Dare to Dance

Dance is a form of art. It is a form of expression. And dance has been a way to evangelize for Laura Dunn.

Dunn, a Liberty University alumna, recently opened her own dance studio located on Timberlake road in Lynchburg, Virginia. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies in 2011, she pursued dance as her ultimate way of evangelizing and reaching out to the community.

Ballet Aresko is a place for students who plan to pursue a career in dance and for those who enjoy dancing as a hobby.

“Dance is a beautiful form of art and both types of students can come together and receive excellent training,” Dunn said.

Her motivation for opening Ballet Aresko was driven by her passion to give back to the community.

“There was a need for a safe, wholesome and welcoming environment for dancers to come and receive very affordable training at any level they choose,” Dunn said. “It is important as a teacher to understand that not everyone who wants to dance desires to pursue a professional career.”

Ballet Aresko opens for registration today, Sept. 2. Students of all ages may sign up for classes. Jazz, ballet and lyrical dance are all taught at Ballet Aresko.

“The word ‘aresko’ is a Greek word that means please or to please,” Dunn said. “It is used about 17 times in the New Testament. The name is a play on words like saying, ‘ballet please’. Its meaning is also personal to me, because when I dance or teach, it is always my desire to please the Lord.”

Dunn said that as her business grows throughout the community, she always strives to glorify God.

Dunn has experienced a variety of setbacks, but her biggest obstacle of all, she said, was herself.

“I knew God created me to dance and teach, but I suppose I was waiting for a burning bush sort of moment,” Dunn said. “God had equipped me with everything I needed to start this dance school, but I allowed fear to keep me from moving forward. I should have started Ballet Aresko years ago, but God’s timing is perfect.”

Dunn also said she sympathizes with those who were unable to pursue their dancing dreams, which serves as a motivation for her new studio.

“There are too many girls who never had the opportunity to take a dance class simply because of the cost,” Dunn said. “It breaks my heart to think of the little 6-year-old girl who dreams of taking a ballet class but never will, or the 20-year-old college student who had to give up on dance because they couldn’t afford it.”

Dunn is not only the director of this facility, but she teaches the majority of the classes as well, encouraging each student to not give up.

For more information, visit facebook.com/balletaresko or email balletaresko@gmail.com.