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American Academy of Ballet
4.7 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Ballet school in Williamsville, New York
Plan your first class
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 716-688-4774
- Website & schedule aab-buffalo.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–1 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“Donatella, and every time I come back home to Buffalo and take adult classes, I fall in love with ballet and dance all over again.”
“My daughter takes the Intro to Tap class at the American Academy of Ballet, and she absolutely loves it!”
What families & students say
“Donatella has built a wonderful community of adult dancers with a warm and welcoming atmosphere and instruction that is both challenging and fun!”
“The classes are so professional and kind and the blend of the two creates an environment that fosters such immense growth in all aspects that dance can provide.”
“Donatella, and every time I come back home to Buffalo and take adult classes, I fall in love with ballet and dance all over again.”
“As an actor, this studio is helping me grow tremendously as a dancer, and the rare mix of professionalism and warmth truly makes this studio special and feel like home.”
From the reviews
Maris Battaglia and American Academy of Ballet offer a NYC level education in classical ballet while allowing students to live in Amherst. I spent 8 years there (from 8-17) and although my own children and gradchildren have studied at Houston Ballet and now at Zamuels in Colorado Springs- both great, professional…
My daughter takes the Intro to Tap class at the American Academy of Ballet, and she absolutely loves it! The teacher is fantastic, and the entire staff is so friendly and supportive. It’s a wonderful environment for young dancers to learn and grow.
Excellent adult ballet class! Professional instruction and a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended! Ms. Donatella is an inspiring teacher who makes every student feel supported. I can’t wait to come back!
The Tuesday and Thursday Adult Ballet classes are some of the best I’ve ever taken. Donatella is a class-act. The classes are so professional and kind and the blend of the two creates an environment that fosters such immense growth in all aspects that dance can provide. The real deal!
Adult ballet at American Academy of Ballet
American Academy of Ballet runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at American Academy of Ballet
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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