As the curtains close on its fourth year, the Dance Academy of Virginia (DAV) gracefully pirouettes into its fifth year, marking a milestone that celebrates growth, community, and a vision that has danced its way into the hearts of many. Founded in 2020 by Katherine Horrigan, DAV has not only established itself as a beacon of excellence in dance education but also as a nurturing ground for creativity, discipline, and holistic development. With an unwavering commitment to fostering talent and passion for dance among students of all ages and skill levels, DAV’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with love, dedication, and a clear vision.
Katherine Horrigan has always been driven by a simple yet profound philosophy: to create a space where students can not only explore their passion for dance but also develop essential life skills that contribute to success in all areas of life. Her approach has consistently focused on offering more than just dance lessons—dedicated to nurturing talent, encouraging self-expression, building confidence, fostering a sense of community, and instilling character traits that support dancers in all their endeavors.
This vision led DAV to expand beyond its original walls into the vibrant heart of Del Ray in 2024. This strategic move was not just about physical expansion but about extending DAV’s reach and impact within the community. The new location offers an array of classes, camps, birthday parties, rentals, and community events designed for children and adults alike. It reflects DAV’s mission to engage with communities and spread the joy and benefits of dance education.
In tandem with this expansion was the addition of more studio space at its McLean location—a response to the growing demand for DAV’s high-caliber programs. The expanded facility aims to enhance student and parent experiences with new class programming and more waiting and dressing room areas for families. Horrigan proudly acknowledges this growth as the result of incredible support from the community which fuels further developments at DAV.
The backbone of DAV’s success lies in its talented team—dedicated instructors who are not just masters in their craft but mentors who inspire their students daily. These educators work collaboratively on curriculum development, engagement tools, and productions while receiving professional development themselves. Their commitment to ensuring each student gains the technical skills and mindset tools maintains an atmosphere of creative nurturing and motivation where students have fun working hard.
DAV prides itself on being more than just a dance academy—it’s a family where inclusion, support, and celebration are key elements of its culture. From performances to competitions to regular community events—the academy fosters strong bonds among students and families alike making it their second home.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from parents, families, local businesses—and importantly—the students whose hard work shines both in-studio and onstage. Their dedication continues to drive DAV towards exciting programming including expanding their beloved Nutcracker production for an even more magical experience; growing competition teams providing talented dancers significant exposure; blooming ensembles offering young dancers ample performance opportunities; and attracting guest choreographers who push creative boundaries further.
Looking ahead into its fifth year brings waves of excitement across everyone associated with DAV—from the committed team Katherine has developed to every budding dancer stepping through their doors. The future holds promise as new studio spaces beckon greater opportunities; continued community engagement deepens roots; unwavering dedication towards enriching lives through dance brightens every step taken forward.
The Dance Academy of Virginia stands ready—poised at this pivotal moment—to leap into another year with studios filled with smiling hard working dancers led by passionate teachers creating an atmosphere that transforms lives by instilling confidence; nurturing talents; promoting teamwork—and above all—spreading joy throughout the communities it serves.
As Dance Academy of Virginia celebrates four remarkable years and looks ahead to an exhilarating fifth, it’s clear why this academy stands out. It’s a place where dreams take flight and where young hearts discover not just the joy of dance, but the unwavering power of discipline, dedication, and collaboration. These are the very skills that will carry these dancers beyond the stage, shaping them into confident, resilient, and successful individuals who will lead fulfilling lives, both on and off the dance floor. The Dance Academy of Virginia isn’t just about dance, it’s about building futures, and for the students who walk through its doors, the stage is just the beginning.
Explore Dance Academy of Virginia’s journey further:
Website: www.danceacademyva.com
Instagram: @danceacademyva @kathorrigan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/danceacademyva
Published by: Holy Minoza
