About Us

At Blacksburg Dance Theater, we believe dance is more than just movement: it’s a shared experience that nurtures creativity, confidence, and connection. Our studio is a welcoming, noncompetitive space where dancers of all ages, identities, and experience levels are supported, celebrated, and encouraged to grow.

We honor each dancer’s unique journey, celebrating progress over perfection and expression over awards. Our classes are thoughtfully designed to blend technical rigor with joyful exploration, grounded in brain-compatible practices and a deep respect for each individual’s learning style.

At our studio, we believe EVERY body is a dance body, kindness matters, curiosity fuels growth, and when we move together, we build something bigger than ourselves: a true community.

Whether you're stepping into the studio for the first time or continuing a lifelong love of dance, you'll find a place to belong, express yourself, and grow at Blacksburg Dance Theater!

Principles of Community

These Principles of Community guide how we show up for ourselves and each other in the studio and beyond.

1. We Move with Kindness

  • We treat every dancer—regardless of age, background, or experience—with respect and compassion. We celebrate each other’s progress and support one another through challenges, knowing that kindness is the foundation of a strong community.

2. We Celebrate Every Body

  • We reject narrow definitions of what a dancer “should” look like. Every body is a dance body. We honor the uniqueness of each mover and foster a body-positive environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

3. We Dance for Joy, Not for Points

  • We are proudly noncompetitive. Our studio is a space where dancers can explore, express, and grow without the pressure of rankings or trophies. We dance because it feels good, because it connects us, and because it brings us joy.

4. We Embrace Inclusive Movement

  • We welcome dancers of all identities, abilities, and experiences. Our classes are designed to be accessible and affirming for people of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body sizes, neurotypes, and backgrounds. Everyone deserves to move in a space where they belong.

5. We Learn with Curiosity and Care

  • Grounded in best practices and brain-compatible dance education, we approach learning with open minds and open hearts. We encourage questions, exploration, and self-discovery, knowing that growth happens when we feel safe and supported.

6. We Honor the Individual

  • Each dancer’s journey is unique. We respect personal boundaries, honor individual learning styles, and support each student in developing a healthy, joyful relationship with their body and their artistry.

7. We Build Community Through Movement

  • Dance is a powerful connector. Whether we’re sharing a warm-up, a laugh, or a moment of stillness, we recognize that every interaction shapes our community. We commit to showing up with presence, patience, and purpose.

8. We Believe Joy and Rigor Can Dance Together

  • We know that discipline and delight are not opposites. Our classes are thoughtfully designed to challenge dancers while nurturing their love of movement. We believe that technical growth and joyful expression go hand in hand.

9. We Respect Our Shared Space and Each Other

  • We care for our studio, our instructors, and our fellow dancers. This means arriving on time, listening actively, using kind words, and treating the space and each other with care. Respect is the rhythm that keeps our community in sync.