About Us
A place where anybody...and everybody can dance
The Halestone Foundation enriches the Rockbridge area by providing access to quality dance experiences and education in nurturing environments. We foster the creative process, artistic excellence, and joy. We empower individuals and communities to make, perform, and experience original dance as a theoretical, technical, and expressive art.
Our Story
Halestone Dance Studio was founded in 1978 and directed by Carol Winder (1978–1996) and Nancy Saylor (1996–2016). Their visionary work established Halestone as a moving arts community for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to experience dance and the artistic process.
The Halestone Foundation was founded as a non-profit in 2016 and took over operations of Halestone Dance Studio, further expanding dance education programs through relationships with community partners. In 2018, the Halestone Foundation received its official 501(c)3 non-profit designation.
Halestone offers over 20 classes per week at its studio location and provides recurring dance classes to 6 schools as well as one-time workshops to 3 additional schools through community partners such as the YMCA.
Halestone produces two concerts each year featuring staff, instructor, and student choreography and performances. The student pre-professional company and the adult ensemble appear at 6+ community events throughout the year.
Halestone Foundation Board
President: Stephanie Hodde
Vice President: Sarah Balcomb
Secretary: Kimberly Henk
Treasurer: Anne Gale
Members: Sandy De Lissovoy, Christy Schucker,
Raeanna Simcoe, Higgins Stewart