The first Virginia location of Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Dominique Dawes’ children’s training center recently opened its doors in Ashburn in October. In an interview with Northern Virginia Magazine, Dawes shared what inspired her to bring her gymnastics and ninja program to Northern Virginia.
What inspired you to open your academy in Northern Virginia?
I am a former resident of Reston. We lived on Lake Audubon, and we truly enjoyed our time in Northern Virginia. And when I was there as a young mom with four little ones, I always looked for play places and gymnastics places. When my husband and I started our first academy in July 2020 in the Maryland area, I knew someday we would want to expand it further into Virginia.
How does your experience as an Olympic gymnast influence the programs and philosophy at your gym?
I lived in the gymnastics gym. I sacrificed way too much as a child. And it’s important to work hard, but it’s also important to know how to relax and have fun. Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy in Ashburn is not an Olympic training center. This is a place where young kids can work hard, have fun, meet new friends, and develop amazing fundamentals that will help them in any sport — or just living a healthy lifestyle. It’s important for us parents to recognize our children have one childhood. Let’s make it a good one.
You’ve traveled all over the world as an athlete. What makes this region feel special?
This DMV area is home to me. The people here have been very supportive throughout my career, and I feel like the Dominique Dawes Academy is an opportunity to pay it forward.
How do you balance family life in such a fast-paced area?
My motivation is very much my kids. I knew very early on that I did not want my children to have the life that I had. I think it’s important to have a balanced childhood and ensure that your kids have fun, they’re working hard, and that they’re in a positive environment where coaches are lifting up their self-esteem.
If you had a free day to yourself in Northern Virginia — no work, no kids — how would you spend it?
I would probably spend it on Lake Audubon in Reston. We had a pontoon boat, and it was such a delight for my husband and me. It was just so beautiful and very peaceful.
Do you ever surprise your kids with a cartwheel or flip?
I try to leave the flipping to my kids these days.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Feature image courtesy Dominique Dawes Academy
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
