A safe space to explore and celebrate the beauty, technique and artistry of all kinds of movement for all bodies.

Jitterbug is a comprehensive movement studio, located in the heart of downtown Oakland (an Arts & Entertainment district) in Garrett County, Maryland. We offer a diverse range of movement classes, workshops and intensives, including various styles of dance, yoga and wellness classes, and movement as it relates to theatre arts. Jitterbug is open and available to all people, regardless of age, size, gender, race, or orientation.

A note from our founder, M. Kendall Ludwig

As a lifelong lover of dance as an art form and creative physical expression, I wanted to bring something unique to Oakland’s Arts & Entertainment district.

My creative firm, CurlyRed, has been located in this area for 7 years (and in Baltimore for 9 years before that). Garrett County, MD is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, but it has its challenges. This is especially true in the colder months, when there are less options for physical activity. This has contributed to larger community health problems, like obesity and addiction. Jitterbug can help address these issues, while offering diverse and inclusive classes, workshops and intensives currently unavailable in this area. My desire is to promote well-being, both physically and mentally, through the artistry of dance.

Weekly Classes • Spring 2024

Spring Jitterbug Movement Studio Weekly Classes Begin March 18th!

Jitterbug is a safe space for all ages & bodies. Classes can be purchased individually, or for a slight discount with a class pack.

Register for Classes

Available classes are below:


Mondays at 5:30
Level 1 Pilates
Adults | Instructor: Krysta Huxford

Toning, flexibility, better posture, more efficient movement, mind/body connection are just a few benefits from practicing Pilates. Mat Pilates is a series of exercises performed without the use of equipment, to stretch and strengthen the body. Focus is primarily on the muscles of the Powerhouse, which is defined as a 6-inch band around the entire mid section and supported by the booty and inner thighs. Pilates is typically practiced in bare feet If preferred, participants may wear yoga type socks with grippy soles. Wearing comfortable exercise clothing that allows for freedom of movement is recommended.

Tuesdays at 5:30pm
Self-Love Yoga
Adults | Instructor: Ayla Wagers

In this empowering class series, participants will embark on a transformative journey to cultivate a positive mindset and boost their confidence through the practice of yoga. This class is designed for individuals of all levels, including beginners, who want to enhance their mental and emotional well-being while developing a strong and confident yoga practice.

Wednesdays at 5:30
Level 2 Pilates
Adults | Instructor: Krysta Huxford

Level 2 will deepen the Pilates principles and offer more challenging flowing movements. Participants should have some experience with Pilates fundamentals and/or have taken at least 5 mat sessions previously.

Friday Daytime | 11AM-Noon
BodyBarre
Adults | Instructor: Brandi Ross

A hybrid toning class working with combining moves from ballet, pilates and yoga. This class uses high reps and low impact small range movements to challenge your muscles in ways typical classes don’t. No shoes required!

Saturdays at 9am
Ballet & Modern for Kids
3-10 Years Old | Instructor: Jen Virts

Explore the basics of ballet and modern dance and have fun moving your body. No dance experience needed, all levels welcome!

Saturdays at 10am
Beginner Modern
Adults and Teens 13+ | Instructor: Jen Virts

Explore the basics of modern dance and have fun moving your body. Wear comfortable clothing, and class can be taken in bare feet, socks or jazz shoes! No dance experience needed, all levels welcome!

Saturdays at 11am
Beginner Tap
Adults and Teens 13+ | Instructor: M. Kendall Ludwig

Learn the basic movements of tap, with barre and floor work, then learn a combination with the moves we’ve practiced. All levels welcome.

Sundays at 7pm
Restorative Yoga
Adults | Instructor: Sydney Holtschneider

Release tension from your mind and body as you are led through a series of sustained postures and breathwork. Together, we will discover what yoga props can be used to fully support you as you are guided through gentle instruction followed by a grounding meditation to close the practice.


Workshops & Intensives

We hold special workshops and intensives at Moonshadow in McHenry, Our Town Theatre in Oakland and other local establishments, taught by regional talent in a variety of styles.

These workshops hold about 30 students and will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis. The best way to secure a spot for our workshops is to sign up for our mailing list.

Register for Classes

Upcoming workshops are below:


Thu March 21st - Thu April 11th | 5:30-6:30 pm
East-Coast Swing for Couples - SOLD OUT
Instructor: M. Kendall Ludwig

Kendall will teach a 3 one hour lessons, going over the basics of East-Coast Swing dance. There will be basic holds, footwork, turns and more, so you and your partner will finish this course ready to tear up the dance floor! No experience required, just a desire to have fun and willingness to learn something new!

Wednesday, March 27th | 7-9 PM
Sunset Yoga at Moonshadow
Instructor: Sydney Holtschneider

Release tension from your mind and body as you are led through a series of sustained postures and breathwork.
Together, we will support you as you are guided through gentle instruction followed by a grounding meditation to
close the practice. All are welcome, regardless of level! PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MAT OR LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ONE.

$10 at the door includes 1 drink ticket. No reservations needed for dancing. Please call 240-442-5542 if you'd like to reserve a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the cost?
A: Classes are $15, but 4-class packs are available for $56, and 8-class packs are $104 (best value). Class packs cannot be used for Workshops & Intensives. Pricing for Workshops & Intensives will be priced separately.

Q: How big are the classes?
A: Jitterbug’s classrooms can hold up to 6 dancers per class. We encourage you to register early to ensure your spot. Our Workshops & Intensives will be held at Our Town Theatre in Oakland, and can accommodate up to 30 students.

Q: What’s your wellness policy?
A: The safety of our instructors and students are extremely important to us. If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. We encourage you to follow the most current CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will be disinfecting our studio after every class. Masking before, during, and after class is optional for both instructors and students.

Q: What sort of body type is ideal for Jitterbug’s classes?
A: Any and all body styles and types are welcome here! Please let your teacher know if you have an injury or physical limitation.

Q: What sort of attire do I need to wear to class?
A: Unless the instructor indicates otherwise, you can simply wear clothing that’s comfortable and easy to move in. Footwear depends on the style of movement, and the teacher will let you know what you need! We highly recommend Discount Dance Supply for purchasing affordable dance attire and footwear.

Q: When should I arrive for class?
A: We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of class to check-in, warm up and grab water if you need it.

Q: I’m at the CurlyRed/Jitterbug Building, how do I get inside?
A: Our entrance is the door off of the alley to the right of the front of the building.

Q: Where do I park?
A: There’s ample 2-hour street parking on 2nd and Alder Streets, and the Oakland Town Parking Lot is right across the street.

Q: What about competitions and performances?
A: At Jitterbug, our emphasis is learning the technique and artistry of dance. With that in mind, we will not be participating in dance competitions or holding performances or recitals for our dancers. That being said, there will be opportunities for parents and family members to attend Open Marley Nights to see what our students are learning, depending on the interest of the class.

Join our mailing list.

The best way to stay up-to-date on what we’re doing and to learn about special events is to sign up for our Jitterbug email newsletter. We promise not to overload your inbox!

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If you have questions or concerns, or just want to learn more, please email us at info@dothejitterbug.com or fill out the following:


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