“We are a motion picture performing arts studio where students don’t just dance; they learn how to create, produce and perform as professionals,” says Chrissie Harvey, lifetime dancer, performing arts performer and owner of Limelight 8 LLC, instructor and owner.
Limelight offers a range of classes, blending traditional performing arts with modern cinematic training, including ballet, lyrical, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro acting for camera, movie-making, stunts and pop star production. It provides additional instruction in photography, videography and cinematography.
Limelight hosted a grand opening Halloween party last October and kicked off 2025 with a New Year’s music video production as students showcased their skills in front of the camera, working together to create an original performance piece.
Harvey’s professional/stage name is Boss Lady Virid. Virid stems from the Latin word viridis, meaning green, symbolizing growth, creativity and bold energy.
“We’ve hosted Storytelling Through Dance workshops, exploring how movement conveys emotions and narratives, allowing students to think critically about the power of dance beyond just technique,” Harvey says. “We design classes to prepare students for the stage, film, television and social media content creation.”
Students learn professional camera work, production design and technical standards outlined in Netflix’s list of approved cameras and production guidelines.
Limelight 8 teams compete in Virginia, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Charleston and Kentucky. They’ve been featured in original music video productions.
Harvey’s children, Ean (18) and Lily (9), share their mother’s love of performing. Lily and student/best friend, Wyatt (9) are working on a story project called “The Lime Leopard Show.”
“Watching a Limelight student shine at a festival event was a full-circle moment,” Harvey says of attending the red carpet premiere of Lily’s short film at the Caloura Film Festival in Wilmington, North Carolina. “Lily is truly my mini-me: creative, expressive and by my side at the studio. Ean is my behind-the-scenes rock, always willing to lend a hand and proudly stepping into our event’s mascot role.”
Limelight 8 has received many prestigious awards in recognition of the exceptional talent and dedication of its students and instructors. Its dance teams consistently place at the highest levels in regional and national competitions, reflecting the technical skill, creative expression and commitment that Limelight 8 instills.
“Hampton Roads is a unique blend of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, especially with its strong military presence and vibrant arts community,” Harvey says. “This diversity challenges me to be more creative, inclusive and intentional in how I lead. Our work with the first-ever military kids dance team has been an exciting achievement.”
This success is a direct result of Limelight’s unique approach in combining rigorous training with a supportive, community-driven environment. “We provide entertainment for charitable events, performing to help raise awareness and funds for local organizations,” Harvey says.
Limelight 8 also provides dance and performance opportunities for local underserved communities. “We hope to inspire, empower and uplift those around us,” Harvey says. “Giving back is about making a meaningful impact on others.”
Harvey plans to expand into a full-scale production house with a touring performance group, original films and series projects in partnerships with major platforms like Netflix or Disney Plus. “I want to give young artists the tools and opportunities and show them that the spotlight is for anyone brave enough to step into it,” she says.
Limelight 8 uses its green screen filming room and modular sets to produce student-led short films and music videos. It also has editing software, enabling students to learn real-world media production skills, bringing their creative visions to life. The studio will offer seasonal camps, film screenings, red carpet events and live performances by its in-house performance group, The Lime Leopards.
Harvey, a member of the National Dance Education Organization, with multiple certifications in dance and youth development, is constantly learning and applying industry’s best practices from Netflix formatting and cinematic choreography to youth-centered production models.
Harvey says, “My reward is in the moments I see a shy child light up on camera, a teen finds his or her voice through movement or a military kid feels like belonging.”
Limelight offers weekend acting classes to teach the basic requirements for auditions. Ashlynn (14), began instruction with Harvey at Fort Eustis. When her family relocated, she continued instruction by Zoom. Her mother flies her to competitions as part of Limelight 8.
“As the only area instructor of North Africa and Mideast folk dances, I have been studying, teaching and performing throughout Virginia and North Carolina for more than 40 years,” says instructor Chelydra, who teaches belly dancing and yoga at Limelight 8.
“We are a healthy environment.,” Harvey says. “We strive to teach our students to be professionals in the industry. Our focus on building strong, supportive relationships with our students and their families is a huge factor in our success.”
“Watching students unsure of themselves step into a room and then leave with the courage to perform, to take on new challenges, is incredibly rewarding,” Harvey says. “It’s about building confidence, storytelling through movement and giving kids the same kind of belief and structure I was lucky enough to have as a child.”
TO THE POINT:
Limelight 8
Address: 445 Oriana Rd., Unit 14, Newport Crossing Shopping Center, Newport News, VA 23608
Contact: Chrissie Harvey, owner/director
Telephone: 757-734-4755
Website: www.Limelight8.com
