Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Performing Arts Education in Bluefield, WV
Founded in 2000, STARZ Performing Arts Academy is a premier institution dedicated to excellence in performing arts education. As a Member of the International Dance Council CID at UNESCO and a Once Upon a Ballet Licensed Studio, we provide professional instruction in dance, music, and theater. Our certified faculty includes instructors from Bolshoi Ballet, CLI Studios, and Acrobatic Arts, offering programs for recreational and competitive students. With over 10,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art facilities, we serve the Two Virginias region with a focus on technique, performance, and artistic appreciation.Our alumni have earned national recognition, and our competition teams consistently achieve top honors. We emphasize personalized training, hosting master classes with industry leaders and maintaining affiliations with prestigious organizations. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our partnerships with institutions like Joffrey Ballet School and CLI Studios. Through community events like Two Virginias' DanceFest, we foster artistic growth and cultural engagement. Our programs include ballet, acro, aerial silks, voice, and music theory, catering to all skill levels.
Services
Ballet
Acro
Aerial Silks
Voice Lessons
Music Theory
Hip-Hop
Contemporary
Tumbling
Piano Lessons
Musical Theatre
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors from Bolshoi Ballet and CLI Studios
- State-of-the-art 10,000 sq ft facility since 2000
- Award-winning competition teams and faculty choreographers
- Affiliated with Joffrey Ballet School and Acrobatic Arts
- Hosts Two Virginias' DanceFest with industry professionals
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Council CID at UNESCO
- Once Upon a Ballet Licensed Studio
- Acrobatic Arts Certified
- CLI Studios Certified
What people say
Award-winning faculty
Professional facilities
Excellent competition results
Personalized instruction
Comprehensive curriculum
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency and artistic expression through structured training. Certified instructors use methodologies from Bolshoi Ballet and ABT National Training Curriculum. Students progress through levels from beginner to advanced, focusing on proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality. Classes include pointe work, variations, and partnering for advanced dancers.
Acro Classes
Acrobatic Arts certified instruction combines dance and acrobatics in a safe environment. Curriculum emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and progressive skill development. Students learn cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials while maintaining dance technique. Classes are available for ages 2.5+ with separate tracks for recreational and competitive levels.
Music Lessons
Offering piano, voice, and guitar lessons with experienced instructors. Curriculum includes music theory, technique, and performance preparation. Voice students train in classical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles. Piano lessons focus on classical repertoire and sight-reading. Guitar instruction covers acoustic and electric techniques across multiple genres.
Competition Teams
Award-winning teams in ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop compete nationally. Training includes choreography, stage presence, and technical refinement. Dancers receive personalized coaching and participate in conventions like NYCDA and StarQuest. Teams have earned multiple regional and national titles since 2000.
Master Classes
Industry professionals teach master classes in various disciplines annually. Past instructors include Broadway performers and So You Think You Can Dance choreographers. Workshops focus on specific techniques, audition preparation, and performance skills. Events like Two Virginias' DanceFest include live feedback sessions and networking opportunities.
People
Gabrielle Colombo Massie
Owner/Artistic Director/Instructor/Choreographer
36 years dance experience, Bolshoi Ballet certified, CID UNESCO member. Recipient of CAPEZIO/NEW TALENT GENERATION Scholarship. Former Miss West Virginia International and Miss StarQuest judge. Hosts Two Virginias' DanceFest and trains faculty in certified methodologies.
Morgan Raskosky
Instructor/Choreographer
Acrobatic Arts certified instructor with 16 years STARZ training. Former STARZ Competition Team member and founding apprentice. CLI Studios certified, Radix Scholarship recipient. Choreographs award-winning acro pieces and teaches ballet/contemporary classes.
Chloe Browning
Instructor/Choreographer
Trained at CLI Conservatory and Joffrey Ballet School. Former STARZ Competition Team member with multiple regional/national awards. Specializes in contemporary, lyrical, and aerial arts. Teaches advanced technique classes and mentors competition soloists.
Teddy Forance
Adjunct Instructor/Mentor
CLI Studios co-founder with credits on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. Choreographed for Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Cirque Du Soleil. Teaches contemporary master classes and develops faculty training programs.
Olivia Rose Cece
Faculty Member
Broadway performer in Moulin Rouge! and The Prom. Trained at APAC and Pace University. Teaches commercial dance techniques and audition preparation. Appears in industry events like Two Virginias' DanceFest and Joffrey workshops.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, musical theatre, acro, aerial silks, and tumbling classes for ages 2.5+.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual recitals, Two Virginias' DanceFest, and competition teams perform at national events like StarQuest and NYCDA.
What are your instructor qualifications?
Our faculty includes Bolshoi Ballet certified instructors, Acrobatic Arts certified teachers, and CLI Studios certified professionals with Broadway and international performance experience.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we provide private instruction in dance, voice, piano, and guitar with customized lesson plans for individual skill development and competition preparation.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our website or contact us at 304-910-9647 to schedule a facility tour and discuss class placement options for all skill levels.
Are there adult classes available?
Yes, we offer adult classes in ballet, contemporary, and acro for recreational dancers aged 18+, with flexible scheduling options for working professionals.
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