Halestone Dance Studio

For nearly five decades, Halestone Dance Studio has been a cherished cornerstone of the Lexington, Virginia community, offering a vibrant and uniquely inclusive space where "anybody... and everybody can dance." Celebrating 47 years as a "community in motion," Halestone is much more than just a place to learn dance steps; it's a warm, welcoming environment dedicated to enriching the Rockbridge area by providing access to quality dance experiences and education. Here, the focus extends beyond technical perfection, embracing the joy of movement, the creative process, and the empowering act of self-expression.

Founded in 1978, Halestone Dance Studio has evolved into the Halestone Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2016, further solidifying its commitment to community outreach and accessibility. This structure allows the studio to foster creative exploration, artistic excellence, and pure joy in all its participants, from toddlers taking their first wobbly steps to adults rediscovering their love for movement. With a diverse array of classes, a dedicated team of instructors, and a philosophy that encourages experimentation and personal growth, Halestone Dance Studio is truly a special place where individuals and communities are empowered to make, perform, and experience original dance as a theoretical, technical, and expressive art form. For locals in Virginia, it represents a supportive home for artistic development and physical well-being.

Halestone Dance Studio is conveniently located at 722 S Main St Suite B, Lexington, VA 24450, USA. This address places the studio centrally within Lexington, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and the wider Rockbridge County area in Virginia. South Main Street is a key thoroughfare, ensuring that finding the studio is straightforward whether you are coming from downtown Lexington, residential areas, or neighboring communities. The studio's commitment to accessibility is further highlighted by its ADA accessibility, featuring a cement entrance ramp and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, ensuring that all who desire to dance can participate. While specific parking at the exact suite location may vary, downtown Lexington generally offers on-street parallel parking with time limits (usually until 6:00 pm on weekdays) and several public parking lots, including some without time limits south of Randolph Street. This ease of access contributes significantly to Halestone Dance Studio's suitability as a local point of interest for the diverse population of Virginia, making it a practical choice for individuals and families alike.

Halestone Dance Studio offers a remarkably wide and inclusive variety of classes and programs, designed to cater to dancers of all ages, from infants to adults, and all experience levels. Their curriculum emphasizes exploration, creativity, and fundamental skill building in a nurturing environment.

Services Offered:

• Early Childhood Dance:
  • Baby and Me (Wildflowers) (Ages 1-3): Introduces very young children to movement with their caregivers, fostering early motor skills and a love for dance.
  • Young Movers (Ages 3-5): Focuses on creative movement and basic dance concepts for preschoolers, available on different days and times.
• Youth Dance Classes (Ages 4-13+):
  • Kinder Tap (Ages 4-6): Introduces rhythm and basic tap steps.
  • Ballet I, II, III (Ages 4-6, 7-10, 11+): Progressive ballet training, building technique, grace, and strength. Ballet III requires instructor permission for 11+.
  • Clogging I, II/III (Ages 6-10, Instructor permission): Learn traditional American percussive dance.
  • Hip Hop I, II (Ages 6-10, 11+): Energetic classes exploring contemporary urban dance styles.
  • Jazz (Ages 10+): Focuses on dynamic movement, style, and musicality.
  • Open Studio I, II: StageMakers (Ages 5-8, 9-13): Creative movement classes that may incorporate various dance forms and theatrical elements.
  • Advanced Seminar (Ages 14+): Focuses on contemporary dance foundations, including Cunningham technique, balance, flexibility, and collaborative movement creation.
• Adult Dance Classes (Ages 16+ / 18+):
  • Adult Ensemble: Open to all interested dancers 18+; focuses on creating authentic, intergenerational, and site-specific work; no prior experience necessary.
  • Adult Latin Dance (Ages 16+): Learn popular Latin dance styles.
  • Dance Conditioning with Nancy Saylor (Ages 12+): A comprehensive class combining challenging workouts with joyful movement exploration, based on somatic principles.
• Performance Companies:
  • Junior Company (Ages 9-13): Introduces young dancers to company membership, improvisation, choreography, and repertory; requires additional technique classes.
  • Modern (Senior) Company (Ages 14+): Focuses on choreographic tools, critical thinking, composition, and advanced improvisation; requires instructor permission and additional technique classes.
• Community Outreach Programs: Providing recurring dance classes to 6 schools and one-time workshops to 3 additional schools through partnerships.
• Annual Concerts: Produces two concerts each year featuring staff, instructor, and student choreography and performances.
• Community Events: The student pre-professional company and adult ensemble appear at 6+ community events annually.

