The heart behind what we do

The Dance Loft is dedicated to bringing quality and affordable dance and fitness instruction to central and northern Stokes County.  The Dance Loft will focus on the fitness benefits of dance and instilling a love of the art of dance in its students.  We believe that the ability to dance is a gift from the Lord and our goal is to nurture this gift, cultivate joy, and build community and connection between our dancers.

Meet our team!

Joy Ackley (Founder)

About

Joy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979 and taught kindergarten at London Elementary School in Walnut Cove from 2006-2007. She has been involved in dance since age 4 and taught tap, ballet, jazz and tumbling for 2 years at the studio she owned in Walnut Cove in the early 80’s.

After the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Joy turned ownership of The Dance Loft over to her daughter, Malia. Joy is still very much involved in the behind-the-scenes tasks that make the studio possible and can often still be found working behind the front desk!

Malia Ackley (Owner & Instructor)

About

Malia’s love for dance began at 4 years old and she hasn’t missed a chance to dance since then. One of her favorite things about being a dance instructor is witnessing the transformation that happens as students fine tune their skills year after year. Malia is a competition dance instructor for Jazz, Lyrical and Modern/Contemporary and a recreational dance instructor for Jazz, Lyrical, Tumbling, Hip-Hop, Combo, and Mommy & Me classes.

Allison Wall (Instructor)

About

How old were you when you started dancing?
I was 2 years old when I started dancing!

Favorite style of dance?

My favorite style of dance is lyrical.

What is your favorite thing about being a dance teacher?

My favorite thing about being a dance teacher is watching the dancers grow and improve every week.

Tell us your favorite dance memory!

My favorite dance memory was my last dance competition when me and Ashlyn won 1st place for our duet!

Fun fact about you!

I’m a student at High Point University

Abbie Wall (Instructor)

About

How old were you when you started dancing?
When I first started dancing, I was 4 years old. I then joined the competition team when I was 10!

Favorite style of dance?
My favorite style of dance would have to be contemporary/lyrical or jazz!

What is your favorite thing about being a dance teacher?
My favorite thing about being a dance teacher would have to be watching the students grow in their ability to dance. So many students that I have helped teach over the last year have made so many improvements! I cannot wait to see them grow even more!

Tell us your favorite dance memory!
My favorite dance memory would have to be gaining and cherishing all of the dance friendships I have made throughout my life. Those friends are not just friends, they are more like family in the end. They witness all of your strengths and weaknesses and are there for you no matter what!

Fun fact about you!
I am an environmental health specialist for Stokes County!

Photo coming soon!

Kayla Foster (Instructor)

About

Coming soon!

Ready to dance with us?

2023-24 Dance Season Class Offerings
  • Mommy & Me (ballet, jazz, and tumbling for ages 2-3, Student must be accompanied by an adult.)
  • Combo (ballet, tumbling, jazz for ages 4-5)
  • Tumbling
  • Jazz
  • Lyrical
  • Modern/Contemporary
  • Hip-Hop

Students will be grouped by age and ability level. Please contact us if your child is interested in joining one of our competition teams!