Amherst Dance Academy

For families and individuals in Virginia seeking a vibrant and enriching outlet for artistic expression and physical activity, the Amherst Dance Academy stands as a cherished local institution. Despite its name potentially suggesting a focus solely on classical forms, Amherst Dance Academy offers a dynamic and comprehensive range of dance styles, truly catering to "a little bit of everything," as one satisfied customer enthusiastically noted. This versatility, combined with a commitment to a "friendly atmosphere and lovely staff," makes it a cornerstone of the Amherst community since its establishment in 1993.

The Academy’s mission, initiated by founder Terri Layne as Terrific Time Dance Studio and continued by current owner Miss Joy Buendorf, is to share the love for dance while providing a healthy activity that encourages exercise, builds skill, boosts confidence, offers performance opportunities, and fosters teamwork. Their goal is to make dance fun while providing an atmosphere where dancers can truly grow, offering a structured yet nurturing environment where discipline and technique are learned alongside strength and self-assurance.

Amherst Dance Academy prides itself on serving a wide age range, welcoming dancers as young as two years old and supporting adults looking for alternative exercise ideas. This inclusive approach ensures that the joy of dance is accessible to everyone in the Amherst area and beyond, including neighboring communities like Madison Heights, Lynchburg, Nelson, Shipman, Buena Vista, Pleasant View, and Charlottesville. It’s a place where passion for movement is ignited and cultivated, creating lasting memories and developing essential life skills.

Amherst Dance Academy is conveniently located in the town of Amherst, Virginia, ensuring easy access for local families and those from surrounding communities. The studio's address is:

200 Richmond Hwy, Amherst, VA 24521, USA

This address places the Academy right in the heart of Amherst, specifically next to the Food Lion in the Mountain View Plaza. Being situated in a local shopping plaza is a significant advantage, as it typically offers ample parking space, making drop-offs and pick-ups convenient for parents. Richmond Highway (US-60) is a major route that runs through Amherst, providing straightforward access from various parts of Amherst County and neighboring areas. For those coming from towns like Lynchburg or Madison Heights, US-29 provides a direct route, with a short transition to US-60. While public transportation options might be limited in a smaller town like Amherst, the central location and readily available parking make it highly accessible by private vehicle. This strategic placement ensures that the benefits of dance education are within easy reach for a broad segment of the Virginia community.

Amherst Dance Academy offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance and movement classes, catering to students from early childhood through adulthood. Their programs are designed to provide a well-rounded dance education in a supportive environment. Services include:

• Ballet: Foundational classical ballet instruction, developing grace, posture, strength, and technique, available for various age groups.

• Tap: Classes focused on rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, enhancing musicality and coordination.

• Jazz: Energetic and expressive dance, incorporating various jazz styles and techniques set to contemporary music.

• Hip Hop: High-energy street dance styles, focusing on rhythm, improvisation, and dynamic movements.

• Modern/Contemporary/Lyrical: These styles emphasize fluid movement, emotional expression, and often blend elements of ballet and jazz.

• Gymnastics/Acro: Offering foundational gymnastics and tumbling skills, which enhance flexibility, strength, and overall athleticism for dancers. The studio has a dedicated space for this.

• Adult Fitness: Classes tailored for adults looking for a fun and active way to stay fit through dance.

• Team Opportunities: Providing advanced students with opportunities to be part of dance teams, fostering camaraderie and competitive experience.

• Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one instruction available for students seeking focused attention or accelerated progress. Instructors are available by appointment during summer months.

• Summer Dance Camps: Engaging and intensive programs offered during the summer break, providing immersive dance experiences.

• Recitals and Performances: Opportunities for students to showcase their learned skills through a Christmas (winter) recital and a spring recital, gaining valuable stage experience. A package deal is offered that includes a costume rental for the Christmas recital and a DVD of each show.

• Costume Rentals and Dancewear: The Academy strives to make dance affordable by offering dancewear items needed for classes at reduced retail prices and a costume rental for one of their recitals.

• Multi-Dancer and Multi-Class Discounts: To further enhance affordability, discounts are available for families with multiple dancers and for students taking multiple classes.

Amherst Dance Academy stands out in the Virginia dance community due to its distinctive features and commitment to student development:

• Long-Standing Community Presence: Having served the Amherst community since 1993, the Academy has a deep-rooted history and established reputation for quality dance education.

• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages: With classes ranging from age 2 to adult, and encompassing ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and gymnastics, the Academy truly offers "a little bit of everything," catering to diverse interests and developmental stages.

• Professional and Friendly Staff: Instructors and staff are lauded for being professional, friendly, and providing a loving environment, ensuring that students feel supported and encouraged.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance steps, the Academy emphasizes learning discipline, technique, building strength, boosting confidence, and fostering teamwork, instilling valuable life skills.

• Dedicated Facilities: The studio features professional sponge floors with a Marley surface in all dance rooms, specifically designed for tap and ballet, ensuring proper support and safety for dancers. There's also a dedicated studio space for tumbling and intro gymnastics.

• Affordability and Value: The Academy makes dance accessible by offering reduced retail prices for dancewear, costume rentals, and multi-dancer and multi-class discounts.

• Abundant Performance Opportunities: Students gain valuable stage experience through regular Christmas and Spring recitals, as well as participation in local Christmas parades, fall festivals, and even larger events like the Cherry Blossom parade in D.C. and the Miss America parade in New Jersey.

• Inclusive and Supportive Atmosphere: The goal is to make dance fun while providing an atmosphere where dancers can truly grow, welcoming everyone into their "special studio family."

For those in Virginia interested in joining the Amherst Dance Academy, or seeking more information about their classes and programs, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 200 Richmond Hwy, Amherst, VA 24521, USA (located in the Mountain View Plaza, next to Food Lion)

Phone: (434) 946-7340

Mobile Phone: +1 434-946-7340

You can also visit their official website to register online, view photos, check class schedules, and get more detailed information. During summer months, instructors are available by appointment.

For residents across Virginia, and particularly those in the Amherst area and its surrounding communities, Amherst Dance Academy stands as an exemplary local institution for dance education. Its long-standing presence since 1993 speaks volumes about its commitment to the community and its proven ability to deliver quality instruction.

What makes Amherst Dance Academy especially suitable for locals is its comprehensive and inclusive approach. From toddlers just discovering movement to adults seeking a dynamic fitness routine, the Academy offers a vast array of dance styles – ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and even gymnastics. This wide selection ensures that every family member can find a class that aligns with their interests and skill level. The positive feedback about the "friendly atmosphere and lovely staff" highlights a nurturing environment where students are not just taught steps, but are encouraged to develop discipline, technique, strength, and crucial self-confidence.

Furthermore, the Academy's emphasis on affordability through discounted dancewear, costume rentals, and multi-class/multi-dancer discounts makes quality dance education accessible to more families. The abundant performance opportunities, from local parades to prestigious national events, provide invaluable stage experience and build a strong sense of teamwork and accomplishment. For parents in Virginia looking for a reputable, welcoming, and enriching activity that fosters both artistic skill and personal growth in their children, or for adults seeking a vibrant community to pursue their passion for dance, Amherst Dance Academy is undoubtedly a premier choice right here in Amherst.

Amherst Dance Academy

200 Richmond Hwy, Amherst, VA 24521, USA