American Academy of Ballet

Variations class is by invitation only and consists of the most advanced of ballet dancers at the Academy. Performances and choreography performed by professional ballet companies and dancers are taught to these students to learn. This is performed en pointe.

The Musical Theatre Class focuses on the choreography, music, and songs from favorite Broadway shows. Classes include guest instructors each month to work with students on their voice and acting.

Born in the 19th century, tap dance was born in the United States but is now popular all around the world. The name originates from the noise that tap shoes make when connected with the hard floor. This tapping makes the performer not just a dancer but also a musician. While containing the structure and technique of the other forms of dance, tap is characterized by syncopation and improvisation. Music and styles consist of many genres of music and dance.

Jazz dance is the smoothest style of dance, mostly used on Broadway and other theater groups. It is upbeat, energetic and extremely popular due to the media promoting this style of dance. Jazz dance is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Jazz requires solid technique and structure, similar to modern or ballet, which allows the dancer to express themselves through their movements. Music and styles consist of many genres of music and dance.

Hip hop is a newer style of dancing that has recently been popular in dance movies and media, such as Step Up. It contains a totally free athletic style of movement and doesn't require as much technique as the other forms of dance. However, it does have its roots in jazz and modern, showing structure and coordination. While it is closely associated with street dancing, a wide range of styles throughout the form of hip hop are performed during classes.

Character Dance is a style of ballet that blends classical technique with traditional folk dances from countries such as Spain, Russia, Poland, and Italy. Known for its strong rhythms, expressive acting, and powerful movement, it helps dancers build artistry and versatility. Character Dance often appears in famous ballets like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote.

Lyrical began as the combination of ballet and jazz technique but has evolved to become more contemporary over the past couple of decades. It is considered the most emotional and expressive form of dance, allowing dancers to interpret dances through a wide range of movements. These movements are characterized by fluidity and grace with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one move to the next. Music and styles consist of many genres of music and dance.

Originating in the 1920s, modern has become one of the world's leading dance styles in the past few decades. Created by the likes of Martha Graham and Loie Fuller, it was created to be a freer dance form with the idea of keeping the structure of classical ballet but allowing a greater range of movements and styles. Contemporary dance has become more modern in recent years, as seen throughout many dance companies and performances, rather than the rigid technique. At the Academy, we blend the old and new styles of contemporary dance to create a unique and rewarding experience for all dancers alike.

Acro is a style of dance that combines classical dance techniques with acrobatic elements. This style of dance takes tumbling to a new level as it blends choreography, acrobatics, and dance elements together in a popular dance style.

Ballerinas who dance en pointe further expand their classical ballet training. It requires years of training and practice to develop the strength and technique needed to perform pointe work. It is performed while wearing pointe shoes, a type of dance shoe designed for the dancer to perform on their toes. Pointe work is rigorous but highly rewarding when accomplished.

Ballet originated in the 1500s in France and continues to be one of the world's most popular dance styles. Characterized by formal and elegant movements, ballet is considered to be the most graceful and strict dance form known to the world. The solid technique of ballet considers makes it the basis of all other forms of dance, similar to the trunk of a tree. Students trained in ballet are seen as physically and emotionally stronger than those who are not. Early ballet dancers were not as highly skilled as they are now, as ballet dance has become a highly technical form of dance with its very own French vocabulary. It is typically performed in classical music. Ballet classes at the Academy are based on the Russian syllabus with Balanchine influence.

This Summer Intensive promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. We’ll be welcoming two former Principal Dancers with the Boston Ballet, Adriana Suarez Di Marco and Gianni G. Di Marco now both professors at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. They will join us to share their artistry, talent, and passion with our students, as well as to exhibit and coach their most exquisite pas de deux. This is truly a rare opportunity, and we can’t wait to share more.

Advanced and Pre-Professional Variations class, exploring classical ballet solos and variations from famous ballets.

Broadway Jazz class incorporating high-energy, theatrical jazz techniques inspired by musical theatre productions.

Pointe class for intermediate students. All students on pointe must take a minimum of 2 concurrent Ballet Classes.

Advanced and Pre-Professional Contemporary and Lyrical dance classes, pushing the boundaries of expression, technique, and performance for elite dancers.

Pointe class for pre-professional students. All students on pointe must take a minimum of 2 concurrent Ballet Classes.

Advanced/Pre Pro level variations class.

Pointe class for advanced students. All students on pointe must take a minimum of 2 concurrent Ballet Classes.

Body Conditioning class aimed at improving strength, stamina, and flexibility crucial for dancers.

Four Ballet classes for Advanced/Pre-Pro dancers, demanding high levels of technique, artistry, and physical conditioning.

Advanced and Pre-Professional Ballet classes designed for highly skilled dancers aiming for professional careers, emphasizing advanced technique and performance.

Ballet classes for ages 8 to 15, focusing on advanced technique, artistry, and performance quality for serious young dancers.

