Classes
Fall Classes:
Click here to download our Fall class Schedule
Click here to read our studio handbook for 2025-2026 season.
CHILDREN’S CLASSES
Dance Movement – (age 3)
An introduction to the world of dance using basic steps, music, singing, props, instruments, stories and creativity to activate the imagination, increase body awareness, enhance socialization and establish a sense of joy through movement.
Advanced Dance Movement – (age 4)
An accelerated program advancing the Dance Movement skills and introducing age-appropriate ballet and tap technique. Strong emphasis on musical awareness, personal and stage space, sequencing, memory, and creativity.
Dance I – (age 5)
Dance Movement skills and age-appropriate technique in ballet, tap and jazz are amplified. The student will master a specific set of information, steps and movement sequences, while continuing to reinforce improvisation and creativity.
Dance II – (age 6)
Dance Movement skills and age-appropriate technique in ballet, tap and jazz are expanded. The student will master a specific set of information, steps and movement sequences, while continuing to enhance improvisation, imagination and creativity.
Pre-Ballet – (age 7)
Introduction to the world of ballet using Royal Academy of Dance outlines. Emphasis on establishing the critical basics of alignment, positions and proper coordination of feet, legs and arms, and movement through space. Mime, improvisation, imagination and creativity help mold a blossoming artist.
Tap/Jazz – (age 7)
Instructs an age-appropriate skill set in both Tap and Jazz. Focus on musicality, rhythm, timing, clarity, coordination, sequencing, and spatial/stage awareness in a fun and upbeat class structure.
ACRO— (age 6+)
Cartwheels, bridges, headstands, hand stands proceeding to working on backbends and ups without assistance, focusing on building strength and getting comfortable with being upside down and then proceeding to front walk overs, chin stands, elbow stands, walk overs focusing on control, strength, and flexibility and then proceeding to scissor walkovers, tinsikas, hand walks, more in-depth flexibility, control, and strength movements. Please note that Acro dance and gymnastics are quite complementary, but they have differences. Since Acro dance is a form of dance, it values the aesthetic execution of a skill over the completion of a skill. It emphasizes proper dance technique that allows it to be seamlessly integrated into other genres of dance. The skills are meant to be performed on a dance floor (a hard wood sprung surface) which doesn’t have the same rebound or spring as a gymnastics floor. Therefore, the approach to some skills is different from gymnastics. We will be using Acro mats for safety in learning and performing at the recital for skills that need extra precautions.
BROADWAY MUSICAL THEATER — (grades 2-12)
Concentrates on Broadway-style dance techniques as well as singing and theatre work.
AERIAL SILKS – (age 8+) No Recital
There will be pop-up classes in Aerial Silks this year – emails and flyers will be sent. Perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from silks fabric. Climb the suspended fabric and wrap, suspend, fall, swing, and spiral your body into and out of various positions. Increases upper body strength, core stability and flexibility.
JUMPS, LEAPS, TRICKS, TURNS— (age 9+) No Recital
Learn and improve jumps, leaps, turns, and special tricks along with working on flexibility. Incorporates improvisation work such as confidence, movement quality, movement choices and musicality.
BALLET
Ballet – (age 8+)
Classes stress correct alignment, technique, terminology, fluidity, epaulement, port de bras and flexibility combined with strength and style. Goal is a sensitive, intelligent, professional stage performance.
Ballet Core Program – (age 9+ – level divisions on schedule) – No Recital
Class focused on building strength and flexibility to improve ballet technique. Uses core work vocabulary and progress reports to keep students focused and improving.
Ballet Intensive Program – (level divisions on schedule) – No Recital
Class focused on building additional strength and flexibility with the goal of improving ballet technique. A focused classroom environment works on improving individuals’ posture, stamina, recall and body placement.
PRE-POINTE (age 11+) No Recital
A mandatory precursor to pointe work where dancers work on developing strength, placement and balance. Course is a dance year in length, uses ballet shoes, and does not participate in recital. Ballet levels II and up with Director’s Approval only. Year culminates in a Pre Pointe test in which the testing material is worked on weekly.
POINTE – (age 12+)
By invitation only and must also be enrolled in a ballet class. Emphasizes proper placement, correct usage of pointe shoe in cooperation with entire body, and sequential progression of technique. Director’s Approval Only.
HIP HOP— (age 7+)
One of the most current dance styles; offers a variety of movements from old school, new school, street, funk, jazz and free style. Using age-appropriate music, emphasis is placed on interpretation and style.
JAZZ — (age 8+)
Each successive level adds steps, walks and combinations. Class includes warm-up, stretching, isolations, jazz walks, turns, pirouettes, across-the-floor patterns, and combinations. Upbeat music and tempos and an energetic style and flow of class.
TAP— (age 8+)
Emphasis placed on clarity of sounds, rhythm, timing, coordination and style. Skills progress through a barre or center warm up, center and across the floor progressions and a goal of precise footwork, energy and rhythm for the dancer.
LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY — (age 7+)
A mix between jazz, ballet and modern with an emphasis on drama and emotion and a freeing style. Teaches movement dynamics (high, medium, low space and differing tempos) and transition work from standing to floor work in varying degrees of difficulty based on level.
PERFORMING GROUPS
Designed for students who desire to be a part of a specialty dance group with additional performance, competition, convention, and choreography opportunities. Please email buffadance@msn.com for specifics on each group and to receive an info packet with dates and competition information for the year.
Learn more about our performance groups here.
Rhinestones – (grades K-3)
Program includes further instruction in Jazz, Lyrical, Jazz Funk and Musical Theater in preparation for performances and competitions. Builds team spirit, confidence and encourages artistry and joy through dance. must enroll in at least one other dance technique class (Children’s Class – DI5, DII6, PB7, TJ7 – or Technique Class – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop etc. depending on age).
Crystals – (grades 3-8)
Program includes further instruction in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theater in preparation for performances and competitions. Builds team spirit, confidence and encourages artistry and joy through dance. must enroll in at least two other dance classes (one of which must be a dance technique class such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop).
Diamonds – (grades 6-12)
Program includes further instruction in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and more in preparation for performances and competitions. Builds team spirit, confidence and encourages artistry and joy through dance. Open by Director Placement only (please email to request) and dancers must be enrolled in at least 4 other classes (including ballet and jazz).
Dance Company – (grades 8-12)
An opportunity to be a part of a group with performances, conventions, competitions, and Choreographer’s Showcase. Open by Director Placement only to selected dancers who exhibit above-average facility, talent, dedication, discipline, character, commitment, and love for dance and dancers must be enrolled in at least 5 other classes (including ballet and jazz).
Ensemble – (grades 6-12)
Pre-professional training program offering technique, conditioning and extra performance opportunities that will give serious dancers an inside look at what it takes to be in a company/professional atmosphere. Open by Audition Only to those in Advanced Ballet and Jazz classes who are also in Diamonds or Dance Company groups.
ADULT DANCE CLASSES
Adult Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz & Lyrical —Fantastic exercise for both the mind and body! Bring back your Tap, Ballet and Hip Hop skills and/or learn new ones in a fun, encouraging environment. All levels of experience welcome! These classes are fun, educational and a great way to remember your love of dance.
