ROANOKE, Va. - June 4, 2026 - The newly reimagined Star City Center for the Arts will officially celebrate its relaunch on Saturday, June 6, 2026, with an afternoon of live performances, family-friendly activities, special guests, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking an exciting new chapter for one of Roanoke’s longstanding arts organizations.

The free community event will begin at 12 PM and continue throughout the afternoon, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place at 1 PM. Guests are invited to explore the expanded facility, enjoy performances from local artists, and experience the center’s reimagined vision as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and arts education.

Formerly known for its ballet programming through Star City School of Ballet, Star City Center for the Arts has expanded its mission to serve a broader range of artists, educators, and creative organizations. The facility now provides space for dance, visual arts, music, martial arts, multidisciplinary creative work, and community events, creating new opportunities for artists and organizations across the Roanoke Valley.

Star City School of Ballet Administrative Director, Ana Elisa Martinez de la Pena, says, “We are excited to be another resource for artists to reach the community, whether it is by creating a program, showing their art, or attending a class or a workshop. Our space is here to be a hub for connection and collaboration.”

The celebration will feature:

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony

• Live performances by local band Five Dollar Shake, Dream Dance Studio, and Star City Dance Collective

• Facility tours and opportunities to meet instructors, artists, and community partners

• Food and refreshments from Kona Ice, Garcia’s Bistro, and Starhill Boards

The event will also feature a special appearance by former professional ballet dancer and acclaimed author, Gavin Larsen, who will host a book signing. Larsen, widely recognized for her contributions to the dance world in Pointe Magazine and her memoir “Being a Ballerina,” will also lead a free ballet master class on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.

“Art is a form of human expression, but it speaks to others: it connects us, it builds better people, better communities, while strengthening the bond we have with the world around us,” says Martinez de la Pena.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend the celebration and see the new opportunities available through Star City Center for the Arts.

For more information about the event, visit www.starcitycenterforthearts.com/blank-7

About Star City Center for the Arts

Star City is a community-centered performing arts institution dedicated to bringing high-level arts education to Southwest Virginia while fostering confidence, creativity, and opportunity for students of all ages. Founded on the belief that dancers and artists should not have to leave their hometown to pursue professional-level training, the school combines centuries-old ballet technique with a modern, inclusive approach to arts education. Known for its emphasis on individualized training, positive mentorship, and community impact, Star City’s philosophy centers on integrity, accessibility, and helping students thrive both artistically and personally. The school prioritizes body positivity, emotional safety, and confidence-building while maintaining a strong commitment to technical excellence and professionalism.

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