The Dance Factory originally opened in 1993 when Nina Scattaregia began teaching just a few classes for children each week at the studio on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. The following year, a small studio space was rented on Main Street to meet the growing demand for dance classes within the community. In 1995, The Dance Factory was relocated to a second floor and larger studio space at another Main Street location to accommodate the growing number of students from the Buckhannon and surrounding communities.

The new center located at 107 W. Main Street was constructed and built in 2001 and officially opened on November 1, 2001. The new building is 6,000 square feet and houses a large ballet and dance studio with a spring floor, an auxiliary studio to accommodate smaller children’s classes, and a gymnastic studio with a spring floor and Tumble Track. Visitors and parents can relax in the spacious lobby or browse in the Factory’s dance and apparel shop. The studio also maintains its own costume lab for storing and creating costumes as well as another space for creating and storing stage sets and props. A multi-purpose room is utilized for visual arts classes and theatre arts workshops.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Dance Factory is dedicated to providing professional training in the arts for students of all ages and levels. We offer a wide variety of classes in dance, with a strong emphasis and foundation in classical ballet. Creative dance, modern, jazz, tap and gymnastics are offered 6 days a week at our studios. Workshops in visual and theatre arts are offered throughout our regular semesters and summer arts programs.

All of our students receive individual attention and encouragement from our supportive and caring faculty. We encourage each student to develop and progress to their fullest potential. Students at The Dance Factory are given performance opportunities through dance, theatre productions, community performances, and participation in the Augusta Youth Ballet Company. Many of our dancers and company members have had the opportunity to work with internationally known dance faculty and choreographers.

Through dance, music, and motion, we are committed to providing each individual student a rich and rewarding experience.

Nina M. Scattaregia Director