Genia Johnson Dance Co

- 11925 Centre St, Chester, VA 23831

For over 22 years, Genia Johnson Dance Co (GJDC) has been a leading force in dance education, establishing itself as the premier dance studio in the Tri-City area of Virginia. Conveniently located in Chester, GJDC is not just a place for dance lessons; it is a center devoted to the art of dance, committed to enriching the lives of the local community through its fascinating, joyous, and universal qualities.

The core mission of Genia Johnson Dance Co is to instill the passion to pursue a creative discipline and seek a sense of achievement in every student, all while nurturing self-esteem and expression. Under the guidance of experienced instructors who maintain continual training with some of the country’s leading choreographers, GJDC provides exceptional technical instruction in a positive and professional atmosphere.

Whether a resident of Virginia is seeking classes purely for fun, a safe and structured introductory program for a toddler, or intensive pre-professional training, GJDC offers a comprehensive curriculum to meet every goal. The studio creates an environment where every dancer is encouraged to explore their potential, develop technical excellence, and gain memories and lessons that will reach far beyond the classroom and last a lifetime.

Genia Johnson Dance Co is centrally and conveniently located in Chester, VA, making it an ideal choice for families across Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, and the surrounding Tri-City areas. The studio is strategically situated to offer simple access for drop-offs and pick-ups.

The facility address is:

11925 Centre St, Chester, VA 23831, USA

In recognition of the diverse needs of the Virginia community, GJDC has taken steps to ensure accessibility at its location. A key feature of the facility includes:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing dedicated and convenient parking for all visitors.

Parents are encouraged to use the dedicated parent portal for all account management needs, including viewing class schedules, updating contact and billing information, and receiving direct class emails with important updates. While the studio's main location is in Chester, its history has also included a presence on the Boulevard in Colonial Heights, reflecting its longstanding dedication to serving the entire Tri-City area.

Genia Johnson Dance Co prides itself on offering an extensive and diverse curriculum that caters to all ages and skill levels, from absolute beginner to pre-professional dancer. Classes are structured to develop strong foundational technique while encouraging personal expression and a love for movement.

The broad range of class offerings includes:

• Kinderdance (Ages 2 & 3): A 45-minute introductory class using a ballet-based curriculum, creative movement, and basic gymnastics to aid in motor skill development and balance.
• Combination Classes (Ballet/Tap): Classes for ages 3/4-5 and 6-8, combining foundational ballet for body control and flexibility with tap for rhythm and sound mastery.
• Classical Ballet (Ages 9+): Focused on grace, discipline, and proper technique, including barre work, center floor work, and across-the-floor combinations.
• Pointe and Pre-Pointe: Advanced placement for students who have been extensively evaluated for the necessary strength, maturity, and technique to begin pointe work.
• Jazz & PreJazz: High-energy classes utilizing ballet foundations to develop flexibility, controlled movement, stylistic expression, and fitness for leaps, turns, and jump techniques.
• Tap (Ages 9+): Focuses on mastering footwork, tap patterns, and musicality through various tap styles, ranging from basic to complex rhythmic combinations.
• Hip Hop (Ages 6+): A popular, funky, and high-energy class that uses age-appropriate choreography and music to teach sharp and fluid motions, rhythm, and commercial dance style.
• Lyrical/Contemporary: A class for ages 9 and up that blends Ballet and Jazz techniques, emphasizing strength, flexibility, improvisation, and emotional expression through choreography.
• Modern: Explores abstract, angular movements, focusing on core strength, syncopated rhythm techniques, and unique contemporary styles.
• Acrobatic Arts: Dedicated training using a certified Acrobatic Arts program, including 'Tumble Tots' for the youngest students, focusing on safely building strength, flexibility, and tumbling skills.
• GJDC Company Team: A dynamic, audition-based program for committed dancers (ages 5-18) focused on excellence in competition and performance in various styles across the East Coast region.

Genia Johnson Dance Co is distinguished by its history, the quality of its facilities, and its deep commitment to the artistic development of its students in the Virginia community.

Outstanding features and highlights of GJDC include:

• Long-Standing Reputation as 'Premier': Recognized locally as the premier dance studio in the Tri-City area for over 22 years, speaking to its consistent quality and reputation within the community.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: The studio operates out of a spacious building, which includes three spacious studios, suspended wood floors, professional barre systems, and sleek mirrors, creating an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
• Highly Qualified, Continually Trained Instructors: Teachers at GJDC have deep experience and continue to access training from leading national choreographers, ensuring students receive instruction in the latest techniques and styles.
• Emphasis on Holistic Development: The school’s mission focuses not only on technique but also on nurturing self-esteem, creative discipline, and self-expression, providing "memories and lessons that reach far beyond the classroom."
• Commitment to Affordability: GJDC is dedicated to providing quality dance education that is also affordable, making the arts accessible to a wider range of Virginia families.
• Extensive Performance Opportunities: Every dancer has their moment to shine in the annual Spring Performance, and the Company Team participates in numerous competitions and conventions across the East Coast.
• Structured Student Recognition: The school consistently rewards and recognizes students for achievements such as Perfect Attendance and milestones like the "GJDC 5 Year Stars" award, fostering dedication and loyalty.

Virginia residents can easily connect with Genia Johnson Dance Co for registration, inquiries about their extensive class offerings, or details regarding the competitive Company Team.

• Address: 11925 Centre St, Chester, VA 23831, USA
• Phone: (804) 777-9983
• Mobile Phone: +1 804-777-9983

The provided contact numbers and the convenient location in Chester ensure that new and returning families can easily get the information they need to integrate their child into the GJDC community.

For families seeking a high-caliber dance education in the Chesterfield County and Tri-City area, Genia Johnson Dance Co is an exceptional choice. What makes this studio truly worth selecting is the balance it maintains between rigorous technical training and a genuinely supportive, motivational learning environment. It is a place with a proven track record, having been recognized as the "PREMIERE dance studio" locally for over two decades.

The school's owner, Genia Johnson Williams, possesses an impressive background—from extensive training and collegiate-level performance at Radford University to holding positions as a choreographer, head coach, and certified member of Dance Educators of America. This level of experienced leadership is directly translated into the quality of the curriculum, which is continually updated by teachers who train with national choreographers. This ensures that students receive a cutting-edge, comprehensive dance education.

Furthermore, the extensive program list, ranging from Kinderdance to the competitive Company Team, means a dancer can begin their journey as a toddler and progress seamlessly through their entire education without needing to switch studios. The commitment to providing quality and affordable education in a modern, well-equipped facility (complete with suspended wood floors for dancer safety) solidifies GJDC's position. Choosing Genia Johnson Dance Co means securing a professional, long-term, and rewarding artistic home for any aspiring dancer in the Virginia region.

Genia Johnson Dance Co

11925 Centre St, Chester, VA 23831, USA