Mission
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.
A place where anybody…and everybody can dance
History
The Halestone Foundation was founded in 2016 and took over operations of Halestone Dance Studio, a local business in operation since 1978. From 1978 through 2016 Halestone was directed by two visionary individuals, Carole Winder (1978 – 1996) and Nancy Saylor (1996 – 2016) who established Halestone as a moving arts community for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to experience dance and the artistic process. Halestone has been developing community dance theater, new original dance work, and education programs in schools and with community partners long before its inception as a non-profit organization in 2016. Since 2016, Halestone has established itself as a community nonprofit and expanded its dance education programs through renewed relationships with community partners. In 2018, the Halestone Foundation received its official 501(c)3 non-profit designation from the federal government. Currently, Halestone Dance Education Programs serve students ages 18-months through adults at both a physical studio location in Lexington, VA (722 S Main St, Suite B) and through outreach and education programs in local schools and preschools in Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County, VA. In 2019-2020, Halestone offers over 20 classes per week at its studio location and provides ongoing dance classes (more regular than a one-time workshop) to 6 schools, and one-time workshops to 3 additional schools through community partners such as the YMCA.
In addition, Halestone maintains a student pre-professional company that performs in the community and is in the process of rebuilding an adult performing ensemble (a community dance company). Halestone produces two concerts each year featuring staff, instructor, and student choreography and performances, and appears at 6+ community events throughout the year.
Playing till the work emerges … Dedicated to the process
