Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance- Sandston

- 3991 E Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150

The Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance (ACCSD) is a fixture in the Central Virginia arts scene, offering high-quality dance education with a legacy stretching back over four decades. Founded in 1981 by Ann Catherine Cross, affectionately known as "Miss Ann," the school has become synonymous with excellence in dance training for the Sandston, Mechanicsville, and greater Richmond communities. Miss Ann's extensive experience—including five years as a student teacher under the late Coralease Wells Troy and studying with legendary figures like Luigi and Andy Blankenbuehler—forms the powerful foundation of the school's curriculum.

ACCSD is proud to cultivate a diverse and comprehensive dance program that caters to students of all ages and aspirations. Whether a young dancer in the Virginia area is seeking a fun, recreational outlet or dreams of a professional career, the school provides a path for growth. The core philosophy centers on community building and developing essential life skills like discipline, confidence, and teamwork, all while fostering a deep love for the performing arts. This holistic approach is what has helped numerous graduates of ACCSD go on to make their mark in the show business world, attend top dance conservatories, and excel in competitive dance circuits.

The Sandston location is a crucial part of the school's commitment to the local area. As one of two studios serving the region, it provides convenient access for families in eastern Henrico and New Kent counties. The school continues to evolve, bringing in guest artists from New York to Tel Aviv to work with the dancers, ensuring that students receive knowledge and experiences unmatched at many other local dance studios. At ACCSD, dance is a passion shared with the community, emphasizing a strong technical foundation, performance quality, and versatility in a supportive and professional atmosphere.

The Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance's Sandston location is ideally situated to serve families throughout the eastern Richmond metropolitan area. Its positioning makes it easily reachable for residents in Sandston, Highland Springs, and surrounding communities in Henrico County, as well as those traveling from neighboring New Kent County. The studio is committed to providing a dedicated and welcoming space for all.

The Sandston studio's address is: 3991 E Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150, USA.

The facilities are designed with the comfort and safety of all dancers and their families in mind, providing features that ensure accessibility for everyone.

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: This is a key feature that provides convenient, barrier-free access directly from the parking area to the school entrance, supporting families and visitors with mobility needs.

ACCSD provides a comprehensive and diverse curriculum aimed at building versatile and technically proficient dancers. The classes are structured to offer progressive training from introductory levels for toddlers to advanced levels for pre-professional students and adults. The school encourages a wide variety of dance experiences to develop well-rounded artists.

Programs and classes offered at the school include:

• Introductory & Creative Movement: Classes like “Totally Tots” and "Creative Movement" are specifically designed for the youngest dancers (ages 1-5), introducing them to classroom structure, rhythm, and a love for music and movement in a fun, activity-filled setting.
• Ballet Training: A foundational focus on Ballet, integrating classical French, Russian, and Italian schools of training with a basic understanding of placement and alignment. This is considered essential for all dance disciplines.
• Pointe Work: Specialized Pointe classes are offered by placement for students who have developed the necessary technique and strength, enhancing articulate feet and strong technique. Students are required to take two ballet classes weekly to enroll in Pointe.
• Jazz Dance: This energetic class covers all styles of jazz with an emphasis on technique and choreography, heavily influenced by the school's founder's background studying with masters like Luigi.
• Rhythmic and Street Styles: Offerings include Tap, which focuses on musicality, dexterity, and rhythm in both Broadway and rhythm tap styles, and high-energy Hip Hop, which incorporates street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking.
• Contemporary and Modern: Classes in Contemporary and Modern dance are offered, which encourage a great deal of creative exploration, off-balance movement, and a deeper connection to emotional expression through movement.
• Acro Flexibility: This class focuses on dynamic acrobatic skills, tumbling, general conditioning, and stretching, which is highly beneficial for a dancer's overall strength and versatility.
• Musical Theatre: A class dedicated to teaching the fundamental skills necessary for broadway-style shows, combining music, acting, and dance to help students embody different characters.
• Programs for All Ages: Classes are available for recreational dancers, competitive dancers, and young adult professionals, ensuring there is a suitable program for every student regardless of age or skill level.

Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance stands out in the Virginia dance community not only for its longevity but for its commitment to excellence, community, and comprehensive training.

Key highlights and distinguishing features of this Sandston school include:

• Four Decades of Dance History: Established in 1981, ACCSD has a long-standing history and a well-earned reputation for high-quality dance instruction and age-appropriateness in the Richmond area.
• Founder's Professional Pedigree: The school's foundation is built on the extensive training and performance background of Miss Ann, who studied with global dance legends, ensuring students receive instruction rooted in the highest standards of the art form.
• Dual-Track Training: The school successfully caters to both the recreational dancer looking for fun and the serious student aiming for a professional or collegiate career, with many alumni achieving success in top dance programs and show business.
• Commitment to Continuing Education: ACCSD regularly brings in top teachers and guest artists from across the country and the world, providing Sandston students with diverse, professional exposure and unparalleled educational opportunities.
• Emphasis on Life Skills: Beyond technical steps, the curriculum is designed to promote discipline, perseverance, confidence, and self-expression, fostering well-rounded individuals ready for success both inside and outside the studio.
• Newly Renovated Facility: The Sandston location features a recently renovated space with over 2,100 square feet dedicated to dance, providing a superior and safe environment for learning and practice.
• Performance Opportunities: The school provides exciting performance opportunities with a Winter Show and a Spring Show, allowing all dancers to showcase their learned skills and experience the joy of the stage.

For residents in Sandston, Mechanicsville, and the broader Virginia region interested in enrolling a student or learning more about the class schedules, Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance encourages direct communication.

• Address: 3991 E Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150, USA
• Phone: (804) 730-1740
• Mobile Phone: +1 804-730-1740

Choosing a dance school is an investment in a child’s or adult’s artistic and personal development, and for local Virginia users, the Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance-Sandston offers exceptional value. What makes this school worth choosing is the unparalleled blend of a rich local heritage and a forward-thinking, professional curriculum. Few studios in the region can boast a continuous legacy since 1981 and a founder with such an impressive background and dedication to constant learning.

The core strength lies in the technical foundation. Students here receive a robust education in Ballet, which serves as the anchor for excellence in all other genres, from Jazz and Tap to Contemporary and Hip Hop. This commitment to proper technique and safe progression is critical, especially for young, developing dancers.

Ultimately, ACCSD provides more than just dance lessons; it offers a comprehensive 'total dancer' experience. The Sandston studio is a place of community where students are encouraged to "Believe. Strive. Achieve." in an environment that is age-appropriate and fiercely dedicated to building confidence. For any Virginia family seeking a reputable, time-tested institution that promotes both artistic excellence and positive personal growth, Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance stands as a premier option.

Ann Catherine Cross School of Dance- Sandston

3991 E Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150, USA