ABOUT US

Level Dance Project ("Level") is located in Annapolis, Maryland, just two miles away from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and easily accessible from Route 50 on Whitehall Road. Level has been under the ownership of mother-daughter duo, Barbara Martin (Business Manager) and Emily Martin Hawkey (Artistic Director) since its inception in 2012. We offer competitive and recreational classes for ages 3-18 in dance styles such as ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, pointe, hip hop and acrobatics. Our schedule is similar to the school year and runs from the end of August through the annual recital in June. We also have summer camp programs, occasional master class opportunities and classes for adults, and many of our skilled faculty offer private lessons.

What is it like at Level?

Level faculty work tirelessly to maintain a studio culture that is inspiring, upbeat and productive. As a result, we produce well-rounded technicians & artists, and have an incredibly strong and supportive team of dancers and families. The studio does not condone or tolerate bullying or belittling of any kind. Our dancers and families support one another, and support decisions of the staff and choreographers. 

Level’s competition team and pre-professional members perform against some of the best dancers in the country at competitions such as Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and Break the Floor Productions events like Jump, NUVO, 24Seven and The Dance Awards. These inspiring opportunities push our teachers and students to continuously improve and evolve. This motivational energy is infectious and flows throughout the studio, including to the recreational programs. 

Why should I attend Level?

First, arrange a no-obligation free trial class in your dancers favorite style to see what it’s all about! Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic faculty will not disappoint.

We realize that within the 30 mile radius surrounding Level Dance Project, families overwhelmingly have about 30 dance studios to choose from. Level may not be the closest studio to your house, but we promise the superior quality of dance education is worth the extra travel time for anyone wishing to take their dance training to the next level. When it comes to the art of dance and operating a dance studio, there is not one single accreditation board or certifying entity to help guide consumers. We encourage you to browse websites & social media to watch videos, look at photos, customer reviews, and try out classes at different studios before you commit. All dance studios are not created equally, and any one particular studio may not be the right fit for all dancers and their families. 

Who should attend Level?

Level will happily accept dancers of all skill levels to take class at the studio, and will work with you to find the most appropriate placement. Level only has qualified (adult) faculty teaching in the classrooms. 

Younger students (ages 3-6) in our Intro and Combo classes often have so much fun they don’t even realize they are learning. Our talented staff finds the perfect balance, covering dance education basics in ways that excite and motivate our young students. Your child may be ready for dance classes if they have shown an interest in dance and music, are able to follow basic classroom etiquette, including waiting patiently in line and following teachers instructions. 

For older students, the emphasis begins to shift away from “fun” and is more focused on the training and advancing technical skills. Our 13+ passionate faculty members strive to push each student to their greatest individual potential.

Level may be a good fit for your dancer if some or all of the following statements are true:

• Dancer is passionate about, and enjoys the art of dance
• Dancer would like to take multiple classes/styles per week
• Dancer will work hard in class and is prepared to practice and stretch at home
• Dancer has future goals pertaining to dance (For example: To make their school dance team, to get their triple pirouette, to dance on pointe someday, to learn choreography quicker, to become a stronger performer, to dance after high school, etc.) 
• Dancer approaches all classes with positivity and support for themselves, classmates, and faculty members (Egos, judgements, and negative attitudes are NOT welcome in the building!)
• Dancer can handle constructive criticism and use it to fuel and inspire growth
• Dancer wants to become a stronger, more well-rounded artist and is willing to be pushed outside of their comfort zone
• Dancer is willing to attend all required ballet classes (Tap, acrobatics and hip hop do not require a ballet component for recreational dancers)