Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Henrico Since 1983
Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa has been a cornerstone of Richmond's dance community for 43 years, offering comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and adult exercise classes. Founded in 1983 by Judith Yarbrough Matassa, our studio fosters a family-like environment where students of all agesfrom 3 to 80develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. With personalized attention from experienced instructors, we emphasize discipline, kindness, and lifelong learning.Our annual performances at the Scottish Rite Temple and community outreach programs reflect our commitment to both artistic excellence and social responsibility. As a traditional dance school, we maintain rigorous standards while nurturing individual growth, ensuring each student feels valued and inspired.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Pointe
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 43 years of proven excellence in dance education
- Personalized instruction from experienced, dedicated instructors
- Family-oriented environment fostering lifelong relationships
- Comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels
- Community involvement through charity performances and events
What people say
Second family
Experienced instructors
Lifelong relationships
Technical excellence
Community involvement
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program offers graded instruction in Russian, French, and Italian techniques. Students develop proper form, terminology, and artistic expression through progressive training. Classes emphasize discipline, poise, and technical mastery while nurturing individual creativity and performance skills.
Tap
Tap classes focus on precise footwork and musicality. Students learn to create rhythmic patterns while developing coordination and timing. Our curriculum builds from basic steps to complex combinations, emphasizing both technical proficiency and artistic expression in American dance traditions.
Jazz
Jazz instruction combines technical training with dynamic performance skills. Classes develop flexibility, strength, and stylistic versatility through choreography that emphasizes musical interpretation and expressive movement across various jazz genres.
Pointe
Specialized pointe classes require instructor approval and twice-weekly participation. Training focuses on proper alignment, strength development, and artistic execution of advanced ballet techniques. Students progress through structured levels under expert supervision to ensure safe, effective advancement.
Adult Classes
Adult dance classes combine technical instruction with physical conditioning. Participants improve flexibility, strength, and coordination through ballet, tap, and jazz techniques tailored for mature learners in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
People
Judith Yarbrough Matassa
Owner, Director
Judith Matassa, a Richmond native and dance educator since 1983, brings decades of professional experience to Dance Studio - Judy Y Matassa. With training from renowned artists and extensive performance background, she personally instructs all levels while maintaining rigorous technical standards and fostering student growth.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and adult exercise classes with progressive curricula from beginner to advanced levels.
What age groups do you accommodate?
Our programs serve students aged 3 to 80, with specialized classes for children, teens, and adults.
How are class placements determined?
Instructor Judith Matassa personally evaluates each student to ensure appropriate placement based on age, ability, and technical development.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we present annual performances at the Scottish Rite Temple and participate in community events like the Lakeside Business Association Christmas Gala.
What teaching approach do you use?
Our method combines technical precision with personalized attention, emphasizing discipline, kindness, and artistic growth in a supportive environment.