Halestone Dance Studio distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that are consistently celebrated by its students and their families, solidifying its reputation as a unique and invaluable resource in the Lexington, VA area.

Features / Highlights:

• Warm, Welcoming, and Inclusive Community: This is a defining characteristic, frequently praised by reviewers. The studio fosters an atmosphere where "anybody... and everybody can dance," creating a sense of belonging and encouraging students to try new things without fear of judgment. This inclusivity is evident in their ADA accessibility efforts, including a ramp and wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
• Emphasis on Movement and Creativity, Not Perfection: Unlike some studios that might solely focus on rigid technique, Halestone prioritizes "the value of body movement and creativity, not perfection." This philosophy empowers students, especially children, to feel "encouraged to try new ways of dancing," fostering genuine self-expression.
• Wide Variety of Classes and Flexible Scheduling: The extensive range of class types, from traditional ballet and tap to modern, hip hop, clogging, and even adult Latin dance and conditioning, caters to diverse interests. The availability of various class times also makes it easier for families to integrate dance into busy schedules.
• Long-Standing Community Presence: Celebrating 47 years, Halestone has a rich history in Lexington, evolving from a studio into the non-profit Halestone Foundation. This longevity speaks to its sustained quality and deep roots within the community.
• Strong Foundation in Dance Fundamentals: Despite the focus on creativity, students clearly gain a "solid foundation in dance fundamentals," indicating a balanced approach to both artistic expression and technical skill development.
• Beyond Learning: Self-Expression and Connection: Reviewers highlight that dance at Halestone becomes "a way for me to express myself and stay connected to my body," showcasing the profound personal benefits experienced by students.
• Community-Focused Non-Profit: As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Halestone is committed to enriching the Rockbridge area, not just generating profit. This is evident in their community outreach programs, providing dance education to multiple schools.
• Performance Opportunities: The studio produces two annual concerts featuring staff, instructor, and student choreography, and its companies perform at numerous community events, providing valuable stage experience and visibility.

For those in the Lexington, VA area, or anywhere in Virginia, looking to connect with Halestone Dance Studio, here is their direct contact information:

Address: 722 S Main St Suite B, Lexington, VA 24450, USA

Phone: (540) 463-7444

Mobile Phone: +1 540-463-7444

Halestone Dance Studio is an exceptional choice for locals in Virginia, particularly within the Lexington and Rockbridge County areas, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its deep-rooted philosophy of inclusivity and fostering "joy" over "perfection" creates a uniquely supportive environment. For parents seeking an extracurricular activity where their children feel genuinely encouraged to explore and express themselves without the pressure of intense competition, Halestone provides that nurturing space. This approach is invaluable for building self-confidence and a lifelong appreciation for movement, rather than just technical mastery. The reviews clearly reflect this positive atmosphere, with families expressing immense gratitude for its presence in Lex.

Secondly, the sheer breadth and depth of its class offerings cater to every age and interest imaginable, from "Baby and Me" classes for toddlers to "Adult Ensemble" for seasoned movers. This comprehensive curriculum means that families can find suitable classes for multiple members, simplifying scheduling and fostering a shared passion for dance. The availability of both recreational pathways and company/advanced options ensures that students can progress at their own pace and commitment level, all within the same welcoming community. This versatility makes Halestone a truly flexible and long-term dance home for local residents.

Furthermore, Halestone's status as a non-profit organization, the Halestone Foundation, underscores its commitment to community enrichment and accessibility. This structure allows them to expand dance education programs through partnerships with local schools and to ensure their facilities are ADA accessible, demonstrating a genuine dedication to serving the wider Virginia community. Supporting Halestone means investing in a local institution that actively gives back and strives to make dance available to everyone.

Finally, with nearly five decades of history, Halestone Dance Studio has proven its enduring quality and impact. Its long-standing presence signifies a reliable and cherished community asset. For Virginia locals seeking a warm, welcoming, and empowering environment where individuals of all ages and abilities can discover the profound joy of dance, connect with their bodies, and become part of a truly supportive community, Halestone Dance Studio in Lexington is an undeniable beacon of artistic and personal growth.

Halestone Dance Studio

722 S Main St Suite B, Lexington, VA 24450, USA