivaDance DC near where she lived. It was not like other dance studios. It emphasized confidence, community and cardio in classes. It also focused on having fun.
Jasmine has now been managing H Street for eight years. “We opened on H Street because we saw an opportunity to bring something fresh, fun, and empowering to one of DC’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” she said. “H Street is all about creativity, inclusivity, and community—everything DivaDance stands for. Our founder wanted to create a safe space where people could let loose, dance like nobody’s watching, and feel like Beyoncé on a good day. The energy on H Street matched our mission perfectly.”
DivaDance DC’s classes, unlike other fitness franchises, leave the choreography and creativity up to instructors. “Schedules are posted monthly,” said Jasmine. “Each month instructors are teaching a different class with different music.” To make it easier for members to sign up DivaDance DC has its own app. “Members can go straight to classes on the app and learn about special events.” They can also get information about the studio from DivaDance DC’s newsletter “The Bubbly,” whose name was inspired by the champagne quality Jasmine said she strives for in classes.
Class structure and class names are also unique. For example, “NonStop is our first and only “follow the leader” class format,” explained Jasmine. “This 45-minute dance party, set to a curated playlist, focuses on multiple “mini routines” of repeating movement or combinations of moves that are in sync with the major parts of a song and repeat each time that part of the song occurs. The brain matches the moves with the music further enhancing our muscle memory allowing us to switch off our brain and turn on the dance party! And there’s multi-colored strobe lighting to enhance the experience.”
Another unique and popular class is the dance therapy-inspired DanceRx class which Jasmine said, is a weekly chance to reset, refresh, and release. “This class is a science-backed slice of self-care for a busy queen or king bee – curated to a feel-good playlist,” stated Jasmine. “We’ll begin with a quick journal prompt and a chill version of the DivaDance warmup, followed by some stretch-and-hold sequences. We learn a low-impact DivaDance lyrical routine inspired by our theme of class with just enough cardio to release those happy chemicals without getting too sweaty. We’ll do some intentional breathing before some end-of-class stillness (zzzz’s optional).” Members are asked to take notes in a journal or on a phone and to bring a mat for floor work.
DivaDance DC isn’t only a dance studio. It also offers one-on-one instruction and private parties to celebrate whatever you desire from bachelorettes to birthdays in the studio or at your home. The franchise has more than 40 locations around the country.
Founder and CEO Jamie Stigliano took in-studio values of inspiring confidence and building community and started an initiative that amplifies DivaDance ‘s mission beyond the dance floor. “At the beginning of 2024, I started running my health like a business…knowing my numbers, being more strategic, creating better systems, setting and working toward goals and modeling the way for everyone around me. My intention was to take bold action and help others do the same,” said Stigliano on the website: www.divadanceinspireandbuild.com. If you join the program you receive invites to exclusive in-person and on-line events, learning opportunities and resources to stay inspired beyond the dance studio.
Community at DivaDance DC extends outside the studio. “We give back to our surrounding community. We work with a non-profit and offer members incentives (a discount off their membership) for donations.” The unique dance studio also organizes “diva dates” where members socialize. “It’s a way to make friends and build friendships in the studio and in the neighborhood,” said Jasmine.
This fall Jasmine said the H Street studio is planning a themed class series (like “Spooky Season Slay” and “Cozy Girl Era”), community events, and pop-up classes in collaboration with local Hill businesses. “We are also performing at National Dance Day at the Kennedy Center. Plus, we’re heading to NOLA for Slaycation, our 4th annual dance conference, and we’re expanding our membership perks.”
For information call or text: 240-630-1445. divadancecompany.com.
Pattie Cinelli is a journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She always believed she was a dancer in another life and takes every opportunity to shake her booty. Please email her questions, comments or column ideas at: fitmiss44@aol.com.
