Since opening its doors in 1928, Floyd Ward School of Dance has been offering a fun, family friendly program to the children of the Roanoke Valley and beyond. Our owners and instructors are passionate about sharing the art of dance with our community and take pride in offering quality dance education.  Floyd Ward is named after its founder, a woman named Floyd Ward who owned over 22 studios under the name "Floyd Ward's Schools of Dancing" across southwest Virginia and beyond. Today, many of these studios renamed, closed, and changed ownership, but we remain steadfast under our original namesake, teaching, influencing, and dancing, as Floyd did almost 100 years ago! Our Artistic Director, Jill Graybill was a student under the direction of Floyd Ward herself, and Mrs. Jill is still sharing her love of dance with our students today.

 

The school has locations in both Vinton and Botetourt and offers classes for children ages 3-18. Classes are offered in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, ballroom and latin, contemporary, clogging, hip-hop, jazz, liturgical, lyrical, modern, and pointe.  Advanced students are also given the opportunity to audition for the Floyd Ward Dance Ensembles. These competitive teams attend dance conventions and competitions along the east coast throughout the year.  Instructors also attend conventions for continuing education opportunities to ensure they are up to date on the latest teaching techniques and trends. 
 

Floyd Ward School of Dance is also home to the Angels from Heaven program, a non-profit program designed to allow children with special needs to experience and enjoy the world of dance.  This program runs completely on donations and has led several of our graduates to pursue careers in this field.   

All students are invited to take part in the annual Christmas Show as well as the Spring Recital, both of which are held at Berglund Center Auditorium. Students from Floyd Ward can also be seen throughout the year performing for civic organizations, nursing homes, community events, festivals, and local benefits.