Why Choose Us
- Enviable reputation for outstanding pre-professional dance training
- Dedicated and professional faculty for every program
- Other classes may include Music for Dancers, Arts and Humanities, Pilates® Method of Body Conditioning mat classes, Nutrition for Dancers, and Injury Prevention
- Each student’s class placement is continually reviewed and adjusted throughout the year to ensure growth and development
- Offering a Dancer Wellness Program designed to address the physiological, emotional and nutritional needs of the young dancer
- Graduates of the Academic Year Residential Dance Program dancing with such companies as Alvin Ailey, Ballet Austin, Houston Ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Richmond Ballet, RiverNorth, Richmond Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Washington Ballet, and Boston Ballet. Other graduates attend universities and conservatories such as New World School of the Arts, Julliard Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, University of Utah, Southern Methodist University, Butler University, Duke University, Dartmouth College, Fordham University, Goucher College, Columbia University, University of Michigan, and the American University
- Students live in a lovely established residential district just a few blocks from the main building
- Each house and room is unique and each house has a kitchen, lounge area with television and laundry facilities
- Dance is the priority, but so is being a teenager. Students attend football games, proms, plays, and regular trips to the mall and movies
- The Director of Residence Life and a team of trusted Resident Assistants provide supervision
- Abundant medical community is always on hand to help VSA students
After spending time and working with the students and staff of the Virginia School of the Arts, I found it to be a rather extraordinary example of a residential dance program. The serious and professional yet light-hearted approach by everyone at VSA has reassured me that the future of ballet training is in very good hands indeed. Kirk Peterson, American Ballet Theatre
It has given me great pleasure to teach at Virginia School of the Arts. That which struck me the most was the perfect combination of professional training and nurturing care. The results speak for themselves. James Whiteside, now with Boston Ballet, represents one of the many VSA alumni successes. Franco DeVita, American Ballet Theatre
In the professional atmosphere of the Virginia School of the Arts, my daughter was gently pushed towards excellence – an invaluable experience, not only as a dancer but also as a young woman. As a parent, I felt secure knowing that she was in a warm, safe and nurturing environment. Jaclyn Smith, Actress, Parent of Summer Dance Program Student
Virginia School of the Arts has prepared me not only for a life in ballet, but also for a life in the real world, as no other experience could have. Blair Waugh, Class of ’00, Apprentice, Richmond Ballet
VSA is an institution that strives for the highest level of artistic achievement. There is a very high level of discipline that translates into success for the young artists who attend. Lorraine Graves, Guest Artist
When thinking of Jordan’s future in dance, we were looking for a school with excellent training, comfortable residence-style living accommodations, surrounded by good and friendly people working in concert. At VSA in Lynchburg, we have found it. Ann and Gary Risdon, Parents of Jordan, Class of 2004, Toronto, Canada
My time at VSA has not only allowed my dance to develop to a superb level, but has also given me character which I can carry with me throughout life, regardless of my occupation. Colby Damon, Class of 2001, Sacramento Ballet
VSA provided me with the training I needed to start my career. With the discipline and technique, I have been able to dance for ballet companies, and now, on Broadway! Enrique Brown, Class of 1995, performed in Oklahoma now appearing in Fiddler on the Roof