Dancers from the North Carolina School of the Arts will give a free workshop in contemporary dance with improvisation on Tuesday, February 19 at the Conservatory of Dance & Theatre in Downtown Galax, Virginia. This fun and energetic workshop is open to the community.

The first class is 5:30-6:30pm for ages 8-10.  The second class is 6:30-7:30pm for ages 11 to adult.

The dance program at the North Carolina School of the Arts has trained young, talented dancers for careers in professional companies throughout the world since 1965.  These dancers share their knowledge and experience annually through workshops at dance schools like the Conservatory.

Conservatory owner and artistic director Barbara Johnson is excited to welcome back dancers from the NC School of the Arts for another workshop.  "They work well with dance students of all ages and levels and gave an excellent workshop last year," she said.

A former professional ballerina with the Atlanta and Macon Ballets, Johnson offers a variety of dance workshops at the Conservatory every year with professional dancers and instructors, which have included Ken Easter, dancer with the American Ballet, Malcolm Burn, Ballet Master of the Richmond Ballet and Broadway star Shana VanDerwerker.

Johnson believes dancers should be exposed to a variety of dance forms which will broaden their own artistic and physical abilities.  The Conservatory offers classes in classical ballet, jazz, tap and creative movement, as well as acting and tumbling.

To participate in the free workshop on contemporary dance and improvisation, some dance background is necessary.  Appropriate dancewear is required.  Space is limited.

To register or for more information contact the Conservatory at