The Lab DC

The Lab DC is more than a school. Its a place where the future of this living art form is being shaped, and where its positive traditions — self-​expression, inclusiveness, solidarity, respect, the amazing things that can be achieved through focus and work, and having fun — are passed down to the next generations. In the short time its been open, the school and its teachers have become important parts of our community. The teachers are the real deal, yet this is a caring and open place. BBoy Tzak sets the tone in his quiet, intuitive approach to interacting with all kinds of kids from all kinds of backgrounds. My niece recently started classes there, and she is hooked! The feats some of the tiny tykes who break here accomplish are amazing, and so fun to watch, as are their huge proud smiles!

I started my 2.5 year old in the Lil Breakers class based on the recommendation of an acquaintance. The drive from Springfield to Takoma Park was a doozy (esp on the way home, since we hit rush hour traffic each week) but well worth it. In my particular case, my boy’s attention span wasn’t long enough to take full advantage of the class, but I will wholeheartedly say the following:
— the entire staff at The Lab are passionate about what they teach and really care about the kids. Thank you, Antonio, Erika, Duane!
— Duane is an excellent instructor. He’s majored in psychology and brings an educator’s perspective to the class beyond the technical skills he teaches to the kids. He’s incredibly patient (my boy was SUPER scattered and all over the place), and is nothing but kind.
— the classes themselves are fantastic. I can’t think of a better way to work on listening (both musical and discipline-​wise), rhythm, coordination, strength, memory (mastering short bits of choreography), camaraderie, improvisational creativity (thinking up move combinations on the fly), esteem (the kids spend a considerable amount of time each class doing moves one-​person-​at-​a-​time with all attention on them), and artistic sense, all in one 45 minute package.
— the other parents I’ve met in the Lil’ Breakers class have been incredibly supportive, always encouraging all the children and not just their own. Such a nice group of folks.
— the makeup of the class is incredibly diverse — every ethnicity you could imagine. It’s heartening to see kids being kids and enjoying each other for who they are.
— facilities are great and very convenient to Takoma Park metro; plenty of free street parking out front for those who drive.
If we weren’t moving out of town, there is no doubt that I would wait a few more months and re-​enroll my boy, because I really think it is a tremendously fun learning experience. This is probably my single largest regret of moving away… no LAB down where we’re going! Best wishes to all the Lab staff and students. Let me know if/​when you franchise in Wilmington NC, we will be there with bells on!

The Lab DC is hands down the BEST studio in the D.C. area when it comes to instruction in the art of b-​boying (breakdancing). Not only is it a family friendly environment, it is an AUTHENTIC b-​boy instruction program. The faculty are all well experienced and accomplished dancers with over a decade of experience. Other than teaching children, teens, and adults who are new to the dance, The Lab DC gives back to it’s own local breaking community hosting public events such as open sessions, jams, and competitions. The Lab DC has also brought in several world class b-​boys and respected artists to teach for their Master Class program.

I was blown away to see something like this in the DC area. I had a chance to check out their student BBoy tournament and it was hot. The DMV needs alternative movements like this for the youth. Not to mention it can open the eye of adults who may have dismissed this art form in the past. During the tournament i saw kids and audits getting their grove on in a fun family friendly atmosphere. If you get a moment I highly recommend that you check out what Tazk and the crew of The Lab DC are doing in the community. Be careful… you just might catch the beat.

The Lab DC came to my school and taught a class to my kindergarteners. My students had so much fun, learned a lot about the art of breaking, and immediately found role models in their teachers. I would have loved to have them come more often or for my students to be able to take more classes.
Tazk understood the children, what they could do/​would want to do, and how to adapt to the natural ebb and flow of a classroom. It was evident that he is not only a talented dancer, but also a talented educator.

I have learned so much from Tazk this summer as a Summer Intern in D.C. Absolutely enjoy the atmosphere and Tazk’s teaching style. Most importantly, the people around here are amazing!

You can not get the history, understanding, the positive reinforcement of encouragement, nor the creativity of street dance [namely break dancing] anywhere else!
Bboy Task have so much knowledge to share and pass down to the current and next generations. There is nothing like bringing up the community by knocking down the negative view of break dancing and he does it with The Lab DC.
There are quite a few Hip Hop teachers/​dancers/​choreographers that have been making it by faking it or stealing-​not-​giving-​props and you will not find that here. He is the REAL DEAL! PERIOD!!!
Try it out once and you will feel a new self-​esteem and more respect for this street art form… -«Miss Z»

Highly recommend! I have a 3 y/​o son who really enjoys going to The Lab, for breakdancing/​creative movements class. Antonio and his instructors are top notch, excellent with children, patient and fun. I have seen the children make so much progress from one week to the next. Not only are students learning dance moves, they are gaining self-​confidence, increasing strength and cardio endurance, expressing themselves through dance, while be being motivated and encouraged, experiencing various types of music, and most importantly, having fun.

The Lab is a positive learning environment for all levels of dancers. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced trying to clean up on some moves, you will feel at home and walk out feeling better about yourself.
During my private lessons with bboy «Tazk» (Antonio Castillo), I always felt encouraged by him regardless of where I was in dance. He will break down the movements so you can understand at your learning pace in a very encouraging manner. You will walk out feeling encouraged and a better dancer.
Go to the Lab and learn breakdance foundation by veteran experienced dancers. Have fun while staying in shape!