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.
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Mrs. Newman enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and life on their farm.
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Follow Miss Savannah at: @savannah_newman4 on instagram & tiktok!
Julie Gray, CSCS
Level 3 & 4 Ballet Teacher
&
Advanced Tap Teacher
Julie Gray discovered her passion for dance at age 11 and went on to train at summer intensives with Richmond Ballet, Princeton Ballet School, -the official school of the American Repetory Ballet- and Orlando Ballet.
Following her intensive at Princeton Ballet School, she was awarded a scholarship to continue her training in its pre-professional program.
Mrs. Gray later accepted a position as a company member with a professional dance company in Florida.
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Now in her sixth season with VAD, Mrs. Gray is a teacher and choreographer dedicated to developing strong, confident, well-rounded dancers.
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As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, she combines her dance experience with evidence-based strength and conditioning principles to promote safe, effective training, and injury-risk reduction.
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Mrs. Gray is passionate about developing the whole dancer-building strong technique, artistry, healthy training habits, confidence, and resilient athletes and artists.
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 15 years and has danced ballet, tap, Irish hardshoe and softshoe, clogging, and a little jazz.
Miss Elizabeth holds a bachelor's degree in English from Regent University and has been part of the VAD team since 2021. She enjoys combining her love of words with her love of dance, and is delighted to help take care of the VAD family!
Katharine Jessen
Pre-Primary & Primary Teacher
Ms. Jessen is the teacher of our Pre-Primary and Primary levels.
Miss Katie has danced for 15 years in several different dance styles including, ballet, tap, Irish hardshoe, and clogging.
Karlie Burroughs
Level 1
Beginner - Intermediate Tap
&
Beginner - Advanced Jazz Teacher
Mrs. Burroughs has been dancing and performing her entire life from ballet and tap, to contemporary and swing dance!
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Mrs. Burroughs enjoys teaching and educating and sharing her love of learning and dance with the younger generation.
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Mrs. Burroughs enjoys spending time with her amazing husband and two adorable little girls.
Amanda Helmer
Officer of First Impressions
Ms Helmer has been with Virginia Academy of Dance since 2025 and is enthusiastic about the VAD community.
Miss Amanda enjoys making students and parents alike feel welcome and comfortable whenever they step into the studio.
Ericka Long
Lower-Advanced Acro Teacher
Mrs. Long trained in gymnastics her entire childhood and is looking forward to bringing all of the skills that she learned and passing them on to the next generation!
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Mrs. Long enjoys baking and gardening with her awesome 4 kids and husband.
Tristen Rouse
Dance with Me - Pre-Primary Teacher
&
Beginner - Intermediate Modern Teacher
Ms Rouse has been dancing for over a decade and is excited to be bringing her skills to students here at Virginia Academy of Dance LLC!
