The Dance Institute of Washington is a dance education institution committed to providing youth the opportunity to develop artistically, socially, emotionally and intellectually through dance. DIW operates a studio school, outreach, and youth ensemble granting youth from diverse backgrounds the chance to experience the performing arts and develop important skills. Fabian Barnes founded the Dance Institute of Washington in 1987 during his summer break from the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). He wished to give DC youth the opportunities that DTH gave him – to develop talent, confidence and discipline. Fabian passed away in 2016 but The Dance Institute of Washington is determined to carry on his legacy.
