Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Manakin-Sabot, VA
Founded in August 2012 by owner Lauren Gibson, Aspire Dance Academy provides high-quality dance instruction in a fun and inspiring atmosphere. Located in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia, our studio offers a variety of dance classes including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and pilates for all ages. We prioritize proper technique while building students' confidence, self-image, and self-awareness. Our team of experienced instructors includes professional dancers with extensive training and performance backgrounds.The studio features marley-covered suspended wooden floors and wood sprung floors for safety, along with floor-to-ceiling mirrors for student correction. We serve both aspiring professionals and recreational dancers, offering flexible registration options and a no-obligation trial class for new students. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our instructors' ongoing professional development and partnerships with prestigious dance institutions.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Pilates
Pointe
Contemporary
Creative Movement
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include former professional dancers with training from prestigious institutions
- We offer 10+ dance styles including specialized ballet technique and pointe classes
- Studio features industry-standard marley floors and sprung flooring for injury prevention
- Flexible payment options including class passes for ages 17+
- Convenient location with easy access to Richmond and Short Pump areas
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program offers comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels. Students develop proper technique through barre work, center practice, and across-the-floor combinations. Classes emphasize posture, alignment, and musicality while preparing dancers for pointe work. Our instructors include former professional ballet dancers with experience from major companies like Richmond Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine technical training with performance quality. Students learn various jazz styles from classic to contemporary, focusing on isolations, rhythm, and dynamic movement. Our instructors bring professional experience from Broadway-style productions and national dance competitions. Classes incorporate current trends while maintaining foundational jazz techniques.
Tap
Tap instruction emphasizes musicality and precision through rhythmic patterns and improvisation. Our program includes traditional and modern tap styles, with instructors trained by renowned tappers like Diane Walker and Michelle Dorrance. Students perform at local festivals and participate in master classes with visiting professionals.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach fundamental street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Our instructors have professional performance experience and competition backgrounds. Classes focus on musicality, freestyle technique, and choreography while maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all skill levels.
Pilates
Mat Pilates classes improve core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Our program follows traditional Pilates principles with modifications for dancers' needs. Instructors hold specialized certifications and integrate Pilates with dance training to enhance performance and prevent injuries through controlled movements and proper alignment.
People
Lauren Gibson
Owner / Director / Instructor
Lauren Gibson founded Aspire Dance Academy in 2012 after graduating from East Carolina University with a dance minor. A former principal dancer with a local ballet company, she holds ISCA Mat Pilates certification and has trained with renowned instructors at the Dance Teacher Summit and Finis Jhung's Ballet Technique program.
Amelia Virtue
Instructor
Amelia Virtue teaches ballet, pointe, and lyrical. She trained at Virginia School of the Arts and American Ballet Theatre, performed with Cincinnati Ballet, and now teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University. She brings experience from Ellison Ballet's Professional Training Program and Kansas City Ballet.
Arianna Lawson
Instructor
Arianna Lawson offers 18 years of professional ballet experience, including six seasons with Oklahoma City Ballet and performances in principal roles. She trained at The Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Houston Ballet Academy, bringing international performance expertise to her instruction.
Darian Desrocher
Instructor
Darian Desrocher teaches tap, hip hop, and lyrical. A James Madison University graduate with a B.A. in Dance Performance, she has competitive dance experience from Lionville School of Dance and performs with the JMU Contemporary Dance Ensemble.
Sabrina Vaz
Instructor
Sabrina Vaz brings over 30 years of teaching experience, including 21 years running her own studio. She completed full certification with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and specializes in the Vaganova teaching method, offering classical ballet training to all levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, and pilates for ages 3+ with classes from beginner to advanced levels.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide no-obligation trial classes for new students. Contact us through our website to schedule your first session.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our instructors include former professional dancers with degrees from institutions like East Carolina University and Virginia Commonwealth University, plus certifications in specialized techniques.
How do I register for classes?
Returning students can register online through Dance Studio Pro. New students should complete our contact form to begin the registration process.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer annual showcases, mandatory dress rehearsals, and performance opportunities through our Aspire Dance Ensemble program for dedicated students.
Reviews (6)
Noelle P.
Dec 20, 2021
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I danced here for 7 years and still occasionally drop in for classes and cannot recommend Aspire enough! The instructors (especially Lauren Gibson, who I had the privilege of being taught by for 10 years) are amazing and truly committed to each persons individual growth! They are all so professional and helpful & provide many performance opportunities for students who want to be more involved.
Nora M.
Mar 15, 2021
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Very disappointing experience. Enrolled both of my kids, paid far more money than it was worth, and received very poor customer experience. It's no wonder they put in their fine print that you have to continue to pay tuition through the remainder of the term. That way, they don't have to keep you or your children happy and still get paid. Be careful and do your due diligence before enrolling your kids! Not worth it and I'm hearing from friends of mine other dance studios don't operate like this! Will definitely continue to do dance but will not spend another dime on this place
Nd Dandridge
Sep 08, 2020
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The five stars says it all. And it's important you should know I have only done one other public classification rating in the entire Richmond area!
Crystal G.
Aug 26, 2020
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Aspire Dance Academy. 1903 Manakin Rd. Just a few miles west of Wegmans on Broad. We had a great social distancing showcase this year.
Teshara Dabney
Nov 18, 2017
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My daughter loves ballet and tap and is having a blast! I cant speak high enough of her teacher miss Lauren. She is a great teacher and is great with kids so glad we found this place!!! Its a bit of a drive from mechanicsville but its sooooo worth it! I recommend this place to anyone I know with kids.
Ramey Anderson
May 08, 2017
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I have been dancing with Aspire as an adult for 4 years now and love it! Aspire is an amazing place to learn dance at any age.
