In a historic industrial center of Roanoke, Virginia, sits Star City School of Ballet, a dance school that has been shaping the next generation of dancers in the Roanoke Valley since 1986. Founded with a vision to bring classical technique to a growing arts community, Star City has become a home for both serious pre-professional students and those who simply enjoy the art of dance that engages both the body and mind.
Classical roots in the heart of Roanoke, VA
Located in a historic industrial building at 1005 Industry Ave in Roanoke, VA, Star City offers classical training in a welcoming and modern setting. “We have always wanted to bring classic technique into a new era,” says Ana Elisa Martinez De la Peña, Chief Executive Director of Star City School of Ballet.
The mission allows the school to blend tradition and innovation in the arts. The Roanoke Valley area has been fertile ground for the school, which offers area dancers accessibility, professional-level training, and a supportive, quality education.
From its founding, the school’s leadership has recognized the need in the area for serious dance instruction, something often found in large metro area dance companies but hard to come by in smaller cities.
“With this in mind, we have developed programs that emphasize musicality and discipline, while still making sure students can enjoy creativity and the pure joy of dance in every class,” says Martinez De la Peña.
Enduring lessons for life through dance for young dancers to adults
A cornerstone of Star City School of Ballet’s platform is the enduring lessons that students can carry through into adulthood, even if they do not pursue a career in dance. “Our school is a place where people can learn not just dance, but confidence, focus, and perseverance, all qualities that will benefit them down the road,” explains Martinez De la Peña.
The classes for beginners through pre-professional students all emphasize a philosophy of “starting off on the right foot,” creating a solid foundation for future training. Beginner classes are positive, structured, and inspiring, fostering a love of dance that endures.
Recognizing that dance instruction can be beneficial for boys as well, the school offers a tailored approach with specific classes for male students ages 7 to 18, led by male faculty instructors who can focus on these students and what they need to grow into strong young men, such as how to improve their stamina, strength, and agility.
“Ballet is instrumental for all kinds of dance, and it’s not just an art form, but it’s a basis for movement,” says Martinez De la Peña. “Even if students go on to pursue sports, theater, or other movement-heavy endeavors, their dance instruction gives them a solid springboard for success.”
Full-spectrum dance education and experience to elevate your skills
Though Star City has been a ballet-intensive studio since its inception, it has expanded its offerings as it moves into 2026, recognizing demand for instruction in other forms of dance. The school now offers programs in acro, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, and tap dance, allowing students to receive a well-rounded dance education across multiple genres.
Acro classes blend tumbling skills with dance lines, helping students gain flexibility, balance, and control that complement any technical training. Contemporary and lyrical classes encourage artistic, fluid movement, allowing dancers to explore emotion, storytelling, and personal style while still relying on strong technique. Hip-hop brings in musicality and rhythm, helping students develop versatility and stage presence that can translate to commercial and competitive settings. Musical theatre and tap further broaden the school’s reach, connecting dance with character, acting, and rhythm-based footwork.
These classes help students understand how dance fits into the larger world of performance, whether in community theatre, professional productions, college programs, or just for fun.
With these expanded offerings, Star City School of Ballet has positioned itself not just as the premier ballet school in the Roanoke area but also as a center for multidisciplinary dance training in Southwest Virginia.
Join us for something new: Excitement ahead in 2026
For the new year, the leadership at Star City School of Ballet is excited about its expanded offerings and about some unique events they have booked. The school’s latest milestone is especially exciting: hosting the renowned Joffrey Ballet on February 28th and March 1st. The two-day intensive workshop is a sign of things to come for Star City, as it plans to become an arts center to host events and performances in the near future.
“We will be expanding our space to host anyone who requires it, starting with non-profits but also for creators, master artists, professionals, and entrepreneurs in our area and beyond,” Martinez De la Peña says. “Ultimately, we just want to help creative people express themselves.”
Until then, the Star City School of Ballet continues to deepen its roots within the Roanoke community while branching into some commercial and contemporary styles that will help bring more people into the world of dance. In 2026, it will bring back popular winter and summer intensives and camps for adults that have helped endear the school to the area.
With its strong foundation in the local community and expanded programs, Star City School of Ballet is well-positioned to inspire the next generation of artists and dreamers.
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