What is the difference between your programs?
We have 5 different programs at AIM. No matter what your age or commitment level, you can find a perfect class here!
  • Kids in Motion Program - our preschool-aged program for dancers 3-5 years.
  • Recreational Program - elementary age through high school. This program is perfect for beginners, or for dancers who aren't ready for a serious commitment. Level placement is based on age, not skill level, so older dancers never have to worry about being in a class with "little kids." Students can take as many or as few classes as they wish. The focus of the Recreational Program curriculum is learning proper technique, having fun, and making new friends. We call these classes "skimming the surface" of dance.
  • Accelerated Program - designed for the serious dancer ready to take a deeper dive. Students are required to take a set package of classes. Level placement is based on skill and work ethic, not on age. Dancers must adhere to strict attendance requirements. Curriculum focuses on anatomical technique, performance quality, and proper alignment.
  • Ensemble - our performance company. We do not have a competition team at AIM, but we do have the Ensemble. Dancers who are looking for extra performance opportunities may be invited to join this elite group of dancers. Additional rehearsals and requirements apply. Open to students enrolled in the Accelerated Program only.
  • Adult Program - our adult classes are an open-level, with the focus being on busy grown ups taking some "me-time" away from the stresses of daily life. You'll get a brain and body workout, de-stress, and have tons of fun. There's never more laughter in the studio than when adult classes are running!
why don't you have a competition team?
While there are certainly many benefits of competition dance, we believe that there are other ways of obtaining those benefits without the stress, expense, and moral ambiguity of competition dance. Here are our main points:
  • An art, not a sport - Dance is at its core a performance art. It is a way of expressing oneself and communicating with the audience. As an artists and educators, we believe dance is not meant to be judged or scored, and that asking a panel of judges to assign a numerical value to your performance takes away from the pure joy and excitement of sharing our art form.
  • $$$$$ - Dance competitions are very expensive. Traveling, staying in hotels, extra rehearsals, costumes, makeup, private lessons, and of course competition entry fees for every piece submitted...it all adds up. We want to keep dance accessible at AIM.
  • Inappropriate Costuming, Choreography, and Music - We strongly believe that childhood is precious and should be preserved as long as possible. As a YPAD-member studio, we pledge to maintain a healthy and safe environment and experience for young dancers, educators and their families. Although many teachers and choreographers in the competition community are responsible with their music, costume, and choreography choices, there is a rampant and pervasive trend of hyper-sexualization and exploitation of young dancers.  It is very frustrating and discouraging when dancers performing content inappropriate for their age receive a higher score than a group performing choreography that adheres to their values and principles.
  • Extra Performances - for dancers are seeking extra performance opportunities, competition can be a great outlet. We have a performance company, The Ensemble, to achieve this. Ensemble dancers perform throughout the year at events and facilities in our community, like assisted living homes, school fairs or carnivals, and dance concerts. In 2018 the Senior Ensemble was honored to be accepted into RVA Dance Festival, a professional concert of local, regional, and international dance artists.

​If your heart is truly set on competition, that's okay! There are many local studios in the area doing it the right way, and we'd be happy to make a recommendation.
how do i get started?
Want to take a trial class first? No problem! Email [email protected] or text 804-322-9902 to inquire about which class might be a good fit for you/your dancer.

If you're ready to register, you can do so online through our customer portal here. Or email [email protected] or call 804-741-2246 and we will personally guide you through the registration process.
what does my dancer need to wear?
See our current dress code here. You can purchase everything you need for class right here at the studio! Click here to schedule a fitting. If we don't have your size in stock, we can place an order for you.
what should my dancer bring to class?
  • Dancers should bring their required footwear with them to change into at the studio. Dance shoes should NEVER be worn outside of the dance studio.
  • Dancers over the age of 6 should bring a water bottle.
  • Please make sure ALL of your dancer's belongings are labeled with their name!
  • Always have hair tied back away from the face in a ponytail or bun. We recommend keeping extra hair supplies (hair ties, bobby pins, etc.) in your dance bag.
  • Always bring a smile, a positive attitude, and a good work ethic!
What class should i register for?
  • If your dancer is between the ages of 3-5, they should enroll in our Kids in Motion Program.
  • If your dancer is ages 6-18 and just starting out with dance, or returning from a long absence, they should enroll in the Recreational Program.
  • If your dancer has taken several years of dance and is ready to get more serious about their training, then the Accelerated Program might be a good fit! Contact AIM Owner/Artistic Director Casey Royer at [email protected] to learn more and schedule an evaluation lesson.
  • If you are an adult and have NEVER taken class, took class when you were young, or are an avid dancer looking to stay in dancing shape, then join us in our Adult Program!
can i watch my dancer in class?
Absolutely! Each class is streamed live on Zoom for dancers to attend from home, or for parents to watch. Find your class's Zoom link on our Distance Learning page here. We ask that parents observing class over Zoom turn off their microphones and cameras.
We also offer two Parent Observation Weeks during the dance season, one in the fall and one in the spring. Check the calendar for exact dates.
Does everyone perform in the spring recital?
Performing in the Recital is an important part of our dance education here at AIM. It's the highlight of the year and everyone looks forward to it! All of our dancers ages 3-18 participate in the show. We work hard behind the scenes to make the Recital as stress-free as possible for our dancers and their families.

Adult dancers have the option to perform, but it is not mandatory for adults. Adult students will be asked to opt in or out of performing in January.

​Some classes in the Accelerated Program, like Stretch & Strength and Pre-Pointe are technique-only classes and will not have a piece in the show.
what happens if we don't like it?
We hope that if any concerns or issues arise in your or your child's class, that you'll bring it to our attention so we can address the problem. We're constantly striving to improve our classes and customer service; we welcome constructive feedback!

That being said, you're not locked in to the full school year. We expect all families to register with the intention of staying for the whole year and performing in the Recital. But we understand that things happen and sometimes it just doesn't work out. We have an OPEN WITHDRAWAL POLICY.

We require two months' notice of withdrawal. Email [email protected] to let us know that you'd like to withdraw, and we'll send you a link to complete our online withdrawal form. Once we receive your form submission, you/your dancer will be removed from class with a withdrawal date of two months. For example, if you complete our withdrawal form on November 15th, you will be responsible for December and January payments. After the two months, no further charges will be made to your card on file. We do not prorate tuition, and we do not issue refunds of any tuition or fees already paid.
how much does it cost?
  • Tuition is charged monthly based on the length of the class. Monthly tuition prices are listed on the class schedule here.
  • Our tuition is all-inclusive, meaning you pay nothing extra for costumes, tights/accessories, Finale t-shirt, and a digital download of the full Recital video.
  • Monthly tuition is the same each month, regardless of the number of classes held in that month. We take the total for the year and divide it into equal payments for your convenience.
  • We keep a credit card on file for each family through our secure portal system, and monthly charges are paid automatically.
  • There is a $50 annual registration fee. This is charged per family, not per dancer.
We are happy to work with families to come up with a payment plan if needed for those with multiple dancers or in numerous classes. Please contact AIM Owner/Artistic Director Casey Royer to request a payment plan: [email protected]. 
"I must share with you that while I am a novice on the dance recital circuit (except my own minimal experiences as a child), my mother-in-law, who said she has been going to dance recitals since she was six (her own, her daughter's, nieces and now grandchildren) paid you high complements as well--how beautifully the kids danced, how everything went so smoothly and quickly... I could go on! Again, thank you for everything. It has been a wonderful year for us and we think the world of you!"