Ballet classes for students aged 6 to 12, covering fundamental ballet positions, barre work, and introductory center exercises to build technique.

Beginner Pointe class for first-year pointe students, focusing on safe and proper pointe technique and strengthening.

Pointe E class for dancers ready to transition to pointe shoes, building on pre-pointe strengthening and introducing pointe technique.

Pre-Pointe class designed to prepare dancers for pointe work, focusing on strengthening ankles, feet, and core stability essential for pointe technique.

Three Pointe classes for Advanced/Pre-Pro dancers, focusing on advanced pointe work, artistry, and performance.

Advanced and Pre-Professional Pointe classes for highly experienced dancers, focusing on complex pointe technique, artistry, and performance.

Contemporary and Lyrical dance classes for ages 9 to 15, suitable for intermediate levels, focusing on emotional expression and advanced techniques.

Broadway Tap class focusing on rhythm, musicality, and dynamic footwork inspired by musical theatre tap styles.

Ballet classes designed specifically for adult learners, focusing on technique, flexibility, and enjoyment of dance.

Pre-Pointe class is for students preparing to go on pointe.

The American Academy of Ballet proudly offers adult ballet classes in Buffalo NY for those seeking grace, fitness, and artistic expression at any age. Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to ballet after time away, our experienced instructors create a supportive environment where every adult can thrive.

Adult ballet class.

Pre-Ballet I & II classes are suitable for children aged 4 to 5 years old.

Pointe class for students at the E level. All students on pointe must take a minimum of 2 concurrent Ballet Classes.

Beginner Hip Hop class introducing fundamental street dance styles, rhythm, and coordination.

Ballet classes for ages 7 to 14, progressing in technique with more complex barre and center work, suitable for intermediate dancers.

Yoga class adapted for dancers, enhancing flexibility, balance, core strength, and mindfulness.

Acrobatics class for beginners, focusing on fundamental tumbling skills, flexibility, and strength building.

Fairytale Dance is a ballet class designed for young children aged 3 years old.

Pre-Ballet classes suitable for children aged 4 to 5, introducing basic ballet technique, coordination, and musicality in a fun and engaging environment.

Fairytale Dance class designed for 3-year-old dancers, focusing on foundational movement and creative expression within a whimsical theme.

Second level Broadway Tap class, building on rhythmic complexity and speed, with more challenging choreography.

Intermediate Ballet class focusing on refining technique, increasing flexibility, and developing artistry in ballet movements.

Two Ballet Intermediate classes focusing on refining technique, increasing flexibility, and developing artistry in ballet movements.

Two Intermediate Pointe classes for dancers building strength and technique on pointe, with focus on musicality and control.

Intermediate Pointe class for students who have completed beginner pointe, continuing to build technique and stamina on pointe.

Pilates class specifically tailored for dancers, focusing on core strength, flexibility, posture, and injury prevention.

Contemporary and Lyrical dance class for ages 7 to 12, developing expressive movement, musicality, and more intricate choreography.

Introductory Contemporary and Lyrical dance class for ages 5 to 7, focusing on fluid movement, expression, and basic choreography.

Tap dance class designed for adults, focusing on rhythm, technique, and musicality in a welcoming environment.

Adult tap class.

Intermediate to advanced acrobatics classes building upon foundational skills, introducing more complex tumbling and gymnastic elements.

Advanced acrobatics class for highly skilled students, focusing on challenging tumbling passes, contortion, and aerial skills.

Jazz Technique class focusing on fundamental jazz movements, isolations, turns, and leaps for intermediate to pre-professional levels.

This year’s 6-Week Program includes a wide variety of classes: Ballet, Tap, Acro, Hip Hop, Yoga, Body Conditioning, Pilates, and more! Whether you're continuing your training or trying dance for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to move, grow, and have fun. Classes are available for dancers aged 3 - adult.

This summer, take your dancing to the next level. Join us this August for a rare and exceptional opportunity at the American Academy of Ballet’s 2025 Summer Intensive. This weeklong program is designed for serious students in Levels Ballet E through Pre-Professional.

Join us for a one-day ballet master class led by the extraordinary Valerie Madonia, former principal dancer with both the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. This special event is part of the American Academy of Ballet’s Diamond Jubilee celebration and is held in loving tribute to Miss Maris and her lasting legacy.

Choreographic Workshop for Ballet E students, providing an opportunity to explore creative movement and choreographic processes.

Delight your child at a magical Princess Camp complete with a giant castle, beautiful costumes, a Prince Charming, and daily activities. Imagine your little one dancing as Ariel, taking part in theatre games as Sleeping Beauty, riding in Cinderella's Carriage, and decorating their tiara or wand as Belle or Elsa.

Delight your child with a magical week at Princess Camp—complete with a giant castle, beautiful costumes, a visit from Prince Charming, and enchanting daily activities. Offered Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 12:00 noon for royal guests aged 4-8.