The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Garlynda’s Fancy Feet has been shaping confident, disciplined, and resilient young minds in Clifton Forge and the surrounding communities for decades, proving that a small-town studio can have a big-time impact.
Founded in the 1980s by longtime educator and Radford University graduate Garlynda Haynes, the studio has grown from a modest local venture into a multigenerational institution. Today, Garlynda’s Fancy Feet serves students from preschool age through young adulthood, offering comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, clogging, and gymnastics.
Far more than a place to learn choreography, the studio is widely regarded as a second home. Parents and former students consistently describe it as “family,” praising the warm, supportive atmosphere Haynes and her team have cultivated. Instructors are known for going the extra mile to ensure each child understands not just the steps, but the life lessons behind them.
Those lessons center on perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of “trying and trying again.” Students are encouraged to embrace challenges, build stage presence, and carry their newfound confidence beyond the studio and into school, careers, and community life. The result is a legacy of well-rounded, self-assured young adults who credit their time at Garlynda’s Fancy Feet with helping them discover their voice.
The studio’s commitment to excellence is visible both on and off the stage. Competitive teams and dance troupes regularly participate in regional events, while annual recitals give dancers of all levels a chance to shine. Community members often pack venues such as Alleghany High School to cheer on the performers.
Located at 500 East Main Street in a historic Clifton Forge building, the studio offers a clean, upbeat, and welcoming environment with wheelchair accessible parking and an on-site selection of dance attire. Its schedule is tailored to busy families, with afternoon, evening, and weekend hours designed around school and work.
Garlynda’s Fancy Feet also enjoys a perfect five-star rating from local families, who highlight the staff’s dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for every student.
After nearly four decades, the studio is not just teaching dance. It is preserving a cherished local tradition, nurturing new generations of dancers, and strengthening the fabric of the Alleghany Highlands community, one confident step at a time.
