The Star City School of Ballet has been a staple of the Roanoke Valley arts scene for decades. They have operated with dedication to the craft of dance and have inspired hundreds of students to learn valuable skills that have carried them into adulthood, whether or not they pursued professional-level dancing. Now that excellence is being recognized with a Stellar Business Award for Best Dance Company in Roanoke, VA.
The Stellar Business Awards celebrate businesses that embody excellence, innovation, and community spirit. Throughout its tenure as the area’s premier ballet school, Star City has exemplified those traits. For the faculty and leadership at Star City, this recognition means more than just a trophy on their shelf; it is a testament to the school’s mission to provide world-class dance training that is accessible and full-scale right in the heart of Roanoke.
A dance studio of distinction, built on the highest standards
There is a lot that sets Star City Ballet School apart from its competition. However, one of its defining features is its membership in the International Dance Council (CID) — a global organization recognized by UNESCO for its dedication to preserving and promoting dance as an art form. This inclusion in the CID places Star City among elite peers, a network of institutions around the globe that uphold the highest standards of dance training and artistry.
What’s more, this membership extends beyond instructors. Students themselves are also recognized through different levels of CID membership based on their hours and progression in their dance training. This means dancers at Star City are part of a global dance community and earn internationally recognized credentials, a rare opportunity for students outside major metropolitan arts hubs.
“Being part of CID really elevates what we can offer,” said Star City director Ana Martinez de la Peña. “It puts both our faculty and our dancers on the map, connecting them to the wider world of dance and reaffirming the quality of education they’re receiving.”
An unmatched professional experience with lifelong lessons beyond dance
The incredible range and expertise of Star City’s teaching staff are key to what sets the school apart. Each instructor brings a unique background and blend of stage experience and classical discipline to their classes. The team truly represents a perfect combination of classical training and contemporary dance knowledge, a multifaceted approach that appeals to many students.
“The caliber of our staff is unparalleled in the Roanoke Valley,” explains de la Peña. “Our dancers learn from professionals who have not only performed at the highest levels but who understand how to nurture and challenge students safely and effectively. That kind of mentorship makes all the difference.”
The instruction and mentorship that students receive also carry them through to adulthood. They learn applicable skills such as dedication, teamwork, and commitment to a craft that can help them succeed in other areas of life, not just dance.
The school also emphasizes community connection, viewing its dancers and students as family. “That family-friendly structure is something we’ve always been intentional about,” de la Peña shared. “We want parents to feel involved and aware of what their children are learning. It’s not just about dancing; it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging.”
Winner of the Stellar Business Award for best dance company in Roanoke, Virginia
To confirm Star City School of Ballet as the official winner of our Stellar Business Award for best dance company in Roanoke, Virginia, the Stellar Business Awards made the following announcements:
- A public post on their website announcing Star City as the winner
- A physical certificate acknowledging the win, signed by the Stellar Business Award committee
- Assurance that there are no other winners for the category of Best Dance Company in Roanoke, Virginia
- A physical Stellar Business Award trophy to symbolize the win
The Stellar Business Awards encourage all to visit the Star City School of Ballet website to see how they can help with any dance instruction needs.
Celebrating a vision for the future
As Star City School of Ballet celebrates its Stellar Business Award win, they look forward to growth and expansion. They have recently evolved into a full-fledged Center for the Arts, inviting a more eclectic array of creatives into their orbit. The Center for the Arts exists to provide accessible, high-quality space for dance, visual arts, music, martial arts, and multidisciplinary creative work. More than a studio, the center is designed to function as a shared creative hub. A place where emerging and established artists alike can access the resources, environment, and community necessary to develop their craft and pursue meaningful artistic careers.
With a clear vision of the future, Star City continues to be proud to represent the arts community in Roanoke. From its international affiliation to its family-centered values, Star City continues to elevate the arts in Virginia, one step at a time.
Contact:
Ana Elisa Martinez De La Pena
Star City School of Ballet
