Who is DDGA?

About Us

Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy

At Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy, our mission is to empower children and help parents recognize the value of being in an empowering and positive environment.

We understand the importance of gymnastics as a sport, but we also recognize the toxic culture that has plagued the sport in the past. Our goal is to change this paradigm and create a healthy and nurturing environment for all children.

Our founder, Dominique Dawes, is a three-time Olympian and member of the “Magnificent Seven,” the first American team to win gold in women’s gymnastics at the 1996 Olympics.

However, Dominique’s experiences as a child in gymnastics were not always positive. She has been a vocal critic of the sport’s “toxic culture” and has spoken out against the emotional, psychological, and physical abuse that she and other gymnasts have endured.

At our academy, we prioritize the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every child above scores and rankings. We limit the number of hours children train to ensure they don’t live in the gym 24/7, and emphasize the importance of a well-rounded life outside of gymnastics. We also focus on building a culture of kindness and respect, where children are encouraged to be good teammates and to support one another.

In addition to gymnastics, we also offer ninja classes for children.

This unique program combines obstacle course training to build strength, balance, and coordination. Our ninja classes also help children develop problem-solving skills and focus, and can be a great way for children to burn off excess energy.

We also offer classes for preschool-aged children, where we focus on nurturing the child’s physical and emotional development, all while improving motor skill development and strength. Our instructors are trained to work with young children and create a fun and safe learning environment.

We understand that choosing a gym for your child is a big decision, and we invite you to visit our academy and see for yourself the positive and nurturing environment we have created.

Whether your child is just starting out in gymnastics or looking for a unique sport like ninja, we have classes and programs to meet their needs. Thank you for considering Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy for your child’s gymnastics and ninja training.