The Dance Loft

About The Dance Loft

The Dance Loft, nestled in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, is a vibrant studio dedicated to fostering a deep love for dance and movement in students of all ages. Founded in 2010 by Joy Ackley and currently under the ownership of Malia Ackley, the studio has built a strong community by nurturing the gift of dance in a joyful and supportive environment. Catering to individuals from 18 months to 18 years, The Dance Loft offers a diverse range of classes, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, and acrobatics/tumbling. Toddlers can explore movement in Mommy & Me classes, while foundational skills in jazz and ballet are introduced early. Combo classes blend ballet, jazz, and tap with tumbling for younger dancers, and students aged 6 and up have dedicated options in all styles. The studio also encourages ongoing development for ages 9-11 and 12+ in jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and tumbling. With a fun yet technically focused approach, The Dance Loft emphasizes growth and expression. Instructors like Joy Ackley, Malia Ackley, Kayla Foster (a BFA graduate from UNCG and coach of the UNCG Spartan G’s Dance Team), Miranda Tedder (trained with UNC-Chapel Hill’s Blank Canvas Dance Company), and competitive dance veterans Allison and Abbie Wall bring passion and expertise. The Dance Loft also engages students in competitive teams, offering exciting opportunities to reach new heights. Summer camps provide a low-commitment way to explore new styles. Registration for the 2025-2026 season is now open.

Styles offered at The Dance Loft