LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance

Are you a Virginia resident, particularly in the scenic Bedford area, looking for a dance studio that offers a blend of quality instruction, a variety of styles, and opportunities for both recreational fun and competitive growth? LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance, located at 119 N Bridge St in Bedford, VA, is a long-standing local institution dedicated to bringing the art of dance to its community. With a focus on technical proficiency and a passion for movement, this studio aims to cater to dancers of all ages and abilities, from toddlers taking their first steps to adults seeking a fun way to stay active.

LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance, often referred to as LASOD, is guided by a philosophy that prioritizes proper technical training within a healthy and loving environment. The instructors are committed to treating students as "human beings first and dancers second," emphasizing individualized feedback and fostering a supportive atmosphere. They believe that dance is for everyone, recognizing that each student brings unique experiences and talents that can enrich the overall learning environment. This approach is designed to empower students to express themselves through movement and develop a lifelong appreciation for dance.

For families in Bedford and surrounding Central Virginia towns like Forest, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, having such a dedicated dance studio close by is a significant advantage. It provides a consistent and enriching extracurricular activity where children can develop physical skills, discipline, and creativity. Adults also have the chance to engage in enjoyable classes that offer both exercise and artistic expression.

Customer reviews offer a mixed perspective on the studio experience. One highly positive review highlights that a daughter has been happily dancing there for five years, progressing from one to five classes, and that the adult classes are "a lot of fun." This reviewer praises LeeAnne and Shayna, the "fantastic and highly qualified" instructors, and notes the studio's community involvement and reasonable prices. This suggests a strong core of dedicated instructors and valuable class offerings.

However, another review raises serious concerns about fostering negative attitudes, belittling students, and a perceived focus on self-promotion over student well-being, particularly as dancers get older. This review advises parents to consider the values taught alongside technical ability. These contrasting views highlight that individual experiences can vary significantly within any large organization, and prospective students or parents may wish to engage directly with the studio to understand its culture firsthand.

Despite these differing perspectives, the studio's commitment to bringing arts awareness, education, and performing arts to the Bedford community remains a stated goal. LeeAnne Ashley Schwartz, the owner and Artistic Director, brings extensive experience from her dance studies and production work, along with certifications from reputable organizations, underscoring the studio's dedication to professional training. Shayna Crews, the Assistant Artistic Director, also boasts impressive credentials and is actively involved in local performing arts.

Ultimately, LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance presents itself as a community staple for dance education in Central Virginia, offering diverse styles and a commitment to technical excellence. For those in Virginia seeking a local studio to embark on or continue their dance journey, it provides a comprehensive range of options.

LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance is located at 119 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of Centertown Bedford, a historic and charming area in Central Virginia. Its position on North Bridge Street makes it a prominent and accessible landmark within the town.

The studio's entrance is located in the rear of the building, which is a detail worth noting for first-time visitors. For residents of Bedford and surrounding communities within Bedford County and beyond, such as Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Forest, the studio is primarily accessible by personal vehicle. North Bridge Street is a key road in Bedford, ensuring straightforward navigation. Parking in the downtown Bedford area generally offers convenient options for those attending classes.

While public transportation in a town like Bedford is not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas of Virginia, the studio's central location within the community makes it highly practical for local families. It's often within a short driving distance for residents of the area, allowing easy drop-offs and pick-ups for students. Its integration into the downtown area means it's likely surrounded by other local businesses and amenities, adding to its convenience for community members.

The accessibility to major routes connecting Bedford to other parts of Central Virginia, such as US-460 and VA-122, further enhances its reach for students from a wider radius. This makes LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance a geographically suitable choice for a broad range of aspiring dancers in the region.

• Acrobatics: Classes focused on building strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination through dance conditioning and floor tumbling, including skills like cartwheels, bridges, backbends, and walkovers. Requires enrollment in a ballet technique class.

• Combination Classes: These classes incorporate elementary levels of ballet and tap, teaching rhythm, coordination, and concentration, with age-appropriate progressions for younger dancers (e.g., ages 4-6 and 6 & Up).

• Ballet: Classical ballet instruction promoting discipline, technique, and tradition. Highly recommended as the basis for all other dance forms, and essential for dancers aspiring to Pointe work.

