V Dance Academy is a dance studio in Huntsville Alabama supporting the Non Profit Orgnization and Dance Company Dance Elan. Named for the founder Joey Villalobos, V Dance Academy brings world class dance instruction to North Alabama.

Learn about our outstanding Artistic Director, teachers, and guest teachers below!

Mr. Joey's Headshot
Joseph Alexander Villalobos
Artistic Director

A native Texan, Joseph began his training in Dallas, Texas following a stint in competitive martial arts. He supplemented his training with time spent at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the International Ballet Competitors Training Program. The latter earned him the honor to represent the United States at the 4th International Ballet and Modern Competition in Nagoya, Japan.

Joseph's professional career has taken him all over the country. He has danced for Ballet Arkansas, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Ballet Oklahoma, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Kentucky Ballet Theatre, and Montgomery Ballet. Joseph has originated a number of featured roles in neo-classical and contemporary pieces, while also enjoying major roles in the classics. He also had the privilege of representing the Montgomery Ballet at the Dance Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy.

As an educator, Joseph has taught at company-affiliated schools and top competition studios. His students have gone on to earn scholarships and dance professionally across the country. He emphasizes technique, injury pervention, and longevity in the field. 

Alongside his wife Laura, he served as Artistic Director of Montgomery Ballet, founded the nonprofit Dance Elan, and owned a school in San Antonio. While in Montgomery, Joseph set new works, like Into the Wild, that drew record audiences for 3 consecutive seasons. Other works include The Nutcracker, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Messiah, Ragtime and Silly Love Songs. Mr. Joey serves as the Director of V Dance Academy, and the Artistic Director of Dance Elan.

Ms. Laura's Headshot
Laura Villalobos
Instructor

Mrs. Villalobos hails from Los Angeles, CA, and has trained in various dance disciplines. As a professional dancer, Mrs. Villalobos has performed in music videos, gala performances and events, and benefits. She has graced the stage with Nevada Ballet Theater, and as a principal dancer with the Dallas Opera, Ballet Oklahoma, Ballet Theater of Maryland, Kentucky Ballet Theater, the Montgomery Ballet and Ballet San Antonio, along with guest appearances with other pre-professional dance companies.

Mrs. Villalobos also has experience at the international level, having been invited to represent the United States at the 4th International Ballet and Modern Competition in Nagoya, Japan, as well as representing the Montgomery Ballet at the DAP Festival in Pietrasanta, Italy.

Teaching is a passion for Mrs. Villalobos; she is privileged to have been able to touch so many students' lives. Students have gone on to dance professionally in companies and productions, as well earn scholarships to universities with renowned dance programs. Many have received scholarships for summer studies to prestigious programs such as the Kirov Academy, Houston Ballet, the Harid Conservatory and American Ballet Theatre. Still, others have received top honors at competitions, even appearing on the covers of trade publications.

Her dance experience has allowed for the development of a strong and versatile multi-disciplinary dance curriculum, implemented by company-affiliated and pre-professional dance organizations. Mrs. Villalobos is proud to have shared her passion for dance with students of all ages and abilities, from the tiniest dancer to those at the university level and beyond. 

Ms. Ashley's Headshot
Ashley Lowder
Mini Movers Instructor

Ashley Lowder brings energy, creativity, and a deep love of the arts to her role as the Mini Movers teacher at V Dance Academy. A mom of four and a lifelong performer, Ashley has a background in percussion, vocal performance, musical theatre performance, and early childhood movement education through martial arts.

Her Mini Movers class is a joyful introduction to the world of movement and imagination, blending dance, rhythm, acting, and musicality in a fun and supportive environment. Ashley is passionate about helping young children build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of the arts—one wiggle, giggle, and plié at a time!

Mr. Patrick Headshot
Patrick VanBuren
Guest Instructor

Patrick VanBuren trained in his home town of Merritt Island, FL, under Liz Bevilacqua, at Dussich Dance Studio. He then trained pre-professionally with Peter Stark, Kim Marsh, and Olivier Munoz, at the Orlando Ballet School. Throughout those years, he was Florida Dance Masters Junior Mr. Dance and Mr. Dance title holder, as well as a Finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix.

Patrick danced with the Orlando Ballet II, Columbia City Ballet and Ballet San Antonio as a soloist, and Montgomery Ballet and Fort Wayne Ballet as a principal dancer. He has also competed and performed internationally.

Mr. VanBuren is an ABT National Training Curriculum Affiliate teacher. He has served as the Assistant Director of the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, Ballet Master of Montgomery Ballet Company and School, and as an instructor in the upper school of Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. This is Patrick’s fifth season dancing with The Florida Ballet and second as the professional company’s Rehearsal Assistant.