Ardell Stone School of Dancing/Elevate Dance Studio

Let’s hear it for our alumni! 🌟

Watching generations of dancers come together to celebrate 60 years of excellence, tradition, and passion for dance was a moment we will never forget. Thank you to all alumni who returned home to share the stage with us once again. Your legacy continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Blink and suddenly the little dancer in the front row is a senior taking her final bow.

One of the most rewarding parts of dance is getting to watch our students grow up in the studio- from their first class to their senior year.

Once a part of our dance family, always part of our dance family🩵

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Thank you to everyone for your kind messages, prayers, and support during this difficult time. For those who have asked about arrangements, Ardell’s obituary and service details can be found here:

Obituary information for Ardell Pierce Stone View Ardell Pierce Stone's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

How we’re feeling that summer classes start TODAY!

The wait is finally over! We are excited to kick off another summer of dance filled with learning, growth, hard work, and fun.

Whether you’re joining us for ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, lyrical, or technique classes, we can’t wait to see our dancers back in the studio doing what they love! 🌟🩰🌟

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Ardell Stone, beloved mother, nana, teacher, mentor and friend passed away on June 6, 2026 at the age of 85.
For 54 years, Ardell devoted her life to the art of dance and to the students and families who became part of her extended dance family. As the founder of Ardell Stone School of Dancing, she built more than a successful business- she created a place where generations of dancers learned discipline, confidence, friendship and a love for dance.
Known for her high standards and strong work ethic, Ardell was a teacher who expected her students to do their best. She was tough, but those who knew her understood that everything she did came from a place of deep care and commitment. She believed in her students and celebrated their successes.
One of her greatest sources of pride was teaching alongside her daughter, Lynn for 29 years before retiring. Together they shared a love of dance, nurtured countless students and carried forward a tradition of excellence that became the hallmark of the studio. Their dedication to her studio and community was recognized in 2011 when Ardell Stone School of Dancing was honored as a Small Business of the Year, an achievement that reflected the respect and admiration she earned throughout her career.
Beyond the dance floor, Ardell was a devoted mother to her three children- Lynn, Rick and Bill and Nana to her beloved grandchildren Tyler, Taylor and Alex. She was also a lifelong member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church where she proudly served in many capacities including the Backpack Ministry which was very dear to her heart. Her strength, determination and generosity touched the lives of many.
While her final curtain call has come the lessons she taught, the lives she shaped, the studio she built and her legacy will live on in every dancer she encouraged and every life she touched. One of her greatest accomplishments was creating a dance family that spanned generations, with many former students proudly bringing their children and grandchildren to dance at the studio she founded.

Service arrangements to follow.

Think fast! ⚡ More studio trivia coming your way!

Why we do what we do 💞
Dance isn't just steps- it's confidence, creativity and it's fun.

Join our dance family today. Register now for Summer dance. Fall registration opens Monday, May 11.
ardellstonedance.com

Today we honor our alumni coming back to dance in our 60th Anniversary Recital! 🤗💞
Excited and honored to have so many alumni taking the stage again.