The Shenandoah Academy of Dance opened in the fall of 1999 to offer an opportunity for young community dancers to seek out an option to the current offerings for classical ballet training. 13 years later, the studio exists for the same purposes. Classes offered include classical ballet for all ages, beginner, intermediate and advanced pointe.
Throughout the studio's existence, performing opportunities have existed for intermediate and advanced students by invitation only. These opportunities have provided these dancers an opportunity to work with original choreography both classical, contemporary, jazz and modern as well as studying and performing excerpts from the classics.Currently, the studio features all students in the classical repertoire as we have added the full-length classics to our repertoire. Ballets such as "Cinderella", "The Nutcracker" and "The Sleeping Beauty" have been performed as full-length ballets. Coming in the Spring of 2012, the Ensemble will present its first full-length production of "Coppelia". On January 13, the studio hosted its first Master Class presented by Mr. Valery Lantratov.
Students of the academy have auditioned and earned acceptance into a variety of summer intensive programs such as the Texas Ballet Theatre, the Richmond Ballet, the Joffrey Ballet School, the Louisville Ballet School, Atlanta Ballet School, the Rock School in Philadelphia, Pa., the Cincinnati Ballet School, the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet to name a few. Alumnus of the Academy have also gone on to major in dance at Brigham Young University and Shenandoah University.
In December 2010, the Shenandoah Academy of Dance became the first studio performing ensemble to present a full-length Nutcracker in Rockbridge County. The ensemble held auditions locally and performers included dancers at the academy along with students from local studios and students at Southern Virginia University. The ensemble plans to continue this amazing holiday tradition yearly.
In August 2011, the studio moved to the newly renovated space in the old Buena Vista Firehouse. The building has been renamed the Buena Vista Art and Culture Center and is located at 2271 Sycamore Avenue. As always, the studio boasts a fully sprung floor to promote safety for your dancer. Students attending classes at the academy are given individual attention as our teachers strive to provide only the best classical ballet training available!
Call or email the director to arrange for a time for you and your dancer(s) to attend a trial class with no obligation!
