Virginia Academy of Dance
Our Mission
"To be a safe place where people can come and learn classical dance technique, and not just focus on the pizazz of the end of the year performance."
Our Studio Code
Safe
Healthy
Strong Dance Technique
Classy
Fearless
Meet The VAD Team
Savannah H. Newman
Chief Executive Officer & Owner
Savannah H. Newman is the CEO and owner of Virginia Academy of Dance. She is a certified dance teacher with the American Ballet Theatre, which is located in New York City, and also has taught at the School of the Richmond Ballet for 3 years
Savannah Newman danced for 13 years, four of which were with the School of the Richmond Ballet. She then was accepted as a Trainee with the Richmond Ballet for two years performing with the professional Company. She danced in many different performances and pieces which include, the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, American In Paris, La Fille Mal Gardee, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Divertemento 15, La Bayadere, Paquita, Esmerelda, The Enchanted Toyshop, and other performances.
Mrs. Newman has dreamed of opening a dance studio that is accessible to students in the local area which offers a comprehensive dance program with an emphasis on safely training students in the correct ballet techniques. It is unfortunate that students must travel to Richmond or further to get proper ballet and dance training. Dance should not be only for those who live in a big city. Students in every area should be able to grow in a love of dance and master the skills that they need if they should desire to become a professional dancer.
Julie Gray
Level 1 Teacher
Upper Tap & Jazz Teacher
Julie Gray is the Level 1 Teacher and Upper Tap and Jazz teacher here at Virginia Academy of Dance LLC.
She is very skilled in her dance training and teaching and has a real passion for the physical arts.
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Mrs. Gray is the mother of two adorable children and lives happily with her husband and their three dogs, Molly, Rory, and Kallie.
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Elizabeth Jessen
Enrollment Coordinator & Receptionist
Elizabeth Jessen is the Enrollment Coordinator and Receptionist here at Virginia Academy of Dance LLC.
Miss Elizabeth has been dancing recreationally for over a decade and has danced ballet, tap, Irish hardshoe and softshoe, and clogging.
She joined VAD in 2020 as a Debutant and was excited to learn classical technique for ballet and tap. She continues to enjoy dance recreationally at VAD.
Katharine Jessen
Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Ms. Jessen is the teacher of our Pre-Primary and Primary levels.
Ms. Jessen has danced for 15 years in several different dance styles including, ballet, tap, Irish hardshoe, and clogging.
Jena Chappell
Level 1 & 2,
Lower Tap & Jazz Teacher
Jena is the Level 1 and Level 2 Ballet teacher and Jazz A and Tap A teacher at Virginia Academy of Dance.
Throughout the years she danced recreationally at Pointe of Promise taking Irish, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Clogging and in 2020-2021 Jena joined VAD taking Ballet and Tap.
Jena is currently a WIDA Open level Irish dancer and a proud troupe member in the Crossroads Irish Dance performance company.
