Business Details
14 Years
experience
Premier Dance Instruction for All Ages
Aspire Dance Academy was founded in August 2012 by Lauren Gibson with a mission to provide high-quality dance instruction in a fun and inspiring environment. Our academy offers comprehensive training in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and pilates for students of all ages, emphasizing proper technique while fostering confidence, self-image, and self-awareness. With a team of experienced instructors, many of whom have performed professionally or trained internationally, we cater to both aspiring professionals and recreational dancers.Our state-of-the-art facilities feature marley-covered floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors to ensure optimal learning conditions. We prioritize dancer safety through structured warm-ups, proper attire guidelines, and observation policies for late arrivals. Our annual spring showcase and competitive opportunities allow students to showcase their progress, while our flexible class pass options and online registration system provide convenience for modern families.
Services
Ballet
Pointe
Jazz
Tap
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Pilates
Contemporary
Break
Creative Movement
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer expert dance instruction in 8+ styles for ages 3+
- Our instructors include former professional dancers and competition award winners
- We provide safe, professional facilities with marley-covered sprung floors
- Our annual spring showcase builds performance confidence and experience
- Flexible class pass options available for adult learners and casual dancers
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical excellence through Vaganova method training and professional instructor expertise. Students learn proper body alignment, musicality, and performance skills while building foundational dance techniques. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels with specialized pointe instruction for qualified students.
Tap
Tap classes focus on developing rhythm, coordination, and musical interpretation through percussive footwork. Our instructors emphasize clear sound production and improvisation skills while maintaining proper technique. Students train in various tap styles from Broadway to contemporary forms in a progressive learning environment.
Hip Hop
Hip hop instruction covers street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Classes develop body isolation, musicality, and freestyle confidence while maintaining technical precision. Our curriculum balances foundational moves with current trends for authentic urban dance education.
Pilates
Mat Pilates classes enhance core strength, flexibility, and body awareness through controlled movements. This cross-training program improves posture and injury prevention while complementing dance technique development. Sessions focus on breath control, precision, and mindful movement for dancers and adult participants.
Lyrical
Lyrical/contemporary classes combine ballet technique with emotional storytelling through movement. Students develop fluid transitions, floor work, and expressive interpretation while maintaining technical control. Our program emphasizes artistic growth through choreography that connects music and emotion.
People
Lauren Gibson
Owner / Director / Instructor
Lauren Gibson founded Aspire Dance Academy in 2012 after graduating from East Carolina University with dance training from Joseph Carow and Galina Panova. A former principal dancer with a local ballet company, she holds ISCA Mat Pilates certification and has trained with renowned instructors at Dance Teacher Summits. She specializes in ballet, jazz, and lyrical instruction.
Amelia Virtue
Instructor
Amelia Virtue trained at Kat and Company Dance Studio and Pittsburgh Youth Ballet before attending summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre and Ellison Ballet. A former Cincinnati Ballet company member, she teaches ballet and lyrical while pursuing research in human-robot dance collaboration at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Arianna Lawson
Instructor
Arianna Lawson trained at The Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Houston Ballet Academy before dancing professionally with Oklahoma City Ballet and Dayton Ballet. She teaches ballet and pointe classes, drawing from experience performing principal roles in classical ballets like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.
Darian Desrocher
Instructor
Darian Desrocher brings competitive dance experience from Lionville School of Dance and James Madison University's dance program. She teaches tap, hip hop, and lyrical while balancing teaching roles with Showstopper Dance Competition. Her background includes Rockette Summer Intensive training.
Sabrina Vaz
Instructor
Sabrina Vaz holds full certification from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy after studying with renowned Russian professors. With over 30 years teaching experience, she specializes in Vaganova method ballet instruction and has choreographed award-winning competition routines while maintaining pilates certification.
Questions
Why can't students dance if they arrive more than 10 minutes late?
Late students miss critical warm-up exercises essential for injury prevention. They may observe class until cleared to participate safely.
Why are skirts and jewelry prohibited during dance classes?
These items obstruct proper technique correction and pose safety hazards. Instructors need clear visibility of body alignment for effective teaching.
What are the ballet class dress code requirements?
Ballet requires buns to maintain proper head alignment visibility and pink footed tights to observe muscle engagement and leg lines.
Why are private lessons required for missed spring classes?
Spring classes focus on showcase choreography critical for group progress. Private lessons help students catch up without disrupting class momentum.
How does class placement work at Aspire Dance Academy?
Class placement uses September 30th age guidelines and instructor assessment to ensure appropriate skill level progression.
Can students wear dance shoes outside the studio?
Dance shoes must stay indoors to prevent damage and maintain studio floor safety by avoiding tracked-in debris.