• Jazz/Lyrical: Jazz is a free-form, energetic style incorporating turns, leaps, and jumps, emphasizing technique and body isolations. Lyrical jazz combines ballet and jazz to connect dancers with music lyrics and express emotion. Requires enrollment in a ballet class.

• Adult Dance: Classes designed for adults, rotating between Ballet, Tap, and Jazz disciplines each week, offering a fun way to exercise and learn dance.

• Tap: Classes focused on creating intricate rhythms and sounds using footwork, developing musicality and timing. Also incorporates arm movement for coordination. Requires enrollment in a ballet class.

• Modern: A classical style developed as a reaction to traditional ballet, focusing on enhancing movement quality, dynamics, style, and spatial awareness through improvisation and diverse elements. Requires enrollment in ballet.

• Pre-School Dance: Specifically for ages 3-4, these classes introduce the fundamentals of ballet and movement using music, fostering physical skills, creativity, and healthy energy channeling.

• Worship Dance: A non-denominational class for ages 8 & Up, focusing on liturgical and expressive worship through dance, requiring no previous dance training.

• Competitive Dance: The studio travels for competitions during the competition season, indicating opportunities for students interested in competitive dance.

• Diverse Dance Curriculum: LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance offers a wide array of dance styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop (implied through "moving and grooving to the beat"), Modern, Acrobatics, and specialized Combination and Pre-School classes, catering to varied interests and age groups.

• Focus on Technical Excellence: The studio emphasizes proper technical training, particularly highlighting ballet as the foundation for other dance forms, ensuring students build a strong fundamental base.

• Experienced and Qualified Instructors: The teaching staff, including owner LeeAnne Ashley Schwartz and Assistant Artistic Director Shayna Crews, are described as fantastic and highly qualified, bringing significant dance education and professional experience.

• Opportunities for All Ages: Classes are available for a broad spectrum of ages, from toddlers (3-4 years old) up through adults, making it a viable option for entire families in the Virginia area.

• Competitive and Recreational Pathways: The studio supports both recreational dancers looking for fun and exercise, as well as those interested in competitive dance, traveling for competitions during the season.

• Community Involvement: The studio actively participates in activities around town, demonstrating its commitment to being an integral part of the Bedford community.

• Reasonable Class Prices: A positive reviewer specifically highlights that the pricing for classes is "very reasonable," making quality dance education more accessible to local families.

• Emphasis on Goal Setting: The teaching philosophy mentions helping students make short-term and long-term goals with actionable steps, indicating a focus on student progression and achievement.

Address: 119 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, USA (Entrance is located in the REAR of the building)

Phone: (540) 587-7555

Mobile Phone: +1 540-587-7555

For residents of Virginia, particularly those in Bedford and the surrounding Central Virginia region, LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance offers a compelling option for local dance education. Its suitability for locals stems from its diverse class offerings, commitment to technical training, and integration into the community.

The studio's wide array of dance styles, from foundational ballet and expressive jazz to energetic hip hop and acrobatic arts, ensures that individuals of all ages and interests can find a class that resonates with them. This variety is a significant benefit for local families seeking a single studio that can cater to different preferences within the household, from a young child exploring movement to a teenager honing competitive skills, or an adult looking for a fun workout.

The emphasis on strong technical training, especially the foundational role of ballet for all other dance forms, provides a solid basis for aspiring dancers. This commitment to quality instruction, delivered by experienced and qualified teachers like LeeAnne Ashley Schwartz and Shayna Crews, ensures that students are not just learning steps but developing true dance proficiency.

While some public feedback has raised concerns about the studio's internal dynamics and values as dancers progress, the positive testimonials highlight a fun environment, great instructors, and reasonable pricing, indicating that for many, it provides a very valuable and enjoyable experience. The studio’s active participation in local events further cements its role as a contributing member of the Bedford community, providing performance opportunities and engaging with residents beyond the studio walls.

The convenient location in Centertown Bedford, with accessible parking, makes it a practical choice for consistent attendance, reducing the logistical burden for busy Virginia families. For those who prioritize a local dance studio that offers comprehensive technical training and a diverse curriculum for all ages, LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance presents a viable and accessible option right in their community.

LeeAnne Ashley Studio of Dance

119 N Bridge St, Bedford, VA 24523, USA