Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Education Destination in Lexington, VA
Halestone Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Rockbridge area since 1978. Founded on the principles of artistic excellence and community enrichment, we provide accessible dance experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. Our programs emphasize creative expression, technical mastery, and collaborative artistry through diverse dance forms. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 2016, we maintain a commitment to inclusivity through sliding-scale tuition and community partnerships. With over 20 weekly classes and outreach programs serving local schools, we cultivate both pre-professional talent and recreational dancers. Our annual performances showcase original choreography from students and instructors, while our adult ensemble contributes to regional cultural events.The studio maintains ADA accessibility standards and offers specialized accommodations upon request. Through strategic collaborations with organizations like the YMCA, we extend our impact across six partner schools. Our honor-based tuition system ensures financial barriers don't prevent participation, supported by scholarship programs funded through community endowments. With decades of combined experience in dance pedagogy, our instructors continue the legacy established by founding directors Carol Winder and Nancy Saylor.
Services
Creative Movement
Ballet
Hip Hop
Modern Dance
Clogging
Acro
Dance Theater
Adult Ensemble
Pre-Professional Company
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer sliding-scale tuition options for all income levels
- Our instructors maintain 40+ years of combined dance education experience
- ADA-compliant facility with specialized accessibility accommodations
- Community partnerships serving six local schools annually
- Honor-based payment system requiring no income documentation
Services
Creative Movement
Structured dance classes for ages 4-5 develop foundational movement skills through imaginative play. Our curriculum focuses on rhythm, spatial awareness, and basic dance terminology while fostering creativity. Classes incorporate music, props, and storytelling to maintain engagement for young learners.
Adult Ensemble
Recreational dance program for adults aged 18+ combines technical training with performance opportunities. Participants learn choreography across multiple genres and perform at six annual community events. No prior experience required, emphasizing enjoyment and artistic expression over technical perfection.
Pre-Professional Company
Advanced training program for dancers aged 14+ includes weekly rehearsals and performance preparation. Members participate in two annual concerts featuring original choreography and collaborate with guest artists. The curriculum emphasizes stagecraft, audition techniques, and professional development skills.
Sliding Scale Tuition
Income-based pricing model offers five tiers from $25-$90 monthly for standard classes. Families choose their payment level without documentation requirements, ensuring accessibility for all economic backgrounds. Annual prepayment receives 5% discount with multi-class and sibling discounts available.
Community Workshops
On-site dance instruction provided at six partner schools plus additional one-time workshops. Curriculum includes age-appropriate dance education aligned with state arts standards. Programs serve approximately 300 students annually through partnerships with local educational institutions.
People
Stephanie Hodde
Board President
Stephanie Hodde leads strategic planning and governance for Halestone Foundation. With 15 years of nonprofit management experience, she oversees organizational development and community partnerships while maintaining financial oversight.
Sarah Balcomb
Vice President/Treasurer
Sarah Balcomb manages financial operations and budget planning for Halestone Foundation. Her background in accounting and community arts programming ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting educational initiatives through effective resource allocation.
Raeanna Simcoe
Secretary
Raeanna Simcoe maintains organizational records and coordinates board communications. With extensive experience in educational administration, she ensures compliance with governance standards while supporting program development initiatives.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for ages 1 through adult, with specific classes designed for early childhood through senior citizens.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide sliding-scale tuition options and need-based scholarships to ensure accessibility for all income levels.
Are your facilities accessible?
Our studio features ADA-compliant access including ramp entrance and wheelchair-accessible restrooms with grab bars.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in ballet, modern, hip hop, clogging, acro, jazz, and contemporary dance forms.
Do you perform community outreach?
We partner with six local schools and provide annual workshops reaching over 300 students through our outreach programs.
Reviews (3)
Trez Sebrell
Nov 28, 2019
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Great dance program for all ages (preschool through adult) offering classes in movement, ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, and clogging. Fabulous staff! Also offer mini camps during the summer.
Stephanie Hodde
Aug 17, 2016
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When I moved to Lexington 12 years ago, Halestone was the Studio that reminded me of dancing in a vibrant, artistic community, full of creative energy and youthfulness. It truly is a community in motion. I can… think of no better place for myself and my children to explore this incredibly athletic, and inspiring art form. COME FIND OUR BOOTH AT THE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL.
Paul E.
Apr 23, 2009
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Halestone is a fabulous dance studio. Creative, fun, hard-working, affirming, innovative. Our pre-teen daughter has been a part of Halestone for the last four years and has grown in grace and confidence. The annual recitals are full of artistry and magic.