Dominique Dawes Academy (Gymnastics & Ninja Programs, Camps & Events)

Dominique Dawes Academy (Gymnastics & Ninja Programs, Camps & Events) offers gymnastics, ninja, tumbling, recreational gymnastics, competitive gymnastics, and ninja fitness. The program also includes preschool classes, drop-in play, open gym, seasonal and summer camps, school closure camps, kids' night out events, and birthday parties.

• Ages: 0–13 years old
• Price: Register for a free first Gymnastics or Ninja class; Register Today and Save 10% When you Enroll by January 31st; Sibling and multi-class discounts

Birthday party packages at Dominique Dawes Academy include decorations, favors, balloons, a special gift for the child, and active playtime in the facility. Camps, drop-in play, and special events such as kids' night out and open gym are part of the program’s offerings. The academy uses safe, state-of-the-art facilities and describes its gyms as state-of-the-art, including a brand-new facility at Dominique Dawes Academy Ashburn, VA.

The academy states that it focuses on developing happy, active, and strong kids, with an emphasis on physical, emotional, and social development. It offers progressive gymnastics and ninja programs with a month-to-month commitment, sibling and multi-class discounts, a flexible make-up policy, and a free first gymnastics or ninja class for new participants. The program states that there is no pressure, just progress and fun, and that it prioritizes the mental and physical health and well-being of every child above scores and rankings. It also states that it carefully manages the number of hours children train and emphasizes a well-rounded life outside of gymnastics, with a culture of kindness and respect where children are encouraged to be good teammates and support one another.

Dominique Dawes Academy states that its mission is to empower children and help parents recognize the value of being in an empowering and positive environment, and to change the toxic culture that has plagued gymnastics and create a healthy and nurturing environment. The staff is described as highly trained and nurturing, with positive, uplifting coaching and an inclusive and inviting staff.

Founder and Brand Ambassador Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympian, Gold Medal Olympic Gymnast, and a member of the Magnificent Seven in the 1996 Olympic Games, and she is a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons and a wife and mother of four young children. She opened her first academy in July 2020, a second location in April 2023, a third location in Columbia in 2024, and three more locations are planned to open in late 2025. Her hometown of Silver Spring, Maryland, honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue on June 22, 2024.

Dominique Dawes has been inducted into the USA Olympic Hall of Fame (2008), the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame (Fall 2023), and the University of Maryland's Hall of Fame (2022), and she holds a degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a three-time Olympic gymnast (Barcelona ’92, Atlanta ’96, Sydney ’00), a Gold Medal Olympic Gymnast, and was featured as part of E!’s documentary “Black Pop.” She served as co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docuseries “Golden,” which was nominated for a Sports Emmy. She is newly elected to the board of VetSports.

In her community involvement, she continues to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and was the first national spokesperson for the Girl Scouts of the USA’s “Uniquely Me! The Girl Scout/Dove Self Esteem Program.” An Ashburn Grand Opening Event at Dominique Dawes Academy includes a tour of the brand-new facility, complimentary open gym, meeting coaches and staff, and meeting Dominique Dawes in person.

Last updated January 22, 2026.