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To provide a solid technical foundation for the developing dancer, and to ultimately bring those skills to the theatrical performance level. We advocate the study of Classical Ballet as a foundation to instill an awareness of posture and placement. While at the same time, we realize that the heart of a dancer is born into many different bodies and each dancer is called by a different musical voice. Generally,our graduates are college bound. However, they are well prepared, should they so choose,to pursue the arts professionally.We have alumni working as dance professionals, teachers, actors, choreographers, and creative artists. . Wherever it takes them, it has become clear that the discipline, focus and artistic enlightenment of dance spills over to every other endeavor. We urge each student to strive daily for improvement, as well as to support one another in fostering a sense of teamwork in the classroom.

We are dedicated to providing responsible, careful and thorough instruction for all our students, giving them the tools they need to take dance to any level. Our instructors are particulalrly analytical; and extremely skilled at identifying the specific needs of each student. Whether a student has the dream of pursuing a full time career in the dance field, or feels that dance is an important enriching part of their lives, we recognize that every student has something to offer the arts, and vice versa.

Our classes for young children are fun and creative, while at the same time instructive. The level of focus and commitment we demand from our students increases with the child's age. Though we realize a dance career may not be the initial goal of a student, it would be irresponsible for us not to consider the possibility and provide solid professional training to every child. Consequently, we require an increasing number of weekly classes as students progress to the upper levels. This is the only way to maintain the fundamental principles of placement and line, and develop the elements needed for more advanced work.

  The school began as Theresa’s Studio of Dance with classes in the late '70's held at the Great Falls Grange Hall. When the Village Centre was constructed, we moved to our current location and incorporated as The School of Theatrical Dance(SOTD) in 1980. The name was chosen as a reflection of the diversity of the curriculum, and is actually the dictionary definition of Ballet.

We were home to the Great Falls Dance Company, from 1980 – 1985. Under the direction of Theresa D’Alessandro and Brown Cardwell, the Company provided an outlet for the studio’s serious dancers, presenting formal concerts as well as performances at local festivals and events at Wolf Trap, Bull Run, The National Zoo, Great Falls 4th of July, Frying Pan Park, Glen Echo, The Organization of American States, etc.

In the’80’s, we also explored the dance competition circuit, garnering awards at both the local and national levels. During this time Kris Beery was one of our top students. In the early 90’s, the Repertory Group was formed, and Modern was added to the curriculum. Once again, the focus was performance without competition.

In 1990, Mdm. D’Alessandro revived an original Ballet she had created for the Great Falls Dance Company and with the help of Martha Schwieters, coordinated a project with the Langley High School American Civilization Classes. Titled “From Amber to Blue,” the ballet centered around the Civil War and incorporated historical dance, ballet, and modern. As a result, Mdm. D’Alessandro received the Fairfax Arts Council award for “Contribution to Arts and Education.”In 1992, Mdm. D’Alessandro received a grant to produce a video documentary featuring our master teacher Dawei Zhang, formerly the Director of the Shanghai Ballet. The finished product, “Dancing the Same Language” can now be found in school and public libraries in Fairfax County.

By this time, we had trained in, and adopted the Royal Academy of Dancing Syllabus as the cornerstone of our Ballet program. Students took annual performance exams, administered by a representative of the Academy. Though our students passed with honors, thorough preparation required so much repetition, it proved less stimulating than fresh material and new challenges. Though we still incorporate the syllabus, we have discontinued the examinations.

Upon Graduating in 1994, Kris Beery joined the faculty, and along with Theresa’s mother Jerene Thomas, Brown Cardwell, and Carol Hallman, saw to it that the school remained operational during Theresa’s leave of absence in Korea (‘94-‘97).

In 1998 Pat Budwig’s Starshine Theater found its new home with us and continues to offer an outstanding music and theater program for children. More recently we have to expanded our adult program, adding Pilates to the ongoing ballet, tap jazz, Aerobic and conditioning classes. All of our students have the opportunity to perform annually. And our upper level students present a winter showcase.