Royal Academy of Ballet

The Royal Academy of Ballet and Dance has taught dance to Western New York since 1947, founded by Ginger Burke, a dancer who performed nationally and internationally and studied directly under George Balanchine at the School of American Ballet. The studio is now directed by Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell, who began her own ballet training under Ginger Burke at age nine and went on to train at Mercyhurst College, Boston Ballet, Hartford Ballet, and the University of Buffalo, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. She has performed with companies including The Hartford Ballet, The Eglevsky Ballet of Long Island, Cygnus Contemporary Dance Company, and the Greater Buffalo Opera Company, and has danced roles in Coppelia, Cinderella, The Firebird, The Nutcracker, Balanchine's Serenade, and Swan Lake.

The studio's training philosophy emphasises body alignment and placement based on the Russian Vaganova method with Balanchine influence, developing long lines and clean technique across all levels and styles. Students dance on a raised hardwood floor covered with non-slip material and receive individual attention to ensure proper development.

Classes span all ages and experience levels. Tiny Royals serves ages 1–5 in a joyful, nurturing environment focused on creativity and coordination. Young Royals (ages 5–11) builds foundational technique and confidence in a supportive setting. RAB Jewels (ages 12–19) offers focused training for dancers ready to advance. The studio runs dedicated boys' classes called Knights of the Studio, combining acrobatics, body conditioning, and partnering techniques. Crown & Grace welcomes adult dancers of all levels, from beginners returning to the barre to experienced dancers seeking challenge and community.

The curriculum includes ballet, pre-ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, jazz, modern, tap, acrobatics, stretch, and musical theater. Summer programming includes a Summer Dance Intensive (July, ages 7+) with classes in Classical Ballet Technique, Pointe/Pre-Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Body Conditioning, Musical Theater, Character, Choreography, Partnering and Variations; a new Jr. Dance Camp (August 3–7, ages 6–9) offering Ballet, Jazz, and Musical Theater; and Pirates & Princess Camp (August 10–14, ages 2–5) blending dance, theatre, and themed activities.

The Royal Academy of Ballet is the official school of the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet, founded by Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell in 1997. GBYB gives dancers ages 6–18 the chance to perform in classical and originally-choreographed productions, and many dancers receive scholarships from prestigious national companies for professional summer programs. The company performs at schools, senior centres, community centres, hospitals, local festivals, and performing arts centres. Recent repertoire includes The Nutcracker Junior, Peter and the Wolf, Cinderella, Coppelia, The Firebird, La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Raymonda, Danse Macabre, At the Savoy, Reflections in Motion, Somewhere in Time, Toyshop Fantasy, and Three Wishes.

Many of the studio's alumni have gone on to professional careers: Paul Sackett, Francis Sackett, Donna Sackett, and Kelly Cass all danced with New York City Ballet; Patricia Neary also danced with NYCB; Michael Bennett directed and produced Broadway's A Chorus Line; Linda Swiniuch founded the University of Buffalo's Theatre and Dance Department and co-founded Zodiaque Dance Company; Maris Battaglia directs the American Academy of Ballet; and Ronnie Britton danced with the National Ballet of Canada and Metropolitan Opera Ballet. Recent graduates have been accepted to The Ailey School and Fordham University's dance programmes.

You'll find clean studios with a raised hardwood floor covered with non-slip material. Classes emphasise clean technique and individual attention regardless of your level. Teachers are described by students as welcoming, warm, and exceptionally talented, and the studio environment encourages confidence and growth through focused, age-appropriate instruction.

Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell directs the studio and teaches ballet, bringing professional performance experience across multiple companies and roles. Faculty members include Miss Beth (owner/director), Stephani (advanced ballet), Elise (jazz, tap, pre-ballet), Aideen (tap), Jillian (DBC, pre-ballet), and William (hip hop).

Free trial classes are available, and classes are offered across all levels from Tiny Royals (ages 1–5) through adults, with individual attention to ensure proper development.