OUR STORY

DanceSportVA was established on July 19, 2002, by Betty Lu and Clive Stevens at Suite A, 5721 Arrowhead Drive in Virginia Beach. The studio offered private and group ballroom dance lessons, dance socials, and an annual showcase. In the summer of 2009, it launched the Virginia Beach Dance Challenge, a regional ballroom dance competition that has continued annually, except for 2020 due to COVID.

In 2016, Bob and Maria from DanceSport LLC acquired DanceSportVA, officially registering to do business under that name. They maintained the studio's offerings while renovating the space, including furniture and equipment upgrades. In 2017, the studio became the first in Virginia to receive an “Art Instruction” ABC license and began hosting original Broadway-style theatrical dance productions annually. The following year, DanceSport LLC expanded by leasing the adjacent Suite B, creating the Virginia Beach Dance Club, which featured a new floating dance floor and updated amenities. In 2020, the studio adapted to the pandemic by introducing online classes and showcasing performances virtually.

In March 2025, the studio was purchased by Sara Austin and John Riffle of A Place to Dance, who opened it to independent instructors from across Hampton Roads.