Growing up in El Salvador during the height of a civil war, owner and instructor Alvaro Maldonado found a serendipitous outlet when he saw his first dance concert. Today, having performed classical ballet, ballroom, jazz, and contemporary dance in over 30 countries to great acclaim, Maldonado—a producer, director, and teacher in addition performing professionally—imparts his prodigious knowledge of strength training, nutrition, and technical skill to DC's dancers of all ages.

Catering to at-risk youth and dance enthusiasts alike, BTI Dance Institute offers a wide array of classes for all ages and skill levels. For children ages 7 and up, the Youth Dance Training Program provides focused instruction at a pre-professional level. Whether motivated by physical activity, an education in the arts, or future career aspirations, these courses in ballet and modern dance offer a thorough background in basic techniques and principles in groupings according to age, ability, and development.

Adults will find an equally inclusive selection of classes taught by the myriad of professional instructors. From sensuous belly dancing to infectious Afro-Brazilian classes and everything in between, the courses at BTI Dance Institute will have you dancing until you drop.

• Belly Dance | teaching students of all levels the art of Middle Eastern dance while stretching and strengthening waistline, this class will tone your core, arms, and legs while improving flexibility
• Stretching & Alignment | bring your yoga mat and learn the ins and outs of improving muscle control, flexibility, coordination, strength, and control through physical and mental conditioning
• Mommy & Me | a perfect activity for mother-child quality time, this class gets the whole family moving and shaking together
• Modern Dance | offered at different levels, this class takes students through the basic movement and principles of various modern dance techniques and styles including Horton, Graham, Limon, and Taylor
• Afro-Brazilian | discover the rich history of the Yoruba religion as transplanted in Brazil with the unique rhythms of Samba and Reggae and other African-influenced movements
• Yoga | whether you choose Ashtanga or Lunchtime Restorative yoga, these classes combine inward contemplation and meditation with centuries-old yogic positions
• See full list of adult classes.

4 stars and 21 reviews on Yelp

"...I took... 'Glee' dance with Alvaro - this involves learning routines to Top 40 songs. It also involves some singing...we all got a great workout and had a BLAST. Definitely a rare chance to bond with your classmates...Oh. SO. Much. FUN." - Yelp Reviewer Jaclyn S., Los Angeles, CA, 6/20/2011
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"Although the schedule changes periodically to reflect what students want, there's always a nice selection of classes...I've really enjoyed the different teachers...Each teacher has their own style and personality." - Yelp Reviewer Carolyn A., Annandale, VA, 6/19/2011
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"The instructor/owner Alvaro was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and warm. He was able to guide us through a very intense stretching workout...Even since I took the class I've been more keenly aware of my everyday posture." - Yelp Reviewer J K., Washington, DC, 4/9/2011
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"I absolutely love Melanie's Zumba class!!!! You really sweat it out dancing for the full hour to awesome Latin music! I've never had so much fun in a class before." - Yelp Reviewer Lemon C., Washington, DC, 12/6/2010
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