The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa

- 6915 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228

Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa has been a beloved and long-standing institution in the community for decades. Known as Richmond's traditional dance school, the studio, led by owner and director Judith Yarbrough Matassa, is a place where students of all ages can discover the joy, discipline, and artistry of dance. The studio's philosophy is deeply rooted in a love of dance, emphasizing the importance of teaching not only technical skills but also life lessons like self-discipline, confidence, and grace. This dual focus on artistic and personal development is what keeps students coming back year after year, with many having studied with Mrs. Matassa for over 25 years.

What sets The Dance Studio apart is its commitment to creating a family-like environment. The studio is a place where students and parents alike feel a sense of belonging, and it has become a second home for many. Mrs. Matassa's personal investment in each student is a recurring theme in the testimonials from those who have been part of the dance family. She is described as a "wonderful teacher" who is "loving, kind but firm with the children," and who teaches them how to "carry oneself with confidence and grace in all aspects of their lives." This personalized attention and genuine care for each individual's journey, regardless of their age or ability, is a cornerstone of the studio's success.

The studio's approach to dance education is both comprehensive and nurturing. It offers a wide range of classes that provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of various dance forms, including ballet, jazz, and tap. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure a "graded progress" for each child, with careful analysis and individual correction provided in all classes. This structured yet supportive method helps students build their skills progressively and confidently. The studio's dedication to its students is also evident in its commitment to welcoming dancers who return home from college, a testament to the strong and lasting bonds formed there.

The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa is a true gem in the Richmond community. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of quality dance education and the importance of a caring and inspiring teacher. For anyone in the Virginia region looking for a dance school that offers both excellent technical training and a supportive, family-like environment, this studio is an exceptional choice. It is a place where students not only learn to dance but also learn valuable life skills that will serve them for years to come.

Location and Accessibility

The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa is conveniently located at 6915 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228, USA. This easily accessible location makes it a practical choice for families and individuals throughout Richmond and the surrounding areas. The studio is situated in a well-known area, which makes it simple for students to get to for their weekly classes.

A key feature of the studio's facilities is its commitment to accessibility. It provides a wheelchair-accessible car park, which ensures that parking is convenient and accommodating for individuals with mobility challenges. This thoughtful amenity helps remove a potential barrier for those who may have different accessibility needs. The location and a focus on practical accessibility make The Dance Studio a welcoming place for a diverse range of students and their families.

Services Offered

• Adult lessons: Classes designed specifically for adults who are looking to learn or continue their dance journey.
• Advanced classes: Programs for experienced students to refine their technique and learn more complex choreography.
• Beginner's classes: Introductory classes for students of all ages who are new to dance.
• Intermediate classes: Classes for students who have mastered the basics and are ready for more challenging movements.
• Jazz: Classes that focus on the energetic and stylized form of jazz dance.
• Youth classes: A wide variety of classes tailored for younger students, from toddlers to teenagers.
• Adult Classes: A dedicated program for adults, covering various dance styles and exercise classes.
• Combination Class: A class that combines two or more dance styles, such as the pre-ballet and tap combination class.
• Exercise Classes: Fitness-focused classes that use dance movements to help condition and tone the body.
• Pointe Classes: Advanced ballet classes for students who have developed sufficient strength and technique to dance on pointe shoes.
• Pre-Ballet: Classes that introduce young children to the fundamentals of ballet in a playful and engaging way.
• Special Classes: Unique classes that may be offered for specific purposes or events.
• Pointe ballet: A specialized program for the art and technique of dancing en pointe.
• Tap & pre-ballet: A combination class that introduces children to both tap dancing and pre-ballet fundamentals.

Features / Highlights

• Good for kids: The studio is known for being a safe, nurturing, and positive environment for children.
• Wheelchair-accessible car park: A thoughtful amenity that ensures the studio is accessible to everyone.
• Personalized Teaching: Judy Y. Matassa is praised for teaching all her own classes, knowing each student by name, and giving individualized attention.
• Family-Like Atmosphere: The studio is consistently described by students as feeling like a second home and a wonderful dance family.
• Focus on Fundamentals: The curriculum emphasizes learning the basics of ballet, jazz, and tap to build a strong foundation.
• Life Skills Education: The teacher instills valuable life lessons such as self-discipline, confidence, and grace.
• Long-Standing Reputation: The studio has been a local jewel for decades, with a loyal following of students who have returned for years.
• Wide Age Range: The studio welcomes students from 3 to 80 years old, showing its commitment to dance education for all.

Contact Information

Address: 6915 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228, USA
Phone: (804) 262-0093
Mobile Phone: +1 804-262-0093

What is worth choosing

When considering a dance school in the Richmond area, The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa presents a compelling and unique option, especially for those who value tradition, community, and personal attention. One of the most significant reasons to choose this studio is the direct and personal involvement of the owner and director, Judy Y. Matassa. Unlike larger schools with a revolving door of instructors, Mrs. Matassa teaches all her own classes and knows "each child & adult by name, face and birthday." This level of personal connection is rare and ensures that every student receives a consistent, high-quality, and deeply caring education. A long-time student's review perfectly captures this, stating that Mrs. Matassa "personally invests a little bit of herself" into each student, making them feel special and valued.

Another key reason is the studio's commitment to teaching not just dance steps, but also valuable life skills. A former student credited Mrs. Matassa with teaching her "self discipline and how to carry oneself with confidence and grace in all aspects of their lives." In a world where dance can often become overly competitive, The Dance Studio provides a balanced approach where character development is as important as technical proficiency. This makes it an ideal place for children to not only learn to dance but to grow into confident, disciplined, and kind individuals. The studio's long-standing reputation as a "traditional" school means it has stood the test of time, proving its excellence and loyalty to its core values.

The wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels is also a major draw. From Pre-Ballet and Combination Class for the youngest dancers to Advanced Classes and dedicated Adult Classes, there is a program for everyone. The studio also offers specialized training in Jazz and Pointe, ensuring that students can pursue their interests and advance their skills under expert guidance. The curriculum, which builds on foundational knowledge year after year, is designed for maximum progress and ensures that students are learning correctly from the start. The presence of a wheelchair-accessible car park shows a practical commitment to making the studio available to a wider community.

Ultimately, what is worth choosing about The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa is the feeling of becoming "part of a wonderful dance family." It's a place where students are inspired to "be the best you can be" and where they feel a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom. The combination of a caring and firm teacher, a classic and effective curriculum, and a strong sense of community makes this studio a premier choice for dance education in the Richmond, VA area.

The Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa

6915 Lakeside Ave, Richmond, VA 23228, USA