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Gillian Johnson Dance Academy

5 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Ballet school in Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ballet school Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 757-353-0506

Hours

Monday 9 am–8 pm
Tuesday 9 am–8 pm
Wednesday 9 am–8 pm
Thursday 9 am–8 pm
Friday 9 am–7 pm
Saturday 9 am–7 pm
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Gillian Johnson Dance Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 4 mentions

“Both of my daughter’s skills have developed SO MUCH since starting their private dance instruction with Miss Gillian last year.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“I came to Gillian looking for private lessons because I had a hard time finding an adult ballet class in the area.”

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 10 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“She knows her technique and terminology through-and-through, and she knows how hard and far she can push the girls.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 3 mentions

“She expects her students to focus and work hard while being simultaneously extremely patient, loving and encouraging.”

serious pre-professional training 2 mentions

“I was a dancer myself from kindergarten through college and know what an excellent coach looks like and I can say with certainty that Miss Gillian is a *top-tier* coach!”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 6 mentions

“Johnson since my early dance days, I can attest to her poise, professionalism, and sophisticated approach to dance instruction.”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 3 mentions

“Johnson since my early dance days, I can attest to her poise, professionalism, and sophisticated approach to dance instruction.”

From the reviews

I can confidently say that Gillian Johnson Dance Academy is simply THE best and most amazing school to train at in Virginia! Gillian Johnson holds high expectations, and Gillian Johnson role models the high elegance to the sky!

★★★★★ — Saramichelle, Aug 2024

Wonderful studio! I can't say enough great things about this academy. 5 stars is Not enough! She offers classical dance and Broadway dance which is real. We can hear the words, all French! Students even take notes. It's not silly playtime. You get your monies worth.

★★★★★ — James, Apr 2024

Best Dance Instructor in Virginia! TEACHES DANCE TERMINOLOGY TO STUDENTS. Ms. Johnson has graduates teaching at Broadway Steps in New York City, that's impressive!!

★★★★★ — Mike, Apr 2024

I am incredibly grateful to my childhood dance instructor, Ms. Johnson, for the exceptional job she did in teaching and choreographing my wedding dance. Having known Ms. Johnson since my early dance days, I can attest to her poise, professionalism, and sophisticated approach to dance instruction. Ms.

★★★★★ — Alanna, May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 reviews →

Your first ballet class at Gillian Johnson Dance Academy

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Gillian Johnson Dance Academy

301 E Farmington Rd, Virginia Beach, VA23454

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.